Off Kilter LP positions Zane Micallef as the first Australian artist to release on Selected Berlin
Melbourne techno producer Zane Micallef is set to drop his full-length techno album debut Off Kilter on April 25 via Selected Berlin.
The 10-track album represents a milestone for both Micallef and the German label, marking Selected Berlin’s first full-length album release and the first Australian artist to join their roster. The label has previously worked with established electronic artists including Chlar, MCRT, CAIVA, Part Time Killer and Frederic.
Zane Micallef – Off Kilter
- What: Off Kilter LP by Zane Micallef
- When: Released April 25, 2025
- Label: Selected Berlin
- Format: 8 original tracks plus 2 remixes from Laura King and Versus
- Follow Zane on IG here and SoundCloud here
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Breaking new ground
“Being the first Australian to release on Selected Berlin feels surreal and deeply humbling. Joining the ranks of such an iconic label, with its incredible legacy and roster, is a dream I never imagined would come true,” Micallef says about this achievement.
Micallef describes the album as featuring “pure hypnotic techno and hard groove vibes ready to shake up dancefloors,” with the collection representing his artistic evolution and personal growth. Track titles include Off Kilter, Xone In Playa, Momentum, The Don, Usual Suspect, Ball Room with the Devil, Friends Without Benefits, and Stockholm Syndrome.
Established presence in Australian techno
The Melbourne-based producer has established himself as a prominent figure in Australia’s underground electronic scene. He’s one part of Beaufort Beats, a label and event crew known for fusing hard groove and hypnotic rhythms, and in 2022 founded event group Protokköl, which has hosted international artists including Dina, Tred, Luciid, EARGASM GOD and Airod.
“With Off Kilter, my goal was to carve out a distinct space for myself in the European techno scene while solidifying my presence in Melbourne’s vibrant underground. After 14 years in the scene, I’ve honed a sound that feels uniquely mine—one that’s now resonating across the globe, which is incredibly rewarding,” Micallef explains.
His recent performances have included sets at Victorian clubs such as Bloom, Revolver, Turbo422 and Sydney’s Black Noir, while his previous releases have appeared on labels including Illegal Alien Records, Beaufort Beats, Imminatia Recordings, Bosphorus Records, Hungry Koala Records and Psymal Records.
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Melbourne’s global techno position
Speaking about Melbourne’s position in the global techno scene, Micallef notes: “Melbourne’s techno scene has always been a powerhouse in Australia, and it’s now holding its own on the global stage. The diversity here is striking—from trance sounds to deep, raw techno, and hard-hitting grooves to hard techno. In recent years, hypnotic techno has been gaining serious traction, with promoters increasingly embracing this style.”
The first single from the album, Usual Suspect, has already been premiered via TRANSITION, with more tracks expected to drop before the full release. The album is rounded out with two remixes – Laura King’s Push It remix of the title track, and Versus’s rework of Xone In Playa.
With the album’s completion, Micallef is looking ahead: “With Off Kilter wrapped, I’m savoring a deeply personal moment—my incredible partner Taylah and I welcomed our beautiful daughter, Zali, so I’m soaking up the joys of fatherhood for a bit. That said, the music never stops. I’ve been in talks with promoters across Australia, and an exciting tour is in the works for when I’m ready to step back behind the decks.”
Selected describe Micallef’s sound as “hard rolling grooves” that span from industrial techno to mind-bending techno, fast hard trance and even hard dance. His performances, which often feature 3-4 deck setups, are known for creating what he calls “transcendental energy that makes everyone wanting more.”
Listen to Zane’s Off Kilter EP and follow him everywhere here.
This article was made in partnership with Zane Micallef.
