Rapidly-rising New Zealand producer CHOLE opts to self-release her meticulously crafted EP and undoubtedly one her bodies of work to-date.
ลtautahi based DJ and producer CHOLE three-track Photosynthesis project delivers 150bpm industrial techno and incorporates Aotearoa bush scene influences. The final release followed a deliberate studio delay to perfect the ultimate mixdowns.
Key Takeaways
The hard dance landscape in Aotearoa continues to expand through independent regional talent. ลtautahi provides a fertile base for producers pushing heavier BPMs outside the traditional commercial club circuits. CHOLE operates directly within this space.
The producer merges European rave aesthetics with domestic bush party culture. Growing up in the 03 area code immersed the artist in a highly active arts community. This environment encouraged sonic exploration and highlighted a specific gap in the regional market for faster electronic music.
Classical training provides the structural foundation for these heavy club tracks. Beginning instruments at age seven taught the precise theory behind musical composition. This early education directly underpins the pulsing 4×4 rhythms that define her current catalogue.
“Music is a beautiful blackhole, possibilities are infinite. A lot of my inspiration comes from European artists, so pushing the more industrial and acidic side of techno here has been my main focus.”
Practise Makes Perfect
The project underwent rigorous quality control before reaching its final form. The EP was originally slated for an October rollout last year. The producer deliberately halted the launch after reviewing the initial masters.
Studio adjustments focused heavily on repairing the low end. The high frequencies on the first two tracks required softening to balance the aggressive kick drums. This extended timeline also prompted a complete rework of the final track to ensure sonic cohesion.
“The overall balance of the tracks weren’t right and so when I got the masters back, there was a lot of loss of the kick and balance of the bottom end. I realised it was more important to be completely happy with the project, rather than to just get it out.”
Track two, premiered by Mixmag NZ, Redox operates as a highly experimental soundscape. The arrangement fuses driving industrial percussion with euphoric trance elements. The production relies on meticulous synthesizer programming and spatial effects to create constant movement.
“For Redox, I made the main arp with Serum, played with the attack and release then added reverb and delay to get that trancey, spinny soundscape. The hats and claps are the drivers of the track bringing it all together.”
Translating the physical energy of bush raves into studio recordings requires a specific methodology. The producer actively records live sets to capture the natural drive of her festival performances. This raw audio provides a reference point for recreating the stompy drive inside the studio.
Her progression since 2023 marks a rapid ascent through the New Zealand festival circuit. Moving from bedroom mixing to large stages at Rolling Meadows and Hidden Lakes demands strict track selection. The goal remains focused on creating high energy spaces that connect with the dancefloor.
Community involvement remains central to the project. Operating within the local circuit acts as a strict quality control filter for studio output. Hosting Euro Freq Radio on RDU fm and releasing via Rooster Records keeps the producer anchored to the underground.
“It’s important to know your worth in the scene but to also give back to the community when it aligns with you as an artist. You want to give yourself the best chances at being seen or heard by the right people.”
Securing premieres with Mixmag AU/NZ and True Underground signals an upward trajectory. A growing digital catalogue across SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and the Change Underground CU Techno podcast series lays the groundwork for European exposure.
CHOLE’s Photosynthesis EP drops on Bandcamp June 26th.
CHOLE Photosynthesis EP FAQ
When is CHOLE’s Photosynthesis release out?
CHOLE’s Photosynthesis EP is out on Bandcamp June 26th.
Where is CHOLE from?
CHOLE was born and raised in ลtautahi, Christchurch, New Zealand.
What BPM is the CHOLE Photosynthesis EP?
The CHOLE Photosynthesis EP features 150bpm techno and hard dance rhythms.
Which radio station does CHOLE host Euro Freq Radio on?
CHOLE hosts the Euro Freq Radio show on RDU fm.
Where did the CHOLE track Redox premiere?
The CHOLE track Redox secured a premiere on Mixmag AU/NZ.
Which podcast series did CHOLE record a mix for?
CHOLE appeared on Change Underground CU Techno podcast on December 2025.
