Exclusive Interview: Marie Vaunt and POPOF on Collaboration, Creativity, and Techno Unity

You’ve been a repeat name on Drumcode’s A-Sides compilations. How does Acid Cult reflect your growth since your earlier contributions?

Marie Vaunt: Acid Cult is undoubtedly a more profound track compared to my earlier Drumcode A-Sides releases. Over the years, I’ve refined my sound to convey a strong emotional message while maintaining club-ready energy. This track introduces a darker, more hypnotic edge, which I believe demonstrates the versatility I’ve cultivated.

As one of Beatport’s chart-topping female techno artist this year, how has this achievement shaped your sound and vision for Acid Cult?

Marie Vaunt: Being recognized as Beatport’s top-charting female techno artist of 2024 is an incredible achievement that I’m incredibly proud of and has fueled my ambition to keep pushing myself further. For Acid Cult, it reinforced my vision of creating tracks that resonate both emotionally and sonically, blending my signature acid lines with haunting, evocative elements, which have become a staple of my music.

Your haunting vocals and acid lines are instantly recognizable. What emotions or messages did you aim to convey with this track?

Marie Vaunt: With Acid Cult, I wanted to explore themes of unity and rebellion through a lens of mystery and intensity. As with many of my tracks, the acid line takes center stage during the main drop, and alongside the haunting vocals, it evokes a ritualistic energy, inviting listeners into a world where they can lose themselves on the dancefloor while finding a sense of collective power. We are the acid cult, after all!

Joining Drumcode is a massive milestone. How did it feel to bring your sound to one of techno’s most iconic labels?

POPOF: I’ve been following Drumcode since its inception, and I own a lot of their vinyls, including their very first release—it’s a rare collector’s item! It feels surreal and incredibly fulfilling to bring my own signature sound to the label and share it with Drumcode fans worldwide.

Marie has a distinct artistic identity. How did her style inspire or challenge you during the production of Acid Cult?

POPOF: During the production of Acid Cult, I sent all the track’s bases and foundations to Marie, and then she added her magic touch—specifically her catchy vocals and famous acid touch. The process was very fluid, and I felt a real synergy. Marie’s unique style definitely inspired me and elevated the track into something truly special.

How did you two divide the creative roles in crafting Acid Cult, and what made your collaboration click?

POPOF: I sent Marie the whole edited track’s base, with the kicks, bass, rhythm, melody, and some FX. She brought her universe—her identity, vocals, and acid touch. It worked straight away!
Marie Vaunt: POPOF and I divided our roles intuitively. He brought a solid foundation very representative of his unique production style, while I added my signature acid, vocal chops, and synth parts. It worked out perfectly, and we were both thrilled with the results.

The acid influence is bold and hypnotic. What inspired this direction, and how did you make it uniquely yours?

Marie Vaunt: By now, the name Marie Vaunt is almost synonymous with acid. POPOF appreciates the timeless quality of acid sounds, and it all came together very naturally. The combination of our styles unintentionally delivered something unique.
POPOF: I’ve always been a fan of acid, influenced by labels like Drop Bass Network and artists like Acid Junkies. While my sound is versatile, Marie’s expertise with acid lines brought that element to life in Acid Cult.

The vocal hook is unforgettable. How did you land on it, and what role does it play in shaping the track’s identity?

Marie Vaunt: The vocal hook was born from wanting to capture the essence of a cult-like gathering—something mysterious and unforgettable. It resonated deeply with me and my fans, given that my releases almost always feature acid in some form

What does being part of Drumcode’s A-Sides LP Vol. 13 mean to you both?

Marie Vaunt: It’s a huge honor and validates our artistic vision. Being part of this compilation cements Acid Cult as a track worthy of the world’s most respected techno platform.
POPOF: Drumcode is a cult label, and being featured here feels monumental. It’s a privilege to contribute to its legacy alongside Marie.

Have you tested Acid Cult live? What’s been the most unforgettable moment seeing it connect with a crowd?

Marie Vaunt: Yes, and the response has been incredible! Hearing the crowd chant “we are the acid cult” at my shows has been unforgettable.
POPOF: Every time I’ve played the track, the reactions have been electric—a sea of arms in the air and people losing themselves to the music.

Could we see more from this duo?

Marie Vaunt: This collaboration has been an amazing experience, and I’d love to work with POPOF again. As for what we’ll come up with next, we’ll have to wait and see!
POPOF: We’re planning a B2B soon, and I’m excited about the intense connection we share. I also hope we’ll create more tracks together—the first try was a real success.

With Acid Cult, Marie Vaunt and POPOF have created more than a track—they’ve crafted an anthem for unity, rebellion, and the universal power of techno. Whether on the dancefloor or in the studio, their chemistry is undeniable, leaving fans eager for what’s next from this dynamic duo.

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