Barcelona-based, Israeli-born Shlomi Aber remains a central figure in techno, with over two decades behind the decks and more than 15 years in production.
Photo credit: Shlomi Aber – Official
Known for his hypnotic approach and longstanding imprint Be As One, Aber continues to refine his sound while maintaining a clear artistic identity.
Following the release of his latest EP ‘Schema’ on Chris Liebing’s CLR, Aber reconnects with a label that has become a natural home for his work.
In this conversation, he opens up about his creative process, the philosophy behind his music, and the importance of patience in an oversaturated landscape.
EG: Hi, Shlomi! Welcome back to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been doing?
Shlomi Aber: Thanks for having me back. I’ve been good, busy, which is always a blessing. Touring, working in the studio, trying to stay inspired… You know how it is. I’ve also been taking more time to reset between things, which helps keep the creativity honest.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new EP, ‘Schema’. You must be amped to share this one. What has the initial reception been like so far?
Shlomi Aber: Thank you. Yeah, I was really excited to put this one out. The reaction has been strong both from DJs and the dancefloor. I’ve been testing the tracks for a while, and seeing people connect with them in real time… that’s the real feedback. Online is nice, but the club tells the truth.
EG: So, what can fans expect to find on ‘Schema’? How would you describe these new cuts? Is there a concept or emotional trigger behind these two original pieces?
Shlomi Aber: ‘Schema’ is very functional but still dark, moody, and emotional. It somehow hits the sweet spot between being a “cool” tune, but still something that can be played at peak time. I always try to balance those two things, music that works in the club but also has a deeper layer. These tracks are quite hypnotic, driven, and with subtle changes that build tension over time. There’s not a strict concept, just a controlled intensity and details that shift your perception. That’s always been my signature sound.
EG: What does your studio process look like these days? Has it changed much since your earlier years? Do you tend to incorporate new technologies with ease into your workflow?
Shlomi Aber: I don’t believe in “ease” when it comes to music. I’m basically still on the same old-school process of 25 years ago when I started producing, analog and hands-on. The important thing is the idea. But yeah, I’m always curious about new things, as long as they don’t slow me down creatively. Generally, I’m releasing maybe two tracks from every ten I actually produce. I’m pretty hard on myself in that sense and take my time in the process.
“Focus on your identity. Don’t chase trends; they disappear quickly. Build something that lasts”
EG: You’ve had a very fruitful relationship with Chris Liebing’s CLR over the past few years. What is it about the imprint that makes you want to return to it?
Shlomi Aber: Well, first of all, it’s Chris himself and his great team. Everything is so clear, on point, professional, and even interesting. Sometimes you can find Chris and me exchanging 20 long voice messages just talking about how a specific element should sound in the mastering stage. We are both very much into sound, mastering, and details, and we enjoy sharing points of view in the release process, which makes things more interesting and authentic than just signing a track and having it out randomly. When you work with people who understand your sound and give you freedom and trust, you naturally want to come back. It feels like a home for that side of my music.
EG: Speaking about labels, what can we expect from Be As One for the rest of 2026? Is there anything you can anticipate on that front?
Shlomi Aber: This year, we’re going to celebrate our “100” release. We actually did over 100, but this will be our official 100th catalog vinyl. We’re planning some interesting projects for the occasion in Q4 2026. The main thing about Be As One is quality over quantity or hype. That’s why I prefer not to do more than 7–9 releases a year, mainly from our in-house artists. It’s a personal project rather than a business with a supermarket approach, and that’s why it’s still very relevant even after being around for 20 years.
EG: On to a broader subject… What would you like to accomplish as an artist this year? Is there something tangible that you’d like to go for?
Shlomi Aber: I’m working on a very personal musical project these days, for over two years now, actually, with the very talented David Reed. My main aim is to have this project ready in the next months. I’m traveling less and concentrating on this next chapter. It’s going to surprise anyone who has followed me in the past 20 years.
EG: What are some of the challenges artists will face in the near future? What advice would you give to your colleagues? What would you like to see more and less of?
Shlomi Aber: There’s too much noise right now. Too much content, too many releases. It’s easy to get lost in that. My advice is simple: focus on your identity. Don’t chase trends; they disappear quickly. Build something that lasts. I’d like to see more patience, more depth. Less copying, less pressure to constantly post or release. Sometimes doing less actually says more.
“The main thing about Be As One is quality over quantity or hype”
EG: What’s next for Shlomi Aber? Where can your fans catch you next?
Shlomi Aber: More releases coming, of course. Some collaborations I’m excited about. And touring as always, Europe, South America, and a bit of Asia later in the year. The best way to catch me is still in the club. That’s where everything makes sense.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Shlomi! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
Shlomi Aber: Thank you, I appreciate it. Always a pleasure.
Shlomi Aber’s ‘Schema’ EP is out now on CLR. Stream and download here.
Follow Shlomi Aber: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
