True Techno 101 | M.F.S: Observatory
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Italian-born and London-based, Mattia Turchetti, known as M.F.S: Observatory, has spent the past decade refining a sound that sits between engineering precision and raw club instinct.
His productions and DJ sets balance M.F.S: Obervatory’s hypnotic repetition with emotional restraint, merging the discipline of a sound designer with the pulse of a dancefloor tactician. “My first musical memories come from home,” he begins. “My brother introduced me to electronic music, while my parents played Italian artists like Pino Daniele, Fabrizio De André, and Francesco De Gregori. That mix of emotion, melody, and rhythm shaped my ear from an early age. I started experimenting with drum machines and early software, fascinated by how rhythm could control a room. That curiosity slowly evolved into DJing and then producing my own music.”
The alias came later, carrying both geographical and philosophical weight. “I’m from a village facing Mount Vesuvio, where the observatory stands, and that idea of watching and listening from above felt powerful. We started as a trio, but over time it became my solo project. The name stayed because it reflects how I approach music: always observing, studying, and experimenting with sound.”
Growing up in Naples meant being immersed in a rhythmic culture where groove is everything. “I grew up surrounded by the house and tech-house scene in Naples, which has a strong groove-based culture. Later, after moving to London and traveling through Europe, I was drawn toward deeper and more hypnotic techno. Artists and labels that build emotion through minimalism and tension influenced me most; I’ve always been attracted to music that pulls you in slowly.”
Turchetti’s formal background in sound design gave structure to that instinct. He studied Music and Sound Design in London, followed by a master’s in Sonic Arts at Goldsmiths. “Sound design taught me to treat frequencies as materials and to shape space, not just fill it,” he says. “Every sound has a role and emotional weight. I think a lot about how frequencies interact and how to use silence and dynamics to build tension – both in production and in a DJ set.”
His early career took shape through small underground labels that supported his first releases before his name began appearing on international imprints. “It started with small underground labels that believed in my early music. Those first releases helped me build connections and confidence. As my sound evolved, international labels began to notice, and my tracks started reaching new audiences across Europe. Playing abroad and hearing my music in different cities were important milestones that showed me this could grow into a real career.”
That career has now stretched across respected outlets such as Kneaded Pains, Second State, Illegal Aliens, Diffuse Reality, and his own Observatory Music, which he uses as a base for experimentation. Releases like Into The Matrix, You Get Me Flustered, and Antares mark his evolution toward a deeper, more spatial sound. “It has become more textured and focused,” he explains. “Early on I was driven by pure rhythm and energy, while now I explore space, layering, and atmosphere. My setup with the Akai Force, Elektron Syntakt, Elektron Digitone II, Eurorack, and Ableton Live helps me capture both structure and spontaneity. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with Baby Audio’s Tekno plug-in, which delivers a powerful punch on drums when combined with the analog tones I create on the Elektron machines.”
His process starts from rhythm and grows outward. “I jam on the Syntakt or Digitone II until I find a groove that feels alive. From there I record into Ableton Live and arrange using the Akai Force as the main hub. The Eurorack adds evolving atmospheres and subtle movement. I like to shape each track like a DJ set — building tension and release, making sure every element has its moment.”
That same attention to tension and release defines his approach to the booth. “I approach every set like a story. The opening tracks set the atmosphere, and from there I follow the crowd’s reactions. I never plan too tightly; I prefer to read the energy in the room and respond to it. The goal is to make people lose themselves in the flow and feel part of a shared journey.” He adjusts instinctively to different contexts. “Each city has its own energy. In Berlin, I focus on darker, hypnotic patterns; in London, I feel freer to experiment with groove and rhythm. Touring has taught me how sound behaves in different spaces.”
Parallel to his own artistry, M.F.S: Observatory teaches production and DJ techniques, often bridging technical knowledge and creative intuition. “Teaching came naturally after years in the studio and on the road. I wanted to share what I learned and help others find their sound. My philosophy is to combine technical precision with creativity. I teach students to understand their tools, listen deeply, and express their own identity. The aim is not just to finish tracks but to build confidence as artists.”
When asked what success looks like to him, his response is grounded. “Success means being able to create freely, connect with people through music, and keep that passion alive. If I can do that while growing my label and supporting other artists, then I am doing what I set out to do.”
He’s now focused on expanding Observatory Music and taking his live concept further, integrating modular synthesis and DJ performance into a single experience. “I want to expand Observatory Music and continue developing my live performance concept, bringing more of my studio process directly to the stage. I’m exploring visual elements and collaborations that combine sound design with immersive experiences. My focus is on pushing creativity forward while keeping the underground spirit alive.”
The next chapter will see M.F.S: Observatory translating his machines into a physical performance. He tells True Techno “I am developing a new series of live shows built entirely around my machines. It brings the energy of my studio setup to the stage, combining live production and DJ performance. It feels more physical and personal, and I can’t wait to share it. I want to thank everyone who supports the underground and keeps this community strong.”
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