ANYMA
Location: “Hunt House”
Photography By: Michael Drummond
BTS Credit: Alex Oh & Oscar Bernstein
Anyma’s commitment to integrating visuals into his performances is an essential part of his artistic vision. Working closely with Visual Director Alessio De Vecchi, Anyma is deeply involved in the visual creation process, from the initial concept to final execution. “I spend 50% of my time on that and 50% on the music,” he says, underscoring the importance of merging both worlds seamlessly to create an immersive experience for his audience.
The Evolution of Techno
From his perspective, his style of electronic music has gone through several phases since its inception. “It has passed through many iterations, starting with the Afterlife (event series) sound, which was more inspired by Berlin techno, and later evolving into more of a disco and dance phase,” Anyma says. “Now, it’s deeply rooted in electro and progressive sounds.”
He believes that all electronic music has reached a pivotal point in its evolution where elements from other genres are increasingly influencing one another to create a new wave of creative progression within the electronic music space. “It’s hard to say exactly where it’s going to land, but that’s the beauty of these things. You start with a vision, and maybe someone takes it and brings it somewhere else,” he explains.
He also notes a shift in the sound of techno, with a growing focus on groove and darker elements, especially around baselines and synths. “We’re seeing less emphasis on long breaks and more of a continuous, club-oriented vibe,” he says. “It’s about evolving the sound while keeping it fresh and dynamic.”
The Transition from Clubs to Festivals
While Anyma’s festival performances are epic in scale, his approach to club shows is equally important. Clubs offer a more intimate setting where he can test new sounds and push creative boundaries. He recalls a memorable moment when he played his track “Syren” at a small Swiss club, which went viral due to its raw energy. “It was a new sound… it just went nuts,” he says, highlighting how crucial club culture is for artistic experimentation.
He contrasts this with his festival shows, where the stakes are higher, and everything — from the music to the visuals — must be meticulously synchronized. “It’s very challenging because you don’t want to mess up the narrative you’re trying to say both sonically and visually,” Anyma explains. “You don’t want to overstimulate people… it’s very rewarding when it comes together, but more difficult than people think.” This attention to detail is what sets his performances apart and continues to captivate massive audiences around the globe.
Afterlife: Empowering Artists and Creating Community
Anyma is not just a solo act; he’s also the co-founder of the Afterlife record label, which has become a beacon for up-and-coming electronic artists. He attributes the success of Afterlife to its sense of community and empowerment. “Afterlife is an empowerment tool and a community that will help small artists and bigger artists come together and empower their careers,” he says, emphasizing how the label fosters a supportive environment for artists to grow and thrive.
He values individuality within the label, often allowing artists to choose their own singles and trusting them to shape their artistic direction. “You have to have your own identity and your own vision for what you are,” Anyma advises, underscoring the importance of creative freedom and authenticity in the music industry.
Tattoos as Artistic Layers
Anyma’s connection to art extends beyond his music and visuals — his tattoos also reflect his journey. “Tattoos for me come in phases, you know…I get very into the culture, movement…the art of it,” he shares, describing how his tattoos, like his music, are ever-evolving expressions of his creativity.
Tattoos, for Anyma, are a form of personal storytelling, evolving with each chapter of his life. He recalls first being drawn to the Sailor Jerry-inspired movement of Italy when he was 16, getting inked with roses, swallows, and “Rock of Ages.” When he moved to Berlin, his style shifted toward blackwork and dotwork, adorning his skin with barbed wire, a pickaxe, and the word “doom.”
“I recently got into this glyph style, and it is very interesting because my concept from Sphere, it touches the quantum morph, quantum entanglement concept, and I started blasting over the tattoos with Neo tribal glyphs by tattoo artists like Glyphomancer,” he shares, adding, “It’s like a very artistic layering, and it’s sort of like a composition. It’s like a remix of a remix. And it’s also what I’ve done with my songs and my music.”
The Future of Immersive Music and Art
Looking ahead, Anyma is excited about the future of immersive experiences in music. With the rise of technologies, like virtual and augmented reality, he believes that live music experiences will only become more dynamic and interactive. “Soon, you could just maybe have an app for audio visuals and just experience them on VR or XR,” he predicts, underscoring how he sees the fusion of technology, music, and art transforming the way we engage with music.
Collaboration and Influences
Anyma has collaborated with several artists who have influenced his sound and pushed his creative boundaries. His music is heavily inspired by movie scoring and cinema, with names like Vangelis and Jóhann Jóhannsson shaping the emotive, synth-driven side of his work. Berlin’s minimalistic techno scene, particularly artists like Etapp Kyle and Ben Klock, also significantly influenced his vision.
On his forthcoming “The End of Genesys” album, Anyma continues to push creative boundaries with artistic collaborations that transcend the realm of techno. “The artists that I work with now actually inspire me to push things forward,” he says, pointing to his collaborations with Ellie Goulding, Grimes, FKA Twigs, Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun, Sevdaliza, and more. The music reflects the evolution of Anyma’s sound through diverse featured artists, allowing it to resonate with a wide range of audiences while showcasing his ability to blend various genres and cultures to create something unique.
Anyma’s Vision
Anyma’s journey is one of constant evolution, pushing the boundaries of what music, visuals, and live performances can be. From his deep connection to cinematic influences to his pioneering role in the techno and electronic world, Anyma continues to break new ground. His ability to blend genres, experiment with sounds, and integrate immersive visuals into his performances sets him apart as an artist who is shaping the future of live music experiences.
With his ongoing collaborations, evolving sonic landscapes, and dedication to his artistic vision, Anyma’s work transcends mere performance — it becomes a multi-sensory journey. Whether through headlining shows at monumental venues like Sphere or his intimate collaborations with artists across various genres, Anyma’s impact is undeniable. As he looks to the future, it’s clear that he will continue to inspire, innovate, and leave his mark on the world of music and art.