ReturnCodeZero is an IDM, electronica, and techno producer from Manchester whose live performances in recent years have impressed audiences and peers alike. His rich, atmospheric, and frenetic modular stylings are now officially part of the Varispeed family.
ReturnCodeZero performs live sets using a Eurorack modular system, hardware, and Ableton Live, while his DJ sets remain 100% vinyl, reflecting his dedication to tactile, hands-on performance. He also hosts a monthly online radio show for ARP Radio, playing the best in Electro, Techno and IDM, championing both unknown producers and established artists.
Alongside performance, he runs Good Vibrations Sound Design, a studio specialising in cutting-edge sound for digital media, broadcast, gaming and film.
“Return Code Zero makes huge leaps and bounds as an artist every time I see him perform and I’ve enjoyed watching his creation process evolve over recent years. No matter what though, he makes serious fucking music that doesn’t fuck about. Whether it be emotive and beautiful, wonderfully technical and detailed, or just straight dank, moody and heavy. Typing this, I just realised that this is every box ticked in the list of ‘true artist’ and ‘what your ears should ever want’. He is a joy to listen to, watch grow and his enthusiasm when discussing music is infectious. You should just fucking book him for a beer as well as a live set.”
— The Teknoist
He currently has two EPs available on the Fire Hammer imprint (under his former alias, Xellmode), including a collaborative EP with label bossman The Teknoist. His debut album as ReturnCodeZero, Memory Programme, was released on 25th January 2021 via the Grey Meta imprint.
“Memory Programme is a very personal album for me as it was written at a turbulent time of transition in my life and in the universe. I truly believe that I have been given a second chance and that there are things at play we will never fully understand, can ever comprehend and intricacies we can never fathom. This album fell out of the sky after a series of events that have changed my life forever.”
— ReturnCodeZero
