Karachi-born artist Measure Divide now resides in Toronto, where his FORMAT parties have revived the techno
scene over the last decade. In that time, he has eschewed techno by numbers with innovative sounds on Clergy
and Mutual Rytm while appearing at iconic clubs like Berghain, K41 (∄ ) and Tresor. Outside of the underground, he has years of experience in sound design and scoring for animations and films, and that is what he channels here into a uniquely playful sound with a vibrant and playful departure from his usual serious tones for his first full EP on SHDW’s Mutual Rytm X.

 

You’ve been pushing the boundaries of techno for a while now. Can you tell us about your journey from Karachi to Toronto and how that shaped your sound?

Hey all! First off, thanks for having me. I left Karachi in the early 2000s, so my first exposure to electronic music as a teenager came through pirated progressive house CDs and mixtapes. These were mostly from the big names of that era; Digweed, Sasha, and the like, since they were the most widely available.

Moving to Toronto was the first time I experienced the full spectrum of electronic music on proper sound systems. That exposure changed my perspective.

 

What first drew you to techno, and what were some of your early influences that still resonate with you today?

I was hitting a lot of clubs as an underage teen when I moved to Toronto, so I got exposed to all kinds of electronic music. Techno, in particular, resonated with me the most. The BPMs weren’t as fast as they are today, but there was something about the weight of the kick drums and depth of the low-end frequencies that stuck with me, and still does.

Early influences that remain relevant to me today include Aphex Twin, Ben Klock, Speedy J, Surgeon, and Regis.

 

You’ve released music on notable labels like Clergy and Mutual Rytm. How would you describe your evolution as a producer over the years?

I think every artist evolves naturally. it’s a mix of changing tastes, environments, life experiences, and goals. Over time, I’ve stopped overthinking things and instead focus on just having fun in the studio.

 

Outside of techno, you have a background in sound design and scoring for animations and films. How does that experience influence your approach to production?

Sound design teaches you to think beyond traditional music structures. When you’re creating sounds, whether it’s a dragon roar, a sci-fi weapon, or a turbine engine; you’re building something from the ground up with no limitations except your imagination. Some of that mindset carries over into my music production, especially when it comes to creating more intricate and textured sounds.

 

 

You recently played at Berghain, arguably one of the most iconic techno clubs in the world. How did that experience feel?

It felt amazing to be back after almost exactly eight years. I’m grateful for the opportunity and feeling inspired for what’s next. My brain is already buzzing with ideas, and I can’t wait to get back in the studio and jam for hours.

 

How does playing at venues like Berghain, K41, and Tresor compare to playing in Toronto or North America in general?

If you’d asked me this years ago, I would’ve said they’re worlds apart. But now, the gap has closed a tad more so.

While North American laws won’t allow for extended club hours like in those institutions, our DIY warehouse scene has stepped up massively in Toronto, NY, LA, and other nearby cities. That underground energy brings its own unique charm.

 

Did your set at Berghain reflect the sound of your upcoming EP, or did you take a different approach?

I was on opening duties for this one, which is both an honor and a responsibility. So, I didn’t go full throttle like the EP. My priority was setting the tone for the night and respecting the artists playing after me.

 

Any standout moments or unexpected surprises from your Berghain gig that you’d like to share?

Fifteen minutes in, half the club was already packed with Canadians and close friends. It felt like I was playing on home turf, which made it even more special. The energy was incredible from the start.

 

You’ve been running FORMAT in Toronto for nearly a decade, helping shape the local scene. What was your vision when you started, and how has it evolved?

Year 11 now! Haha, yeah, it’s been a long time now, hasn’t it? From the start, the vision was simple, bring in artists who push forward-thinking sounds.

Toronto has always leaned toward more easygoing house sounds, similar to LA i reckon? FORMAT was about challenging that and making techno more than just a footnote of the city’s music culture. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to do.

 

Where do you think techno stands in Toronto’s current landscape?

Techno is way more accepted now. There are new promoters popping up almost every week, and we’re seeing a wave of promising DJs and producers emerging. The scene is getting stronger every day, which is great to see.

 

What are some of the challenges of running a techno event series in Toronto?

Our bylaws need serious reevaluation if we want Toronto to be recognized for its nightlife. We need more flexibility, better infrastructure, louder outdoor sound limits, and an extension or removal of the 2 AM last call.

Running events outside of clubs is always a gamble. Venues constantly get flagged, and some are even shut down, which makes long-term planning difficult.

 

 

Who are some local artists or DJs that people should keep an eye on?

There are a ton of rising talents still living in Toronto, but a few names that come to mind are Nodding Heads, Vadim Khan, Circumscums, Emily Nicoll, Venus in Foil, R-ODERICK, 747, and Darkova. Each of them is carving out their own space in the scene. Of course, I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch of people off the top of my head!

 

The EP title, Everything Is Porridge, comes from an inside joke about calling anything edible “porridge.” Can you give us some backstory?

Hahaha, yeah! My partner has this habit of calling almost anything she eats “porridge.” Lentils, rice, quinoa; doesn’t matter. It became a running joke in our house, so the title just felt right.

 

The press release mentions that the EP reflects the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the world. How do you translate that energy into sound?

On a macro scale, the world is a complete mess; wars, tensions, and uncertainty everywhere. The EP mirrors that unpredictability. Nothing is entirely linear in these tracks; they’re a scattered mix of ideas stitched together.

 

This release marks a departure from your usual serious tone. What inspired you to explore a more playful and mischievous sound?

A lot of techno over the past couple of years started sounding templated to me. I wanted to make something a little more off-the-cuff. Tracks that still work in a serious set but don’t take themselves too seriously.

 

Tracks like Wormy Wonderland and Eeeeeermmmm feature unconventional percussive sounds and textures. What were some of the most unusual elements or techniques you used?

Wormy Wonderland came together fast; under 30 minutes. It features my partner saying “buckwheat” in Ukrainian, which I recorded on an SM58 and jammed it out the next morning, quick and dirty. 

Eeeeeermmmm was also a quick jam, built around a breakbeat and a square wave modulated by hand. The only major synth voice is the BIA Alter, everything else is additional layers of drum programming and processing to add depth and crunch. Almost edible!

 

How did the collaboration with SHDW for Mutual Rytm come about?

Super organically. He played my event in June 2023, and after his set, we were at the edge of the dance floor chatting about upcoming music. Right then, I texted him a private playlist link full of ideas. From there, the process was smooth. He’s one of the hardest-working label heads I’ve collaborated with, and I really appreciate how open and transparent our communication has been.

 

With this EP dropping on March 21st, what’s next for you?

I’m working on the next batch of music. There will be a string of singles on imprints this year, so keep an eye out for those!

 

Any exciting plans for FORMAT?

Our 11-year anniversary event on May 9th, definitely one I’m looking forward to!

 

Tell us one thing not many people know about you!

At heart, I’m an introvert, and with this line of work, I’ve had to teach myself how to be more extroverted. It’s not easy, haha!

 

Connect with Measure Divide: Instagram | Facebook | Beatport