Tej (@tej.audio) returns with “some sort of mania…”, a five-track EP that reflects a shift in how he approaches writing, structure, and emotional intent. Released over five consecutive days and fully dropped on March 27, the project is built around contrast, moving between high-energy, bass-driven sections and more restrained, reflective passages. The rollout itself mirrors that thinking, fast, direct, and designed to keep momentum consistent rather than stretching attention across a longer cycle.
The concept behind the EP came from a sudden burst of clarity, followed by a period of uncertainty that shaped the record’s direction. Tej describes it as a back-and-forth between confidence and doubt, and that pattern carries through the full project. Tracks like “k_i_s_s_i_n_g.wav” with Z3LLA bring those ideas into a more defined structure, combining vocal-led moments with sharper production, while the rest of the EP moves between different states without locking into a single tone.
That approach connects closely with how Tej talks about discovery and influence.
His process now involves filtering large volumes of input, separating passive consumption from intentional listening, and building a system that keeps him focused while still absorbing new ideas. In this conversation, he breaks down how algorithms, community, and personal habits all shape taste, and how that feeds back into how he writes and selects music.
Interview With Tej
When using personalized platforms, how do you stay intentional about the recommendations you receive?
It’s easy to get sucked into whatever the algorithm is feeding you. The biggest thing that’s helped me stay intentional is separating my consumption. I keep a “burner” account for all the brainrot-type content, and I’m very conscious about scrolling past anything that doesn’t align with what I actually want to see.
Most platforms also let you mark content as “not interested,” which genuinely helps over time. For me, my feed is really important, it’s where I stay updated and find inspiration, so I treat it like something that needs to be actively curated, not passively consumed.
Has an algorithm ever meaningfully expanded your ear or taste as a DJ?
Definitely. Algorithms have exposed me to a ton of unique music. There are so many people making such different sounds, and sometimes all it takes is one random reel, a melody or a chord progression, to inspire an entire track for me.
A lot of that expansion has also carried into real life. For example, I used to not really connect with techno or hardgroove in a live setting. But my feed kept pushing me toward it, and eventually I went to see an Eli Brown set. That completely shifted my perspective, and now I have a real appreciation for that space.
What feels distinct about discovering music through communities compared to digital suggestions on Spotify’s algorithmic playlists and similar systems?
Algorithms are constantly shifting and, in a lot of ways, they’re shaped by what performs well, so you end up seeing a lot of similar, algorithm-friendly music.
When I first started, discovering music through algorithms felt kind of magical. But after making music myself, I’ve realized how hard it is for more unique or non-commercial sounds to break through there, unless you’re the kind of person who hyper-tailors their algorithm.
With communities, it feels different. There’s more emotion attached to what you find, it’s tied to people, moments, and shared experiences. That makes the discovery feel a lot more meaningful.
How do you periodically refresh your listening habits?
I try to step outside of electronic music completely, listening to cinematic music, indie pop, or anything that feels different from what I usually make.
At the same time, my friends and my feed always bring me back, and when they do, it’s usually with something new that sparks inspiration. Sometimes, even taking a short break from music altogether helps reset my ears.
Have you noticed your taste evolving alongside the tools you use, or does it stay the same even as discovery methods change?
It’s always evolving. When I sit down to make music, I can end up in completely different places depending on how I’m feeling.
That’s given me a deeper appreciation for all kinds of music and made me more open to learning from every genre. I still feel like I’m just scratching the surface, there’s so much more to explore.
What does intentional discovery look like for you today, when so much music is being released?
I think intentional discovery will always matter. Even though there’s more music than ever, and a lot of it can feel average, the good music still cuts through over time.
Listeners want songs they can come back to, something they can replay, connect with, and live with. That hasn’t changed.
It’s definitely a different landscape now, especially for smaller artists, but at the end of the day, we’re all playing the same game. As for what intentional discovery looks like going forward, I’m still figuring that out myself. It’s something I think about a lot.
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