Shoddy Lynn: The Queen of Emo Minimal & LA's Techno Rebellion
From Pacha NY to AVANT PUNK: The Rise of a Techno Maverick
Los Angeles isn’t just the land of palm trees and Hollywood glam—it’s also home to Shoddy Lynn, the DJ/producer who’s turning the city’s underground into a techno playground. With a sound she describes as “bouncy techno” (though her friends cheekily call it “emo minimal”), Shoddy Lynn has carved out a niche that’s as energetic as it is emotionally charged.
Her obsession with electronic music began after a life-altering night at Pacha NY, where Danny Tenaglia’s set flipped her world upside down. What started as a love for indie-rock-infused electro house soon evolved into a deep dive into dark, driving techno—a sound that now defines her explosive DJ sets and studio productions. Fresh off the release of her debut album, ‘AVANT PUNK’ (out now on IMPAKT Records), Shoddy Lynn is proving that techno doesn’t have to be cold and mechanical—it can be playful, rebellious, and full of raw feeling.
The Interview:
Ninu Nina: You’ve played alongside legends like Sander K and Mike Monday. What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
Shoddy Lynn: Traveling to places like Dubai and Miami and seeing crowds completely lose themselves to my sound. But honestly, watching LA’s techno scene explode has been just as exciting. There’s a new energy here—new parties, new collectives, and a real hunger for underground music. LA feels like the new Ibiza, and I can’t wait for what’s coming this summer.
Your sound is “bouncy techno,” but your friends call it “emo minimal.” What’s the story behind that?
I love grooves that hit hard but still have soul. It’s not just about the kick drum—it’s about the melancholic melodies, the weird little vocal chops, the tension and release. My friends started calling it “emo minimal” because it’s moody but still makes you move—and honestly, I love that description.
What inspires your productions?
Clubs. The lights, the bass, the way a sound system can make your chest vibrate. I don’t make music for headphones—I make it for big, punishing speakers. Every club I play in teaches me something new about how sound works in a space.
Best memory from WMC ‘09?
Playing a day party at the Catalina and finally meeting DJs I’d idolized for years. Just chatting about life, music, whatever—no egos, just good vibes. That’s the magic of Miami Music Week. For one week, the whole scene comes together, and it’s all about the music.
What’s next?
More music, more shows, and more surprises. ‘AVANT PUNK’ is just the beginning—I’m dropping new tracks constantly, and LA’s scene is only getting bigger. Watch out.
Favorite dj's ?
Sven Vath, Richie Hawtin, & Danny Tenaglia.
They all know how to educate and open your eyes and ears to a sound you may never thought could exist. They are always thinking 10 steps ahead, they don't abide by the rules. Rules SUCK! Sven plays records from 10 years ago, Richie knows how to ease anyone into techno. Danny is just Danny. You can't beat doing the soul train at 9am in the morning with a bunch of Studio 54 dropouts.
Favorite venues in the world?
Cielo NY, best sound, best vibe.
Fabric London, sound sound sound!
in LA, id have to say Avalon, the sound there is epic. Its all about the music for them, and that makes me happy.
Favorite tracks of all time?
This is a VERY hard one. I don't think i could say of all time, because its ever changing, but right now I'm pretty addicted to Drawing-Revisited by Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann, i also love all Guy Gerbers new stuff, its very melodic and big room techno with killer subs and that euphoric feeling that makes you just let go on the dance floor. I also just found a Bootleg Doors THE END track by Riva Starr its a killer. My favorites are always changing, so just keep up with my charts and that will give you a good idea of overall sound.
Dream collaboration for you?
Shoddy Lynn and Danny Tenaglia feat. Radiohead or Toy Dolls
hahaha that would be amazing!
Plans for 2009?
Continue creating music, work with djs and labels.
Working on the music scene here in LA directly with people such as Compression and Droog, bringing minimal techno to LA in a BIG WAY. Travel, play in Europe hopefully soon. Working on finishing a full length album with Skyler (SHDWPLAY) my production partner. A 10-13 track album with alot of vocals and dark analog techno that no ones ever heard before. Very "EMO MINIMAL"
