EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW


Dion, from your early days attending Awakenings to now captivating audiences yourself, can you share a moment or challenge that was pivotal in shaping your journey as a DJ and producer?


"A pivotal moment in the start of my journey unfolded as I was lucky enough to have a group of friends who were DJs and producers themselves. Learning a lot from them, we not only motivated each other but also took the initiative to organize parties with our close circle, which then led to my gigs ha- ppening.


my confidence, providing a platform to perform for


camaraderie and shared love for music within our group played a crucial role in shaping my path as a DJ and producer".


In the realm of electronic music, who are the artists or genres that have left a profound impact on your techno style, and how have they influenced the unique sound you bring to the scene?


"Talking about electronic music, Len Faki has been a constant inspiration to me. Observing his sets, I’ve gained valuable insights into how he crafts his performances. Len Faki’s knack for


blending minimal techno tracks, inducing a tran- ce-like state, and then injecting bursts of high-ener- gy beats has significantly influenced my approach. Even though I play high-energy tracks in my sets, I always try to incorporate hypnotic tracks to achieve a nice balance that I really love. I’ve integrated this dynamic contrast into my own style, aiming to create an immersive experience that takes the audience on a journey from hypnotic moments to intense surges of energy".


Reflecting on your performances, is there a parti- cular gig that resonates with you as a milestone in your career, and what elements made it an unforge- ttable experience?


"One gig that resonates as a milestone in my career is my performance at Fabrik Madrid. It stands out as one of my biggest highlights, being my


opportunity to let me travel


new dimension to my experience. Playing for a completely different crowd than I was used to truly surprised me in a good way. And I was just impressed how big the Fabrik Madrid venue was, damn… Equally, my set at Lofi with Numero Netherlands, playing before Amelie Lens, who has always been the person I looked up to the most in the scene, was another unforgettable experience. It happened to be my birthday, and sharing the stage with someone I admire made it even more special".


Your


twists and hypnotic energy. Can you delve into how you curate such a dynamic musical journey, and what guides your process?


track selection


"In curating a dynamic musical journey I ini- tially


at home, determining which tracks I wanted to play in a specific order to create a cohesive set journey. However, as I gained more experience through numerous gigs, I developed the confidence to feel the energy on the spot and gauge the crowd’s reactions in real-time.


used to meticulously plan my playlists sets are known for their unexpected


first time flying to a gig. The for music added a


seamlessly crowds in a supportive environment. The This experience significantly boosted


This shift allowed me to trust my instincts and select tracks in the moment, adapting to the unique atmosphere of each performance. My track selection process involves strategically placing more


introducing moments of repetition amidst high-energy


ll journey. Instead of maintaining a constant high energy, this approach allows my sets to build and release, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience for


lly, the DJs who play before or after me have a huge impact on how I will play my set. I always aim to ensure that I am part of the entire night ra- ther


than solely focusing on my individual set".


The art of the warm-up set is often unsung. How do you approach this crucial aspect of an event, and in what ways do you believe it sets the stage for the night’s energy and atmosphere?


"The art of the warm-up set is crucial, and I personally love it. Despite not having the full energy of a peak time slot, I embrace the opportunity to dive into a different realm of tracks that I usually don’t get to use a lot, incorporating ambience, trippy, and hypnotic elements. I also enjoy infusing the set with acid and experimental tracks, ensuring a balance of fun and intrigue. Personally, I believe that opening DJs play one of the hardest and most underrated roles. Setting the tone of the night, we have the responsibility to guide the audience through a gradual build-up of energy, earning respect for the artist who follows".


Your production style has been described as a blend of acid and trippy sounds. What draws you to these elements, and how do they manifest


"I’ve always been drawn to the sound of acid; for me, it’s timeless, and you can have fun with it.


the crowd. Additiona- tracks enhances the overa- loopy bangers and in repetitive. between


tracks I’ve


found that that are


in your creative process when producing new tracks?


love of psy-trance, and these elements have become a significant part of my style".


The trippy sounds stem from my early


"I used to always look for tracks that just had a pure acid bassline and not many additional elements. However, I always found it hard to find those mini- mal acid tracks, so I started to create them myself to play them in my sets. So far, I’ve kept them to my- self, but I’m planning on releasing them this year".


Beyond the decks, how do you see your role in the techno community,


own experiences of finding escape and freedom in techno parties?


"Outside of spinning tracks, my especially considering your


techno community is about more than just DJing; it’s more like building connections and creating a vibe. Thinking back to the times I found my escape and freedom on the dancefloor, my role in the techno community is all about setting up spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and vibe out just like I did. It’s about making a scene where friendships naturally happen, and everyone gets to feel the same kind of freedom and liberation that made me fall in love with this community".


role in the


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