François X Straight Edge Society

François X, one of techno’s most innovative and introspective figures, returns with Straight Edge Society, a four-track EP that sees the Paris-based producer refine his unique blend of emotional depth and relentless, driving grooves. Set for release on January 17th via his own XX LAB imprint, this new body of work marks his first solo release since the widely lauded CEO EP.

This release feels more like a statement, it's a manifesto wrapped in four tightly composed tracks. It takes techno back to its purest form: rhythm as ritual, sound as transcendence. Known for creating spaces where emotion converges with immersive grooves, François ventures further into new territory, offering an experience that is both physically intense and emotionally rich.



Techno AS A Path TO Higher Consciousness

At its core, Straight Edge Society reflects François X’s ongoing journey toward clarity and self-discovery through music. This isn’t a rigid doctrine imposed on listeners; rather, it’s an invitation, an exploration of what it means to live life in “raw motion,” free from distractions or external influences. This project isn’t about abstention or lifestyle choices; it’s about finding focus and purpose, a temporary escape from the noise of the world into a space where sound serves as a pathway to clarity.

François condenses his musical philosophy into four tracks that shift between emotional depth and rhythmic force, providing a vivid exploration of clarity through sound.



The EP opens with Got Me Overnight, a showcase of François’s signature use of chopped vocals, driving a vibrant yet introspective journey that merges the club-ready energy of modern techno with an undercurrent of renewal. The pulse of Unpolarized draws listeners into a more minimalist, focused state, with repetitive rhythms designed to lock into the dancefloor while evoking a meditative mindset.

As the EP progresses, Certified DNA amplifies the emotional resonance, highlighting François’s ability to weave richly textured soundscapes. Lush pads blend with layered beats, evoking both introspection and euphoria. The journey culminates with Raw Motion, a visceral homage to the classic sounds of Chicago house, where down-pitched vocal loops and gritty textures combine to create a forward-thinking track that encapsulates the spirit of techno as both a physical and cerebral experience. But even here, François X resists merely recreating past forms; this is techno that looks ahead, with an ear attuned to both tradition and evolution.



A Singular Vision

François X delivers a work that is both personal and expansive. It’s a deeply introspective project that not only reflects the artist’s philosophy but also encourages listeners to discover their own clarity within its grooves. For François, techno transcends mere sound, it becomes a medium for reaching a higher state of consciousness, one that extends beyond the dancefloor to touch something profound.