Pretence (@pretencedj) returns with “Outcast,” out now via HypnoVizion (@hypnovizion), and it builds directly on the foundation set by last year’s “Dragon.” The new single continues to refine his approach, focusing on controlled pacing, low-end weight, and tightly structured progression. The track develops through measured builds before shifting into heavier sections, with electro-leaning synth layers and spoken word elements adding tension without overcrowding the arrangement. It positions Pretence more clearly within HypnoVizion’s direction while maintaining the darker tone that defines his output so far.
That progression reflects a wider shift in his career.
Originally emerging from Sydney’s underground rave circuit and now based in Canada, Pretence has steadily expanded his reach through releases on labels like Moretin and Omens Records, while also drawing support from artists including Nitti, Wax Motif, Dr. Fresch, Matroda, and AC Slater. His second appearance on HypnoVizion suggests a stronger alignment with the label’s aesthetic, and “Outcast” reads as a continuation rather than a reset, keeping the same core identity while tightening the execution.
In this interview, the focus moves away from production and toward performance, specifically how flow develops in a set and what conditions allow it to hold.
His answers stay grounded in process, from early-set adjustments to crowd feedback and technical consistency, and they outline how that state becomes more accessible over time. In the context of a release like “Outcast,” that perspective adds another layer, showing how the same control and awareness in the studio translate directly into the booth.
Interview With Pretence
Can you describe what flow feels like for you behind the decks?
When I’m in a flow state, time honestly feels like it disappears, everything starts moving really fast, but at the same time I feel completely present and locked in.
There’s no overthinking, no distractions, nothing else matters except the music and the moment. It’s like everything just clicks into place and I’m operating purely off instinct. Emotionally, it’s the highest point for me. I’m fully immersed, feeding off the energy of the crowd and giving it right back. It’s the happiest I ever feel, and I haven’t found anything that compares to that.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or mental cues that help you get into that state?
I still get nervous before most sets, no matter how big or small they are, but I’ve learned to reframe that as excitement. Before I go on, I take a moment to ground myself and remind myself how long I’ve worked to get here.
These are the shows I used to dream about playing, so I try to stay present and not take it for granted. I’ll usually take a deep breath, clear my head, and tell myself something simple like, “You’ve wanted this for so long, just enjoy it.” That mental reset helps me let go of pressure and step into the moment properly.
How do you know when you’ve truly hit a flow mid-set and what usually helps you get there faster?
For me, it usually happens a few tracks into the set.
At the start, I’m still getting comfortable, making sure everything on the CDJs and mixer is set how I like it, checking levels, and settling into the environment. Once that’s dialed in, I can relax and focus purely on the music and the crowd. Within about five minutes, I feel that shift where I stop thinking and start reacting naturally. The faster I get comfortable technically, the faster I drop into that flow.
Has your ability to access flow changed over time? What’s helped?
It’s definitely become easier over time. Earlier on, I was more in my head and focused on getting everything perfect. Now I trust myself a lot more and can let go quicker. One of the biggest triggers is seeing the crowd react, when people are smiling, moving, and fully enjoying themselves, something just clicks instantly.
That connection is everything. Knowing the music is giving people a moment to escape their lives makes it easy to drop into flow right away.
What tends to pull you out of flow and how do you recover when that happens?
The main thing that pulls me out of flow is technical issues.
It doesn’t happen often, but when something goes wrong it can break that momentum for a moment. The biggest thing I’ve learned is not to panic or let it show too much. You just stay calm, fix it quickly, and keep moving forward. Most people understand that these things happen, so it’s really about how you recover. If you handle it well, you can get right back into the flow without losing the crowd.
Are there specific venues, crowds, or times of night that make flow feel more natural?
Certain environments definitely make it easier. Some of the craziest shows I’ve played have been at Shambhala and 99ten in Edmonton. Shambhala has such a supportive and open minded community, the energy there is unreal and it almost pulls you into flow automatically.
At 99ten, it was more intimate, but being so close to the crowd made it feel really personal and connected. Both were completely different experiences, but each made it easier to tap into that state.
When you’re in that state, do you find your mixing gets more instinctual or more precise?
It’s a bit of both. I’ve been DJing for a long time, so the technical side is second nature, which lets me be more instinctual with my decisions.
At the same time, you still have to read the room and adjust. Even if I plan my sets, they don’t always go how I expect. Being in flow lets me adapt naturally and make the right calls in the moment, which usually leads to a better experience for everyone.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
