“The melodic elements have significantly dimi- nished over time simply because they weren’t received as well as they were before COVID.”
“We don’t need to beat around the bush here; the trend of the post-COVID era is characterized by very hard, fast techno. We’re witnessing an upward spiral almost solely in terms of its hardness. I’m not really a fan of it; those who have been following me for years know that I’ve always been more inclined towards melodic hard techno and techno from the 2000s era.
Music is an ever-changing medium of society, so modern hard techno certainly has its place. We musicians have also become somewhat like service providers. Individuality is much less present than before COVID. The commercia- lization is undeniable. Even though not many publicly admit it, I know that 90% of the ar- tists in my field see it similarly. Hypothetical question: If you went onto the dance floor and closed your eyes for 8 hours, would you be able to tell which DJ was playing?
I’m also concerned about the DJ fees, which have skyrocketed. Small collectives simply can’t afford the headliners anymore, making it harder to survive. The market is oversaturated as well. Additionally, it’s somewhat tough to see how various major players in this market operate in terms of lineups and exclusivity.
We all started partying in small clubs; we shouldn’t forget to think about them. Because without those initial structures in small towns or clubs, we and even big money wouldn’t have gotten to where we are now.
However, there’s currently a trend towards groove and bounce techno, which I generally like. It’s a contrast to what has been heard everywhere lately”.
Crafting techno rhythms that ignite the dance floor is an art form for B2, who prioritizes energy and composition in his creative process. B2 explains,
“I start with the drums first, not even thinking about where the track should go. I always let myself be carried by the flow and see where the path takes me.”
Along his journey as an artist, B2 has encoun- tered various challenges, from breaking into the international scene to adapting to different cultural contexts. B2 reflects,
“I think the biggest obstacle was getting into the international scene and understanding that different countries have different interests in music. As mentioned before, music is always a result of historical (including musical) circumstances. Learning this was important to broaden one’s musical and personal horizons.
A gig in Germany has a different mood and set structure than a gig in the Netherlands. In addition, one’s own signature must be recogni- zable in the set, which poses another challenge. However, I manage that quite well by now. It’s important to me to simply stay true to myself, which isn’t always easy”.
To maintain a high level of creativity and innovation, B2 constantly explores various genres and production techniques. B2 empha- sizes,
“I’ve always made a point not to confine my- self to a single category.” By releasing material that reflects his diverse interests, B2 ensures that his music remains fresh and exciting for listeners.
From the gritty underground scenes of his hometown to the international stages he now commands, B2’s story is a symphony of deter- mination and creativity. Each track he spins, each beat he crafts, is a testament to his unwa- vering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound.
“There are many artists from different eras that have influenced me. From the early 2000s and late 90s, I would mention Stigmata, Andreas Kraemer/Westwood Bros, Ryuji Takeuchi and Dave the Drummer (and the entire Hydraulix series). Modern
listening to and loving techno were, for example, Dax J, R- Label, I Hate Models & 9x9.
influences when I started
I believe that my music is a result of all these influences, creating a unique sound aesthetic of its own. I often hear that people can immediate- ly recognize when it’s one of my tracks, which of course, is an honor. I’ll stick to it!”
But B2’s influence extends far beyond his music. He’s a conductor
orchestrating events that transcend mere gatherings and become immersive journeys through the pulsating heart of techno culture. Through his platform-building efforts, B2 has created havens where techno aficionados can lose themselves in the rhythm and discover the next wave of innovators within the industry.
In a world where trends come and go like fleeting melodies, B2 remains a steadfast guardian of authenticity. his insights into the state of techno today reveal not just a deep understanding of the genre, but a soulful connection to its roots and a visionary gaze towards its future.
Text by: Sergio Niño of experiences,
48
mixmagnl.com
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