How Harmonik Kontrol's Tazo Remix Package came together with Anna Reusch and Nihil Young
Following the well-received release of First Kontrol last year, Harmonik Kontrol’s standout track Tazo has now been given a few fresh perspectives through the ASW label. Known for its raw, Detroit-influenced energy, the original track gets reworked by respected producers Anna Reusch and Nihil Young, each bringing their own approach to the remix process.
In this feature, we take a closer look at how the Tazo remix package came together. We talk with Harmonik Kontrol and the two remixers about the making of the original track and explore the creative and technical aspects behind the remixes. From production techniques to stylistic choices, we dive into what makes each version of Tazo unique.
Whether you're into the details of track construction or just curious about how remixes evolve, this is a behind-the-scenes look at a track that continues to make an impact.
Harmonik Kontrol - Tazo (Original)
“TAZO is one of the first tracks we got ready for the album. It is built around a 90s Detroit techno loop, with the kind of stabs used by Inner City / Kevin Saunderson, but with a modern sound design. The structure of TAZO is simple, straight to the goal, with a massive kick that generates a sort of rumble when we play it on large sound-systems. The power of TAZO comes from his natural strength because there are not so many elements in this track, maybe just 8 or 9 stems. It is just an old-school tribute that reflects our love for the original Techno vibes. We have stuck to the central gimmick and just played around with it, adding reverse effects, side effects, etc…
When we composed TAZO, we already imagined Carl Cox playing it on stage. We genuinely tried to get the energy loved by artists like him. So when we see him play it in almost each of his performances for the last 8 months, it means the world for us. We have the feeling that we succeeded in our primary intention with this track.
We use both Ableton Live and Logic to compose our music. We reshape the stems through Ableton Live when we perform on stage. TAZO was meant to be performed live, since the very beginning. Our whole process for Harmonik Kontrol was shaping our tracks from Live purpose to studio / listening / streaming. Most of the time, the path is the opposite, but our music process is really driven by our Live act, so we produce with Live intentions from the very beginning, and then we rework the tracks to make them suitable into a more « domestic » context.
We are very happy to see TAZO out now as a new single from our ‘First Kontrol’ album, with one of our live recorded versions included, as well as two stunning remixes from Nihil Young and Anna Reusch. We think that this TAZO EP is the perfect reflection of our music approach : it covers different waves of how we define Techno music in 2025 and we love how each version is complimentary to one another.
We definitely feel like TAZO has been our signature track until now.”
Anna Reusch Remix
“The original version is very minimalist and relies on the lead synth. I wanted to maintain this line but—typically for me—add a bit more power. I think that if a track is very minimalist, every single element has to be very good. So I cut out a piece of the lead synth and added a really distinctive rumble kick. I had already done the same with my single "Up." Vocals are also typical for me, so I included a snippet for Tazo as well. It's a cool, hypnotic Remix that's also livened up a bit by claps. I hope you like it.”
Nihil Young Remix
For my remix of Harmonik Kontrol – Tazo on Awesome Soundwave, I went back to my roots, I drew inspiration from my earlier work, which was getting spins at Space Ibiza during the Revolution and ENTER era.
I've been sampling various sounds from my Virus TI2, which has been a significant part of my sound design journey. Transitioning to an entirely in-the-box workflow, I now rely heavily on soft synths like Serum /S2 and Sylenth.
In this remix, I focused on the main lead stabs, resampling them into a sampler and arpeggiating them to infuse a progressive tech vibe and build momentum with a sped-up section. Techy, tight drums drive the track, complemented by rolling percussion and a crisp snare for that punchy groove.
I layered in one of my signature sounds—a classic rave-inspired, detuned lead with two voices, reminiscent of a Reese bass. To tie it all together, I incorporated a vocal sample referencing the original artist’s name, pitching it down and processing it with Ableton’s AutoShift and iZotope’s VocalSynth.
The mix is slightly compressed and punchy. I added a classic H-Comp before my clipper to enhance the analogue warmth and impact.”
