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In an era where music festivals and events have be- come synonymous with grandeur and scale, Techno Without Borders(TWB) is emerging as a refreshing alternative, blending intimacy with global inclusivity. Founded by Saad Ayub during the pandemic, TWB has successfully bridged the gap between virtual and live experiences, transcending traditional formats. With its roots in Toronto, TWB has grown into a global mo- vement, transforming how techno is presented, expe- rienced, and celebrated in cities across the world.
At its core, TWB is driven by a passion for creative freedom, musical integrity, and diversity. Saad and his team have skillfully curated events that remain deeply connected to the underground essence of techno while welcoming diverse influences from around the world.
“Our lineups are designed to take attendees on a jour- ney, with a flow that tells a story—one you can truly feel as much as hear.”
This balance of authenticity and openness to innova- tion has allowed TWB to stand out, gaining traction internationally. In our interview, Saad delved into the journey, challenges, and future aspirations of Techno Without Borders, offering a deeper insight into the philosophy behind the brand.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND TECHNO WITHOUT BORDERS
When asked about the inception of TWB and its uni- que approach to events, Ayub recalled the early days of the pandemic, which served as a pivotal moment in shaping the movement.
“The idea behind Techno Without Borders was always in the back of my mind. I wanted to create a brand where I had full creative freedom to showcase talent and curate events the way I envisioned, without being constrained by promoters, venues, or politics. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that it truly began to take shape. I had just finished a show in Amsterdam with Paul Van Dyk when the world started shutting down. The music scene took a huge loss, and genres began to blur to- gether. Like many others, I found myself without work, trying to figure out the next step”.
“That’s when I decided to create something new: a vir- tual live show for my fans. I launched it on Zoom and named it Techno Without Borders. I played the music I loved: techno, bootlegs of trance with techno, house with techno. The response was incredible. It kept me connected with both my fans and my local community during lockdown”.
“As the restrictions eased, my Toronto audience started asking for live events. Promoters even approached me to throw underground raves. That’s when I decided to make Techno Without Borders a real-world event. Sin- ce then, we’ve had seven consecutive sold-out shows, with our annual boat cruise becoming a signature event where we celebrate TWB’s anniversary in Toronto. It has turned into a true reunion for the community.”
Saad´s vision was not just limited to bringing people together locally; it extended far beyond borders, with a focus on creating events that connect diverse audien- ces and artists across the globe.
TWB’s growth from a virtual platform into a real-world international brand has been fuelled by his’s deep love for music and his dedication to curating unique, au- thentic experiences.
“The driving force behind going international has always been my pure love for music. I want to bring the artists I love to the stage and create the kind of events I would want to dance at. Techno Without Borders has now grown into a global brand, allowing us to book ta- lent from all over the world, especially in Europe. The journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see how far we can take it.”
CULTURAL DIVERSITY: A KEY ELE- MENT OF TWB’S SUCCESS
Techno is a genre with rich cultural roots, and for Ayub, ensuring that TWB remains inclusive and diverse is es- sential to its identity. His experiences as a DJ and pro- ducer have shaped his outlook, and this perspective is evident in both the music and the events TWB curates.
“As I celebrate 10 years as a producer and over 15 years as a DJ, I can confidently say that diversity has been a defining element in shaping both my music and my events. Coming from a diverse background myself, I’ve always sought to reflect that in my sets and the way I curate experiences. A perfect example is this year’s event, where we’re showcasing a lineup that features equal women and men, with artists from various back- grounds and countries.
Diversity is the unity that this scene thrives on. In times like these, when the world is facing so many challen- ges, it feels more important than ever to champion the values of PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. This inclusivity has undoubtedly contributed to the interna- tional growth of the movement, making it a truly global community.”
By championing diversity, Saad has managed to cap- ture the spirit of techno while pushing its boundaries, ensuring that TWB remains deeply rooted in the un- derground culture while appealing to a wide audience.
“It’s pretty straightforward. Our events are driven by what we genuinely love as musicians. If we chased trends, our lineups would look completely different. For me, David, Sam, and Katrii, it’s all about curating music that resonates with us personally. That’s what we bring to every event, and I think it’s what keeps us connected to the true underground vibe. Honestly, I’ve always pre- ferred going against the grain, and that’s what makes our approach feel authentic and true to who we are.”
THE JOURNEY TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
Saad Ayub’s journey from Toronto to the international stage has been marked by a series of milestones. He recalls the pivotal moments that helped TWB transi- tion from a local project to a globally recognized brand.
“One of the key moments in the evolution of Techno Without Borders was our first year at ADE, where we partnered with Neon Owl to host an intimate event at the iconic Crane Hotel featuring all our favourite ar- tists. That event marked a significant milestone for us. Additionally, collaborating with brands like Beatport, Mixmag, Tecán, and GiG has been another highlight of our journey.”
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