Charlie Sparks: “Bringing Euphoria Into Techno Is Important”

2 weeks ago 20

**Charlie Sparks is gearing up for the release of his debut album, Power On, and swung by to chat about his artistic journey with the album, the hard techno scene, and more.**

Charlie Sparks isn’t here to ease you in — he’s here to hit you head-on with Power On. The upcoming debut album from this fast-rising hard techno phenom is scheduled for release on May 29 via his own label, ELEKTRA Records.

At a time when techno is leaning faster, harder, and more eclectic, the UK-born producer has created a lane that thrives on those three things. His latest single, “Fight Club,” doesn’t just pay homage to that movement; it also sets the tone for a forthcoming album that feels like both a challenge and a statement. Building off other previously released singles, including “Bankai,” “GO,” and the album’s title track, it offers a deeper glimpse into what he’s been building over time.

Shaped by the past few years of personal, professional, and creative battles, Power On reflects the weight of what he’s had to overcome. “It’s a metaphor for the battles I have faced in the industry, in my personal life, and within myself over the last three years,” shared Sparks. “It’s all about going through these battles, and no matter whether you win or lose, it’s all an experience that shapes you into who you are.”

Charlie Sparks sat down with us ahead of the album release to dive into it all. From the mindset behind Power On to the creative process shaping the full project, read on for a closer look at what inspired the latest chapter for this DJ and producer in the techno scene.

Stream Charlie Sparks – “Fight Club” on Spotify:

You tour often in the US. Do you feel that the harder techno sound is really taking shape here now? What are some of the cities you’re looking forward to returning to in your upcoming tour?

I feel like it’s taken shape a lot over the past years. With each year I go to the US for shows, the tours get bigger, better, and longer with more cities and new venues. I always look forward to touring in the US and Canada; it’s a lot of fun, and the crowd loves it.

Miami, Los Angeles, and New York are special places, as I have played there a lot, have an amazing fan base, and I really just enjoy being in each city for different reasons.

Your sets often blur the line between aggression and euphoria, with many fans describing your music as more than just “hard techno.” Where does that emotional balance come from for you, and what does it reflect about who you are offstage?

Emotions and experiences inspire many of my tracks. I think my sets could be classed as hard but happy, which reflects me as a person a lot. It’s not hard, with no soul; it has more depth than that. Bringing an element of euphoria into techno is important to keep it energetic while also filled with love and happiness.

Tell us about a memory you hold close from when you were first entering the scene as an artist on a personal level that you look back to when reflecting on your growth.

No doubt it was the first time that I appeared on a line-up alongside some of my idols like I Hate Models and Dax J. For me, they were and still are artists that I look up to, so to see my name listed alongside them was kind of surreal and a moment that I really am getting somewhere with my career.

Meeting them in person after the show, too, was a bit of a shock to the system, like an ‘OK, this is really happening’ kind of moment. I feel like I am in the same world as them now, and not just looking in.

“Power Up” is the first single release from your upcoming album. Why select this song as your kick-off track? Does it encompass what we can expect from the album?

It’s the title track of the album, and it highlights the project’s message: a rebirth and progression as both an artist and a person. The while release embodies taking my career to the next level and powering up.

Speaking of your new album, can you tell us more about its concept and what your driving force was when piecing it together?

Its whole concept is to show my progression as a person, which is reflected in my music. Each track is different, and I took inspiration from all styles of music and my heritage. But mainly, the whole album highlights all my experiences from the past few years, from the lowest lows to the highest highs. It has not always been an easy journey.

It was a blank canvas where I could make what I felt in that moment, without the pressure or expectations of anyone else.

Let’s dive into your label and event brand, ELEKTRA Music. Where do you hope to see it in five years, and what motivated you to start the imprint?

I’m really happy with the community we have grown so far, as I wanted to create a space where strangers become family through the love of music on the dancefloor and beyond. To see this come to life in some of our past events has been so special. Of course, I hope that ELEKTRA continues to grow and remains a place that offers opportunities to those who deserve them, because when I started, I was alone, and having the support of someone else can make all the difference in someone’s career.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind with your music? Not just for the dancefloor, but for the people who find a piece of themselves in your sound?

Really, for me, it’s just about creating music that leaves people feeling free, happy, and connected to each other. Music can create some of the most amazing memories, and people can relate to the story behind each track and feel the love that goes into everything I make. If people can hear my music and feel the love in their chest, then that’s my job done.

Finally, are there any words of wisdom that would’ve been valuable to you as an artist when you first started that you can share with aspiring producers?

Yes, that would be my three principles: Practice never lies. Never compare yourself to others, just yourself. Enjoy the journey.