EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW


A master of sonic architecture and a warrior of the underground, SVETEC has been shaping the pulse of dance floors for over two decades. His journey is not merely one of BPM and decibels—it’s a narrative carved in steel, soldered by sweat, and spun at 145+ on three decks. He is a veteran of the genre, a quiet architect of chaos, and a family man whose beats reverberate beyond the booth into the intimate chambers of his daily life.


In this exclusive interview, we delve into the psyche of a man who has weathered every tide of the hard techno scene—from the raw industrial underground of the early 2000s to the post-COVID renaissance that now sees crowds roaring in unison from Budapest to Buenos Aires. His answers reveal not just a producer at the top of his game, but an artist at peace with evolution and contradiction. Through reflections on social media, fatherhood, artistry, and sonic warfare, SVETEC offers us a rare window into the mind of a true pioneer—a man who wears both his leather jacket and his heart with equal authenticity.


On Evolution and Shifting Rhythms


When asked about the metamorphosis of hard techno over the decades, SVETEC doesn’t hesitate to provide a sweeping yet incisive analysis:


“Hard techno has evolved significantly since I first got involved. In its early days, it was all about raw, industrial energy, but over time, the genre has diversified, placing more emphasis on intricate sound design and production. Like any genre, hard techno has had its highs and lows.”


The cyclical nature of musical movements isn’t lost on him. His diagnosis is both clinical and poetic:


“We’re now in the third wave of its evolution. The second wave saw a decline in producers, leading to repetitive sounds and a shorter lifespan. However, post-COVID, a new generation emerged, making the scene bigger than ever.”


He paints a vibrant picture of a genre at the crossroads:


“Initially, this era brought cleaner production and slower tempos, but in recent years, the music has become faster and harder again, splitting into two distinct directions: one rooted in the classic, Schranz-driven style, and the other blending hardstyle influences with heavier kicks and screech synths.”


The genre, he explains, is an ever-shifting mosaic:


“Hard techno has always absorbed elements from other genres like hardcore, hardstyle, breakbeat, and dubstep, often featuring bootlegs in every era.”


And the culture? It’s not just in our ears anymore.


“The culture has also expanded globally, moving beyond its European roots. This shift has influenced not just the music but also fashion and lifestyle – darker aesthetics, leather accessories, heavy boots, and an overall more aggressive style. Even the dance style has evolved, which some of the old-school crowd doesn’t embrace, but personally, I enjoy these changes.”


When tracing his early sonic DNA, SVETEC doesn’t shy away from naming legends:


“In my early years (2003–2004), I was heavily influenced by artists like DJ Rush, Chris Liebing, Swen Wittekind, Boris S., and O.B.I. Their raw energy and distinct styles played a huge role in shaping my approach to hard techno.”


“However, as I developed my own sound, my focus shifted from external influences to refining and evolving my style. Rather than following trends, I aimed to push the boundaries and establish myself as a true pioneer of the genre.”


There’s a kind of intellectual precision in his assessment that reads both as a historical document and a personal testimony. His narrative feels as if it were lifted from the liner notes of a genre’s evolution—a blend of personal memory and collective movement.


On the evolution of hard techno, his reflections are particularly compelling. He doesn’t simply track trends; he contextualizes them. His commentary on the “third wave” of hard techno, post-COVID rejuvenation, and stylistic bifurcation between Schranz and hardstyle-infused mutations is not only insightful but


understanding of subcultural cycles and sonic anthropology. He reads the genre


reveals a deep like a sociologist would read


society—identifying not just sonic characteristics but their cultural, geographical, and emotional underpinnings. The observation that the genre has become “cleaner” before pivoting back into more aggressive territory is especially sharp, and it shows his sensitivity to texture, tempo, and the emotional pulse of the dancefloor.


On the cultural expansion, SVETEC’s recognition of the genre’s aesthetic shift into darker, more aggressive fashion and lifestyle elements resonates strongly with how subgenres often become entire ecosystems. He’s not nostalgic or rigid; instead, he embraces change—even when it unsettles the purists. That comment about old-school fans resisting new dance styles, yet his own enjoyment of them, is telling: SVETEC positions himself as a bridge between the genre’s past and its future.


When he speaks of his influences, what truly elevates his voice is the clear pivot toward independence and innovation. The quote “I aimed to push the boundaries and establish myself as a true pioneer of the genre” isn’t empty bravado—it’s backed by two decades of grinding through BPMs, building Mad Made Records, and never


losing sight of


the groove. It’s a declaration, but also a kind of mission statement that underlines his ethos: authenticity through self-definition.


On Social Media and the Age of Influencer DJs


In an era where algorithms often shout louder than artistry, SVETEC approaches digital life with clarity and composure:


“I try to stay active on social media as much as possible, even though creating content can sometimes feel overwhelming. I’ve never been the type to focus on posing. I’m an artist first and foremost. My true home is in the studio, not the online space.”


He resists cynicism, choosing instead to see opportunity:


“Many artists feel frustrated by the rise of influencer DJs, but I see it differently. I believe we need to coexist with this phenomenon. Their massive reach helps keep the scene alive, and when they play my music worldwide, they’re indirectly promoting my sound.”


With unmistakable grace, he lands on a note of wisdom:


“In the end, it’s a mutually beneficial cycle – I gain exposure, and they bring hard techno to a wider audience. The most important thing is to focus on my own path. Hating doesn’t get anyone anywhere.”


The secret to his prolific output? It’s not divine inspiration— it’s trust in the process:


“My creative process is a balance between intention and spontaneity. Most of the time, I don’t start with a fully formed vision – I prefer to let the music guide me.”


mixmagde.com 27


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36