Interview with Citizen Kain

With the launch of his new label Eversun Records, French producer Citizen Kain enters a new creative phase. Long regarded as a DJ’s DJ, his high-energy, emotionally charged take on melodic techno has found its way into sets from Tale Of Us, Maceo Plex, ARTBAT and Solomun, with releases on labels such as Afterlife, Ellum Audio and UPPERGROUND.

Eversun debuts with “Moments” feat. Kaps, out December 5th - a cinematic, melodic techno cut that blends precision with warmth and unity on the dancefloor. Inspired by a sunrise experience in Thailand, the label represents artistic freedom, connection and the timeless spirit of electronic music. In this interview, Citizen Kain talks about the vision behind Eversun and the meaning of this new chapter.

How do you define “freedom” in your creative process, and how will Eversun protect that freedom?

For me, freedom is the ability to explore ideas without compromise. It’s about following your intuition, letting a piece evolve naturally, without ever forcing it to conform to trends or expectations. Eversun exists to preserve this space, for me as well as for the artists we will collaborate with. It’s a place where experimentation and authenticity take precedence over everything else.

What criteria will you use to choose the artists and releases for Eversun Records?

I’m looking for artists who naturally resonate with my musical vision — dancefloor-driven, modern, with a story and genuine emotion, and a high-quality sound. I want people who aren’t afraid to take risks, to push boundaries, and to assert their own style without worrying about trends or what’s currently popular.

Will Eversun support non-musical projects too — visual art, film, immersive experiences?

Absolutely. It will take time, we’re still at the very beginning  but music is only one layer of the experience. Eversun aims to create entire worlds, not just tracks. Visual art, film, immersive experiences, anything that deepens the emotional landscape of the label has a place. We want to blur the lines between sound and environment, between listening and feeling.

What long-term legacy do you hope Eversun will build within the electronic music community?

I hope Eversun will be remembered as a label that cared about the craft and the emotional impact of music. A home for artists who value authenticity over hype. I want it to leave a mark as a place where experimentation and identity were protected, and where listeners could always expect honesty and depth.

How does the creative process differ when you’re producing for your own label versus delivering music to other established labels?

With Eversun, I let the track guide me completely, without compromise. I do exactly what feels right, what I truly want to create. For other labels, you naturally consider their identity and audience, which can be interesting, but it’s never the same as total freedom. Eversun allows me to fully explore textures, atmospheres, and rhythms without any restrictions.

How do you know when a track is ‘finished’ - especially when you’re the one deciding whether it’s label-ready?

A track is finished when it resonates physically and emotionally. I play it alone, I play it on headphones, sometimes in a club, and I see if it still carries energy, tension, and emotion. If it does, it’s ready. If not, it waits, or it’s discarded. Finishing isn’t a deadline, it’s a feeling.

Can you share a story or creative breakthrough from the production of “Moments” that shaped its final direction?

With Moments, the breakthrough came when I layered Kaps’ vocals over a minimal groove. Suddenly, the track wasn’t just melodic, it became deeply emotional. I realized that the space around her voice was just as important as the rhythm itself. That understanding shaped every texture and detail that followed.

How has your personal sound evolved in the last two or three years, and what triggered the biggest shift?

My sound has become more spacious, groovy, hypnotic, and also introspective. Labels like Afterlife, Siamese, and Ellum have been a major inspiration. I began focusing as much on atmosphere and texture as on energy and rhythm. I’ve spent countless hours in the studio, experimenting with subtle details, letting the music breathe, and trusting minimal gestures to convey both emotion and power.

How do you keep your artistic identity intact while still adapting to the fast-changing electronic music landscape?

By staying honest to my intuition first. I observe trends, I understand the scene, but I never let it dictate the music I make. Identity comes from patience, listening to yourself, and protecting what feels real. Eversun helps in this too - it’s a shield for experimentation and authenticity.

If you could speak to yourself early in your DJ career, what advice would you give?

Trust your instincts more than anyone else’s advice. Focus on your craft, on the feeling, not the hype. Don’t chase trends - they fade, but authenticity lasts. Be patient, stay curious, and never lose the joy that made you start in the first place.