Schime discusses new EP on Johnny Johnny

Rooted in the underground electronic scene, Schime is a producer and DJ whose sound blends deep, organic textures with a refined minimalist touch. Growing up in Hungary, his early exposure to house, trance, and techno—thanks to his father’s extensive music collection—shaped his artistic identity. Over the years, he has honed his craft, drawing inspiration from Budapest’s dynamic club scene and iconic venues like A38.

His journey has led him to collaborate with renowned labels, including Johnny Johnny and Phonoda Records, where his music has found a natural home. A firm believer in meaningful label partnerships, he values working with those who take music seriously and foster genuine connections. His productions often carry personal narratives, sometimes even weaving in poetic verses as a tribute to Hungarian heritage.

Whether playing at underground events or remixing tracks with his signature style, Schime remains dedicated to creating timeless, evocative sounds. With an upcoming album showcase and a brand-new studio in the works, he’s set to push his creative boundaries even further. Ahead of his latest release on Modat’s Johnny Johnny label, we decided to put a few questions his way…

How did you first connect with Modat, and how has his approach influenced your creative process?‍

I’ve been familiar with and following Modat’s music for quite some time. I really like the minimalist sound of his tracks, and I enjoy his mixes, so I listen to them frequently.

Can you describe the moment that led to your signing with Johnny Johnny and how that opportunity unfolded?‍

I usually send promos to my favourite DJs. I sent him one of my new promo packs, and he liked it. I asked if he would be interested in more tracks with a similar sound. I sent them over, and he said yes to every track I sent. I feel like my music fits perfectly with the label’s style.

What factors do you consider essential when deciding where to release your music?‍

I always try to find labels that inspire me musically in some way and that take every track seriously.

When releasing music on labels, what qualities do you look for in a partnership?‍

I love when it’s not just about handing over the tracks, uploading them to a few platforms, and that’s it. I think it’s important to at least exchange a few words and get to know each other.

Can you describe the vibe you were aiming for with your Johnny Johnny release and how you captured that atmosphere?‍

I usually start writing music early in the morning when my mind is clear and free from distractions—just the sounds and me. During the process, I always get carried away by a flow that defines the track’s main atmosphere, which I then express through the music.

How did growing up in Hungary shape your musical tastes and creative direction?‍

Even as a child, I was drawn to deeper musical styles. Thanks to my father, I was exposed to many different genres, but house and trance were the ones that really captivated me. Later, my oldest sister introduced me to darker electronic genres, techno, and its various subgenres. I attended many major events in Hungary, such as Hyperspace, Mayday, and Bónusz, where I got to hear and discover some serious artists like Richie Hawtin, Ellen Allien, DJ Rush, and Sven Väth.

In what ways has Budapest’s club scene contributed to the evolution of your sound?‍

Every club has its own crowd and vibe. At my last gig at Fabrika, for example, I played mostly underground house and deep house, and it went really well. That’s why I find it inspiring to mix different sounds, allowing my music to incorporate elements from multiple styles.

What unique experiences from playing at venues like A38 have influenced your approach to live performance?‍

A great venue and the right crowd can be incredibly inspiring during a performance. Whenever I play in Budapest, a few of my local friends from Phonoda Records always come to listen, which makes me feel ‘at home’ no matter where I play. This helps me immerse myself in the music. It was the same at A38 (a club boat on the Danube in Budapest), where the second hour turned into a great B2B session with my friend Dubtits. I feel like it went really well, and the connection between us was great.

How has your father’s influence shaped your musical identity?‍

Unfortunately, my father is no longer with us. For me, music is the essence of my father. I was born into it and grew up with it. He had tons of cassettes, CDs, different speakers, and players, all of which I still keep to this day. Not a single day went by without him sitting down to play music or having something playing in the background. Thanks to him, I discovered many different styles and artists—Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, Enya, Enigma, Deep Forest, and more. I have so many summer memories of us listening to music together. In February, my new EP was released under Phonoda Records as a tribute to him.

Can you share a specific memory from your early days in Hungary that continues to inspire your work?‍

The moment I realised what I do isn’t so bad was when my first vinyl release came out under Simplethings Records.

When remixing tracks, such as those by Luis Bravo, how do you preserve your signature sound while honouring the original?‍

I like to keep the core elements of a track and then reshape them in my own way to develop the whole composition.

How do you feel social media has transformed the underground house and techno scene?‍

Definitely! For example, techno is no longer what it used to be. The raw, metallic sound of the past has been replaced by something more artificial.

Do you think digital platforms have enhanced the reach of underground music, or have they diluted its authenticity?‍

I think it’s great that everything is available digitally now. It’s easier and faster, but the downside is that it’s not as authentic as it used to be. Because of this, music today doesn’t feel as timeless or lasting as it once did.

What role do local grassroots events in Budapest play in maintaining the vibrancy of your music scene?‍

The main thing that drives me every day is music production. It keeps me going and brings me peace. Of course, if I receive an invitation from a place that I find inspiring, I gladly accept it.

How important is it for you to work with labels that align with your artistic values? And in what ways does Hungarian cultural heritage subtly appear in your productions?‍

It’s very important to me that I release my music on labels that inspire me in some way. Most of my tracks carry a little message, a specific feeling or memory. In the past, I used to include poets’ verses as intros to my mixes as a way of paying tribute to them.

How have collaborations with both local and international artists influenced the evolution of your style?‍

Style-wise, I’ve always had a deep, organic sound that comes from within. There were times when I tried to step out of it, and I managed to do so a few times, but I never felt like that was my path. When I got to know Phonoda and its producer/DJ members, I received a lot of positive energy from them. Various DJs and producers with a wealth of experience give me feedback on every track I share with them, which helps me refine my music and make it better.

Reflecting on your journey, how have your family background and experiences in Hungary shaped your artistic identity?‍

My partner, parents, and siblings all support me in this. My partner and I have been together since our teenage years, so she has heard almost all of my music in some form. Beyond music, I also express my artistic side through painting. Sometimes, a good track inspires me to sit down and start drawing. The desire to create is always within me, and I try to express it either through painting or music.

What’s next for you—in music and beyond—that you’re most excited about?‍

In April, I’ll have an album showcase at the Budapest Turbina, thanks to Technodub Seance. I’m really happy about it because it’s my first one. In the summer, there will be a Phonoda camp in Szelcepuszta, where everyone who is important to me will be there. And what I’m really looking forward to is my studio being completed—it’s already under construction. Hopefully, I’ll be able to produce even better things from there!

Listen to our premiere of Hypnosis here