Berlin-based producer and DJ Jensen Interceptor has built a reputation through a genre-fluid approach to electronic music, moving effortlessly between electro, breaks, techno, footwork and experimental club sounds. Rather than adhering to a fixed identity, his work has consistently been defined by curiosity, atmosphere and a willingness to explore new sonic territories.
Released via A7A, “I Want To Shift Gear For A Minute” sees Jensen Interceptor turning toward a more focused techno framework. Across five tightly constructed tracks, the EP exchanges pure velocity for depth, embracing hypnotic grooves, restrained tension and a more introspective energy while remaining firmly rooted in the club.
The premiere track “It’s A Little Busy” is built around repetitive rhythms, subtle progression and steadily rising intensity, capturing the deeper and more immersive direction explored throughout the release. While reflecting a renewed focus on techno, it also retains the playful and distinctive character that has long defined Jensen Interceptor’s productions.
In the conversation below, Jensen Interceptor reflects on the ideas behind I Want To Shift Gear For A Minute, the personal experiences that informed the record, his evolving relationship with techno, and what he hopes listeners will discover within the EP.
Interview with Jensen Interceptor
Hey dear, how have you been? What’s been keeping you busy lately, and what would you like to share with our readers?
I’ve been good! I recently premiered a brand new live set at Lentekabinet Festival, which completely took over my life for a little while, so now that it’s over I can relax a little. I was performing a lot of unreleased material, which is always a little nerve-racking, but the crowd was amazing, which dissolved all nerves, so it ended up going super well.
I also just released a new techno EP via my dear friend Lawrence Lee’s a7a recordings label, and the response so far has been super cute.
What inspired the idea behind I Want To Shift Gear For A Minute?
The title is somewhat of a triple entendre.
Firstly, “Shifting Gears” references the action of a motor car, which felt fitting given that my artist name is also the name of a car. It also reflects a shift in the sound of this EP from what I’ve previously been known for.
3rdly, as a longtime fan of the Real Housewives TV series, it’s also a nod to a phrase used by the host Andy Cohen, who often says, “I want to shift gears for a minute,” during reunion episodes whenever a conversation starts getting too out of hand and he wants to move onto a new topic.
On a deeper level, the title is also a subtle play on words inspired by feeling mentally overloaded towards the end of last year. I went through some personal difficulties last year that ultimately led me to shift my surroundings and move away from things that were no longer serving me, so I could rediscover the things that do.
You’ve explored many different sounds throughout your career. What drew you back to techno for this release?
Techno has always been at the centre of everything I do, and I think it slowly crept back into my life without me even realising it.
My DJ sets have become a lot groovier, deeper, and more hypnotic, so it felt natural for my productions to follow suit.
I never wanted to approach it in an overly serious way though, I still wanted it to feel playful, emotional, and a little bit kooky.
What do you hope listeners take away from this EP?
I just want people to have fun with it and disappear into the world of the EP for a while.
Whether that’s on a dancefloor, during a night walk or having a tiny main-character moment alone with headphones on.
If it makes someone feel sexy, emotional and slightly unhinged simultaneously, then perfect.
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34th issue of KEYI MAGAZINE with JEFF MILLS on the cover
