ACOR was just 14 when he travelled to Belgrade alone for his first 999999999 show, and that sense of fearlessness has carried him to where he is now - one of the most talked-about names at the harder end of European techno. Working entirely without formal training, the Novi Sad producer has built a sound that fuses acid, schranz and raw industrial texture into something abrasive and inescapably large in impact. It has come on labels such as EXHALE and Verknipt with plenty of support from tastemakers such as Amelie Lens, Dax J and 999999999 himself.

For his Terminal V podcast, ACOR delivers exactly what his reputation promises: an hour of lacerating hard techno, laser-guided trance, schranz and bass built to frazzle minds. There's no overthinking in the selection either. By his own account, he just plugged in his USB and let instinct take over. In the accompanying interview, he talks about growing Serbia's scene, his psy-trance roots and hints at an album already in the works.

Interview

How was Terminal V Croatia? What are your standout memories and what tunes seem to go down particularly well in the sunshine?

This was my second year performing and enjoying the vibes at Terminal V Croatia! Core memory for me was definitely meeting Regal last year and getting along with him, as for this year, Azyr and his Barbarellas' closing set for sure! The tune I will be picking is Benwal - Aydee!!

How did you first get into techno back home in Serbia? What was your route into partying and then DJing and production?

A funny story actually, I was only 14 at the moment when Music Reactions booked 999999999 for their Serbia debut. I went to that event alone by myself without knowing anyone from Belgrade. A kid from a different city (Novi Sad) travelling solo to the capital for a techno party was a great experience and truly unforgettable! Since then I was really amazed by the acid sound from 9x9 so I decided to try and produce some of that sounds by myself. All that I learned to this day I learned all by myself without going on some classes or courses. Also I've become great friends with Carlo and Giovanni and they both thought me a lot of things in this Industry!

Your sound is dark and hard and fast, why are you drawn to that and do you listen to lighter, slower, more melodic music away from techno?

I guess my sound is shaped from so many directions but I would say most of it came from Carlo and Giovanni. I mostly listen to electronic music, won't say I listen everything but the melodic stuff and that, yes! Also my root is psy-trance which I discovered when I was only 7 at the moment.

How important is it to you to develop the scene in Serbia? Do inspired the next generation and show them you can become a star? Is that what the Music Reactions community is about?

For me the scene in Serbia is really important and I feel like I'm playing a really big role in it. I don't want to inspire younger generations to become "stars" but to express their selves without hesitation like I did two or three years ago and they will be noticed, like Music Reactions noticed me and gave me the chance I needed. The community from my perspective is about discovering young talents that we have in Serbia and giving them opportunities they need to chase their dreams.

Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say.

I actually didn't aim for anything particularly here, I went with my heart like always and let it speak for me. I plugged in the USB and randomly started selecting tracks.

What gear did you use, is that important to you in any way, whether in the booth or studio?

As for this podcast I used 2xCDJ3000 and DJM-A9 mixer, when I perform in the booth in front of a crowd I prefer to play on a good gear so I can give 100% for the people who came to listen to my set. In studio when I usually practice I play with my mouse and keyboard hahaha and it can still turn out really good. I can play on any gear that is given to me. But if I want do give absolutely 100% of me andmy sound gear is important!

What else are you working on for the rest of the year?

Maybe I shouldn't leak this but I am working on an ALBUM and preparing for my next ALL NIGHT LONG with Music Reactions <3!!!