DYEN | NL 2024 #07

Known for his hard-hitting beats and electrifying performances, DYEN has become a prominent figure in the contemporary hard techno landscape.

Hailing from the Netherlands, he has emerged not just as a DJ and producer but as a cultural force within the electronic music scene. His infectious energy and relentless passion resonate through every beat, drawing audiences into a euphoric journey that transcends the dance floor. With a deep-rooted commitment to pushing boundaries, DYEN has become synonymous with innovative sounds and immersive performances that leave a lasting impact on fans around the world.

At the heart of DYEN’s artistry lies a profound understanding of music as an emotional language. His tracks are not merely compositions; they are stories woven from personal experiences, collective memories, and the pulsating heartbeat of the nightlife. Whether it’s the thumping bass that reverberates through a packed festival or the intricate layers of sound that envelop listeners during an intimate club set, DYEN’s work reflects a deep connection to the vibrant tapestry of life. This authenticity is what sets him apart, allowing him to forge genuine connections with his audience and create unforgettable moments.

Beyond the decks, DYEN is a visionary, exemplified by his commitment to nurturing emerging talent through his label, RECKLESS. Established with the intent to provide a platform for like-minded artists, RECKLESS embodies his belief in the importance of originality and self-expression in music. As DYEN continues to evolve and inspire, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of hard techno—a genre that, under his influence, is more than just sound; it’s a movement that invites everyone to join the dance.

I had the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his label, RECKLESS, his recent world tour, and the personal journey that has shaped his music.

Founded in 2021, DYEN’s journey took a pivotal turn with the launch of his label, RECKLESS. Designed to be a platform for like-minded producers who share his passion for high BPM music, RECKLESS quickly gained traction, reflecting the burgeoning popularity of hard techno across Europe and beyond. With an impressive array of releases and a rapidly growing roster of artists, DYEN has positioned himself as a key player in shaping the future of this genre. His dedication to creating a space for emerging talents has set the stage for an exciting evolution in the hard techno scene.

“The RECKLESS story is a beautiful chapter for me personally. With the hard techno coming up in the early days, it was hard for artists like me to find a proper label to fit my productions. Labels were not convinced of the sound at that point so we decided to put faith in our own hands as we did believe in the sound. My partner and I started the label in 2021 to create a platform for aspiring and likeminded producers that share the love for the high BPM and hard techno spectrum. In retrospect for good reason, as the sound has blown up in Europe since and in 2024, it is now reaching the global dance scene. You don’t find a lot of big festivals without a hard techno stage anymore. The label started with the first release with artists like 9x9, AnD, Myler, and myself, which blew up the label directly. Riding on the success of our first release, it became clear that we had something the audience was craving for. Now we are expanding the brand with many more releases coming, having a clothing brand, and we recently started the “RECKLESS WORLD TOUR,” going from city to city to spread the vibe and energy we strive for”.

When it comes to curating new talent for RECKLESS, DYEN possesses a keen ear for authenticity. He seeks out artists who bring their own sound to the table, understanding that true growth as a musician comes from originality rather than imitation.

“For RECKLESS, we are looking for artists who have their own sound. We receive a lot of demos from producers, and we hear that there are a lot of artists trying to imitate someone else. That’s cool, of course, because you’re searching for your own sound, or you might really like someone’s productions. But that’s not what helps you grow as an artist. We want producers to send me demos where I can already hear that they have their own sound, their own style—something I can recognize as, ‘Hey, this is unique,’ and that gives you that exciting feeling in your gut that the track could work and that the production is well put together. I think that I, personally, also have my own sound as a producer, something you can easily recognize. I believe that all the other DJs I share the lineup with have that as well, and you can recognize a track from them because they have their own sound. I always think it’s awesome to hear and recognize that. “Be unique and let your creative brain do the work; that’ll take you a long way.”

DYEN’s influence on the contemporary hard techno scene is unmistakable. He has played a crucial role in propelling several emerging artists into the spotlight, helping to define the genre’s evolving sound.

“If we are an influence for the dance industry is for others to say. Fact is that we pushed a few producing artists who are blowing up in today’s scene. Artists like Azyr, Fantasm, Stan Christ, and many others are all playing the major shows”.

The RECKLESS World Tour marks another milestone in DYEN’s career, allowing him to connect with fans across the globe while sharing the powerful energy of hard techno. Reflecting on the tour’s kickoff in Ghent, DYEN describes an electric atmosphere that solidified his passion for live performances.

“The kickoff in Ghent, with Modul’air on August 30th, has to be mentioned here as one of the greatest shows. That feeling we had there cannot be put into words. You had to be there to feel the energy on the dancefloor. The interaction between DYEN and audience was electric during the AllDay-Long show. That moment when everything comes together and clicks, that feeling is the best feeling in the world. With many more shows to come, we are more than excited to see the outcome mid-February next year when we close our first world tour”.

While the highs of the tour have been exhilarating, the challenges of bringing the RECKLESS vibe to life in different settings have not been lost on DYEN.

“We think the biggest challenge was coming up with something unique and bringing across the ‘RECKLESS’ vibe as it is now, but in real-life events. We are big fans of 360 stages where the ravers are as close to us as possible, so we can feel them dance and move, and we get the first reaction from the crowd when we play a track. Of course, it’s difficult because that’s not possible everywhere, especially not in places on the other side of the world where we go. But with the RECKLESS parties as they are now, and the hard, rough branding that RECKLESS represents, people already know what to expect”.

In terms of his own music, DYEN’s upcoming album showcases his evolution as an artist. This project has been a labor of love, years in the making, and it promises to encapsulate his experiences and emotions as he navigates the world of hard techno.

“This album has been a long creative process for me. Some tracks on the album I’ve been working on for 2-3 years and am only now releasing. Other tracks I finished within a week and was so happy with that I released them right away. For a long time, I didn’t release much music because everything exploded, and I was so busy traveling, focusing on my sets, and smashing all the venues that I kind of forgot where it all started for me and what my outlet is—making music, of course. In recent months, I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from all the events I’ve played at and from picking up different party cultures and styles, especially from the hard style scene, which is harder than ever and completely in my wheelhouse. I like to think in projects. I released the first RECKLESS EP three years ago, which was more of a melodic EP. The previous project was a Rotterdam EP based on the Rotterdam sound, and this album is DYEN, which stands for blowing you away and tearing up the venue. I try to convey this in my tracks, not just by creating something hard and destructive, but by bringing emotion into my closing, reflecting everything I’ve experienced in recent years. That’s why it’s called ‘Here We Are.’

His summer tour further solidified DYEN’s position within the electronic music community, allowing him to fulfill lifelong dreams by performing at some of the biggest festivals in the world.

“My summer has been incredible so far—like a dream come true from when I was a kid! I made a list of big festivals I always wanted to play, and this year, I actually ticked off a few of them. Glastonbury was an unforgettable experience! I grew up watching videos of that festival every year, and being there in person felt surreal. And of course, my double Tomorrowland closing was absolutely insane. Just being at Tomorrowland is a dream, but closing both Fridays was something I never thought would happen. On a more personal note, some special moments came from events closer to home. The Ghent All Day Long event, which marked the start of my RECKLESS World Tour, was remarkable. I did a 7-hour set with a 360-degree stage during the day. The vibe in that place was indescribable; everyone was feeling the music. Every move I made elicited a reaction from the crowd, and we just kept pushing harder and harder. It’s not something that happens every time, but having that connection for 7 hours was truly special”.

As the summer came to a close, DYEN reflected on the meaningful connections forged with his fans.

“It’s so great to see familiar faces in the countries I’m visiting again. I feel there’s a strong sense of community in the whole scene, with people traveling to different countries, attending various events, or even following their favorite DJ to major shows. I absolutely love that fans take the time to create self-made shirts, flags, and other gifts—it really shows how much they care. If I can speak for all DJs, we truly appreciate it! I always try to make some time to chat with the front row after a show. Last week, I met a guy wearing a DYEN 20 shirt. When I asked him what the 20 stood for, he told me it was his 20th time seeing me in a year! How amazing is that?”

In his personal project, “DYEN presents Y,” he aims to offer fans a deeper insight into his artistic journey and future aspirations.

“The Y-show is a more personal project for me. Can’t go into too many details at this point as we are still working on it. What I can say is that I want to share more of myself as a DJ with my audience. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the experiences and emotions that come with it. This show is my way of connecting with fans on a deeper level and showcasing not only the music but also the person behind the decks. I want to share my passion, my struggles, and my growth as an artist”.

As DYEN continues to push boundaries within the hard techno genre, he serves as a beacon for aspiring producers, proving that authenticity and passion can lead to incredible success

“You can be a DJ all you want and act like a big star, but that’s not what makes you a true artist. Stay humble, stay creative, and keep working hard. The rest will come!”

As I reflect on DYEN’s journey and the vibrant community surrounding him, I’m reminded of the profound connections that music fosters. It’s easy to get lost in the rhythm and intensity of hard techno, but at its core, this genre is about more than just beats; it’s about the people who come together to share those experiences.

DYEN’s passion for his craft and his commitment to uplifting emerging artists create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the dance floor. It’s inspiring to see someone actively working to shape the future of a genre while remaining grounded in the essence of what brought them there in the first place.

DYEN embodies the spirit of the underground scene—pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and constantly evolving as an artist. His ability to forge deep connections with fans, whether through electrifying performances or simple conversations after a set, speaks volumes about his character. It’s a reminder that in the fast-paced world of electronic music, genuine human interaction and authenticity still hold immense value. Each show, each interaction, becomes part of a larger narrative that celebrates not just the music, but the shared moments that make the experience unforgettable.

Ultimately, DYEN’s story resonates with anyone who has ever felt the transformative power of music. His journey inspires us to be fearless in pursuing our passions, to stay true to ourselves, and to foster connections that uplift us all. As we continue to celebrate the hard techno scene and all it has to offer, we can look to DYEN as a beacon of hope and authenticity, reminding us that together, we can create something truly extraordinary. With every pulse of the bass and every beat that echoes in our hearts, we are part of a community that embraces the RECKLESS spirit—a community that believes in the power of music to unite, inspire, and elevate.