Planctophob

Planctophob is the alias of Nikita Matern, a German electronic music producer based in Russia who founded the project in 2012. Matern operates under the real name Nik Matern and runs the Plankton Repellent label, which serves as the primary outlet for his dark minimal productions. The Planctophob project began releasing music in 2014, with Matern describing the concept as representing someone whose only fear is becoming part of an aimlessly drifting mass.

The Planctophob sound spans minimal and deep tech through to peak time driving techno, with releases appearing on Plankton Repellent, brosh, and Subios Records. Matern's productions under this alias focus on darker minimal territories while maintaining the rhythmic drive necessary for club environments. His catalog demonstrates a progression from purely minimal foundations toward more driving techno arrangements, though the underlying aesthetic remains rooted in the stripped-back, atmospheric approach that defines his label's output. The project continues to evolve within these parameters, with releases scheduled through 2026.