“I’m Not Done Yet”: Adam Beyer Reflects On His Storied Career and Stunning New Album
Adam Beyer is proof that consistency is key in the world of electronic music.
Whether it be his hard-hitting techno productions or a more subdued house beat, Beyer's ability to bounce between genres is a key reason for his longevity in the scene. Look no further than the virtuosic producer's latest album as proof of his staying power.
A project that's two decades overdue, Explorer Vol. 1 is a collection that perfectly summarizes the contributions of one of the most prolific DJs and producers to come out of Sweden. The album's 16 tracks are the first in a series that aims to showcase all of Beyer's varied sounds.
Explorer Vol. 1 drops just as Beyer is gearing up for the upcoming 30th anniversary of his influential record label, Drumcode. The revered imprint, which has attracted a legion of loyal fans worldwide since launching back in 1996, also serves as a sort of looking glass into Beyer's storied career.
"Where did the time go?" asks Beyer as he sits down with EDM.com to discuss Drumcode's anniversary. "When you're 20 and you start a label, you don't think about it being a 30-year-old label and being able to see your life from the other side."
The beloved imprint has retained its popularity throughout the decades, serving as a platform for artists such as Alan Fitzpatrick, Charlotte de Witte, Nicole Moudaber, Victor Ruiz and UMEK, among others. Drumcode's forthcoming commemoration also coincides with Beyer's big 5-0, cementing him firmly amongst the small number of DJs who continue to stand behind the decks well into their later years.
"No one really knew back then how long this would last," Beyer recalls when asked if his middle-aged peers would continue to DJ and produce as they mature. "There are a few that are out there past 60, and they're still doing it. They're breaking ground into things never done before, and that's inspirational."
For Beyer, his passion for music is what fuels his ability to advance his craft. Additionally, a renewed focus on his overall health and wellness also plays a key role in the longevity of his career.
"There's a lot more focus within the DJ community on health, working out more and drinking less," he says. "Everyone used to party back then, and now not so much. I firmly believe you can go to 65, as long as you can stand up and have your hearing."
As one of today's most in-demand techno producers, Beyer also grapples with a busy tour schedule, putting him at odds with his family life. The grueling expectations of touring DJs are the most difficult elements to consider.
"I'd be lying if I said I haven't missed a lot of their upbringing," Beyer laments while speaking about his children. "I've been out a lot, I come and I go, and that's probably the toughest aspect of it."
One unfortunate example of the constant push-and-pull between Beyer's professional and personal lives came about last month after his daughter, Uma, was struck by a car in Ibiza. After suffering severe head trauma, she has quickly recovered, but not before shifting Beyer's perspective on the matter.
"It's pretty incredible how fast she's recovered after what happened and how she got away as well as she did," Beyer says. "When it happened, I canceled two weekends because I was in the hospital with her. Going forward, I'm gonna have to go back to work. We live in Ibiza, we have overheads, we have staff, and I cannot just take tons of time off."
Beyer has been living on the storied Spanish party island for eight years. Calling it the exact opposite of Sweden, he says he's been able to enjoy the more mellow vibes Ibiza has to offer, particularly in the non-tourist months.
"I love it here off-season more than on-season," says Beyer. "I think a lot of people think of Ibiza as a party island only. But it's more than that. It's an island with people living here year-round with normal lives, and we're privileged to live here."
Having resided on the White Isle for nearly a decade, Beyer can attest to its rapidly changing club culture.
"To see places like [UNVRS] be able to open is good for Ibiza," Beyer says of the latest megaclub to open on the Balearic island. "I hear a lot of people say that it's not like the old Ibiza and that it was better back then, but you have to embrace change. There's only one Ibiza in the world with a foundation of club culture that goes further than just dance music and opening a new club."
As for Explorer Vol. 1, Beyer admitted the idea for the new project came after he created an album during the pandemic, only to scrap it altogether.
"I decided not to release it because it was just too much for my audience to process," Beyer admits. "It was an introspective listening album. Even though I did not go through with it, I had unfinished tracks that I thought were good, and the idea to do an album was still there."
When asked about its central thesis, Beyer expressed that his objective was to try and encapsulate his sound in a single body of work.
"I kind of wanted my album to reflect the fact that I have different genres from house to tech house to techno, but they all fit within that Drumcode sound," he exolains. "It felt like the right time to compile them and create the first of an exploration of all my different styles."
Half of the cuts found in Explorer Vol. 1 are collaborations with the likes of HNTR, Kyozo, Chris Avantgarde and EDM.com Class of 2025 inductee Layton Giordiani. Beyer touched on those partnerships, alluding to creative alliances that formed organically and advanced the ethos of the album.
"I don't like to force things in life, I believe in my gut when it comes to my label and artist chemistry," said Beyer. "Those collabs are quite coincidental; it was more like people showing up or me contacting someone and having an idea and going through with it."
Although the album may have just been released, Beyer says he's already looking ahead to next year as he enters the fourth decade of Drumcode.
"There will be some sort of big party, kind of a festival experience next year for all the Drumcode heads," he revealed.
The milestone celebration, alongside his upcoming 50th birthday, has Beyer optimistic about the future of not only his label and career, but also for his well-being.
"Drumcode has given me a very amazing life where I've been able to travel the world and live my passion," Beyer says. "I've sacrificed a lot, but I've been very privileged to live my passion. I'm not done yet but I'm definitely starting to see the horizon again."
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