Spencer Hardwick: Bridging Tonal and Atonal in Modern Techno
Spencer Hardwick on His Debut EP Introspection and the Evolving Vision of VAST
Spencer Hardwick’s music exists in the realm where ambient and rhythmic sounds converge, delivering a sound that bridges tonal and atonal, underpinned by infectious groove. Inspired by the evocative soundscapes of science fiction films like *Blade Runner*, *Ghost in the Shell*, and *Akira*, Spencer’s productions weave vast, immersive soundscapes, layering ethereal pads with intricate, hypnotic textures. His work stands out by exploring tonal possibilities in a field largely defined by atonality, blending emotional storytelling with the specialist aesthetic of techno.
This commitment to storytelling extends to his DJ sets, which aim to take listeners on an emotional journey through the dystopian reality of modern existence. His performances and mixes are conversations, using atmospheric tones, textures, and rhythmic sounds to explore themes of resilience and connection, setting him apart in the techno landscape.
Spencer’s unique approach has garnered attention not only for his productions but also for his label and event brand, VAST. The label’s debut release earned widespread acclaim, with support from industry heavyweights like Charlotte de Witte, Wata Igarashi, Takaaki Itoh, BMG, and more. This momentum reflects his dedication to pushing boundaries, building community, and bringing his vision of hypnotic techno to the forefront of the American scene.
Rooted in jazz and transformed by rave culture, he has spent a lifetime exploring sound and emotion, culminating in his distinct techno vision. His music represents a bridge between introspection and escapism, offering a vision of techno’s future grounded in innovation and authenticity.
Spencer Hardwick talks to 6AM on his Debut EP Introspection, the Evolving Vision of VAST, and more.
Hi Spencer! Thanks for taking the time to talk to 6AM. How are you?
Hey! Thanks so much for having me :) I’m doing great, hope you are too!
Your debut EP just dropped — what felt different about this release compared to your past work? What story or feeling were you hoping listeners would walk away with after hearing it front to back?
Yeah, it’s out in the world — I’m proud of this one. Up until now, I’d only put out singles and remixes, trying a bit of everything. Introspection feels like the first time I’ve drawn a clear line in the sand — like, “this is my sound.” It reflects what I’m about as an artist, and the kind of emotional, narrative-driven journey I try to take people on when I perform.
The EP is inspired by the emotional arc of Blade Runner 2049 — especially the way Agent K starts questioning whether his memories are real, whether he’s real. Are we the sum of our experiences? Does memory define identity? That tension is something I wanted to explore through tone and atmosphere. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through sound — especially when it doesn’t rely on melody, just mood. That’s how I see techno: hypnotic, textured, groovy, and contemplative.
It’s been cool to see people resonating with that — like they’re picking up what I’m putting down, which is really rewarding.
VAST just marked its one-year anniversary with a show featuring Lindsey Herbert and Max Gardner. Looking back on that night, what stood out to you the most? Did it feel like a culmination of the past year’s work, or more like a launchpad for where you're taking things next?
That night felt like both, honestly. What stuck with me the most was the sense of family. I came up in the Bay Area rave scene — it was tight-knit, personal. As I got deeper into the artist side of things, I felt a little disconnected from that. One of the reasons I started VAST was to rebuild that feeling — a space where people could reconnect, including myself.
There was this moment in the green room — people from SF, Portland, Seattle, Arizona — just hanging out, laughing, catching up around a table. I stepped back and thought, this is it. This is the dream. Great music, great sound, friends new and old, building a community… it meant a lot.
It definitely took a lot to get there — we started planning with Lindsey’s agency in 2024 and ran into setback after setback. We almost pulled the plug a few times. And, it turned out to be one of the busiest weekends in Portland! But people showed up early, the vibe was strong, and it reminded me that when we do throw an event, it’s going to matter.
We’re not trying to flood the calendar. We want each event to feel intentional — like something you’ll look forward to and remember.
You’ve got a VAST label takeover coming up in Detroit in collaboration with Minimal Detroit — what can you share about the vision behind that event? How does it fit into the longer-term mission of VAST as a platform and a community?
I’m really excited for this one. I’ll be heading out with Marteka Fair (our A&R) and Alyssa Pratt (our Creative Director). Alicia from Minimal Detroit has been supporting us since day one, and we’ve got so much love for what they’re doing out there.
The long-term vision for VAST is to create a lasting ecosystem — something immersive, compelling, and grounded in techno’s deeper roots. That means working with artists and organizations that align with our values and care deeply about the culture.
Partnering with Minimal Detroit just made sense. Alicia is a real steward of Detroit’s history and Minimal Detroit is such an important piece of the scene’s lineage. To collaborate with them — in that city — is an honor.
Your next release features music from Marteka Fair, VAST’s A&R. What makes her voice or production style a good fit for the label’s direction right now? What should people be listening for when they hear her upcoming EP?
Life After Internet is such a special record. Marteka is one of the sharpest minds in American techno right now — period. She lives and breathes this music, and her ear has elevated the label in a huge way.
Her sound is minimal, textured, and full of restraint. She’s a master of subtle tension and release — both in her tracks and her sets. We often joke that our ears are different but weirdly complementary. We’re almost always aligned on what fits the label.
This EP explores the experience of growing up without the internet — and then trying to navigate connection in a hyper-digital world. There’s nostalgia, isolation, longing — it’s thoughtful and layered. It also blends Midwest psychedelia with that deep, tonal atmosphere we aim for.
Remix duties are covered by JAK bringing the heat, and Bekkler bringing the space. It’s a beautiful balance, and I think it really captures what we want VAST to be.
You’ve got an EP on the way with SubSensory — how did that connection come about, and in what ways does this release push you creatively or technically compared to what you’ve done with VAST?
Jack who runs SubSensory is a legend in the Pacific Northwest techno scene. He was one of the first people I connected with when I moved to Portland. We met through friends in Seattle — Jaime and Binah Cereus — and hit it off immediately over a beer. Since then, Jack’s been a mentor and a huge supporter of what we’re building with VAST.
These tracks actually pre-date most of what I’ve written for the label. They’re more polyrhythmic, more percussive — definitely still atmospheric, but a little more grounded in today’s sound. I’d set them aside to focus on building narrative-driven releases for VAST, so it’s nice to finally give them a proper home.
SubSensory has been such an important part of this region’s sound — it’s an honor to contribute to that legacy.
Thanks again for taking the time! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you again — really appreciate the opportunity.
If you’re in Detroit the weekend of June 21, come find us at SpkrBox with Minimal Detroit. And if you’re heading to The Great Beyond, we’ll be there too! VAST will have a little camp setup, we’ll have some free goodies, and Marteka Fair and Matthew Cha will both be performing on the Meta ta Physika stage. Come say hi :)