In this exclusive interview, rising hard techno DJ and producer OGUZ opens up about the intricacies of reading crowd energy, the emotional depth behind hard techno, and his ambitious vision for 808 STUDIOS. Known for his high intensity sets and ability to blend raw power with emotional resonance, OGUZ shares insights into the evolving hard techno scene across Europe and America, while discussing his experiences at Hocus Pocus Festival and plans for 2025.
From the impact of social media on underground music to the future of the genre, this conversation offers a deep dive into the world of contemporary hard techno through the eyes of one of its most promising artists.
Your sets are known for their intensity. How do you read a crowd to know when to push the energy further versus when to give them space to breathe?
Reading the crowd is all about paying attention to body language, the vibe, and the overall energy in the room. I try to sense when the crowd is really feeding off the energy and when they need a moment to catch their breath. Sometimes, it’s the small things—a subtle shift in the way people move or the atmosphere in the room—that tell me whether to build on the intensity or pull back a little. I like to keep things dynamic and unpredictable, so there’s always a sense of tension and release, which is crucial for maintaining high energy throughout the night.
Hard techno often gets stereotyped as just “aggressive beats”, however, your music tends to be quite emotional. How do you convey emotion in your sets and how does that emotion come across in the crowd?
Hard techno can definitely be intense, but I think emotion is at the core of what makes any kind of music powerful, even the harder styles. I try to find those moments where the music hits on a deeper level, whether it’s through a melodic breakdown, a nostalgic element, or a sudden shift in the track. When you’re DJing, you’re not just playing tracks, you’re creating an emotional simulation. I’ve noticed that when you give the crowd those moments of release, they can connect in a much more meaningful way. It’s all about creating contrast.
Many DJs talk about taking the crowd on a journey during their sets. What’s your philosophy on storytelling through hard techno, where the energy is consistently high?
Storytelling is the key to every set, even in high-energy moments. It’s not just about playing hard beats nonstop; it’s about creating a story and building the energy over time. I see the night as a book or movie with peaks, downs, and unexpected twists. I try to guide the crowd through different emotions and phases. Even though the energy is high, I always try to surprise the crowd in unexpected ways. For example, I integrate different genres into my set so the crowd is caught off guard and prompted to think about the story I’m trying to tell.
You played at Hocus Pocus Festival, and Halloween is a pretty big deal in the United States. What was the highlight of the festival for you, and how did the crowd respond to your set?
Hocus Pocus was an unforgettable experience. The energy was amazing, and everyone was having a great time. The highlight for me was definitely the moment when I played my new remix I produced for Brutalismus 3000. The response was super positive, it was one of those moments where the crowd was truly on the same wavelength as me. Overall, the crowd was feeling the intensity of the set while also vibing with the deeper emotional moments, which was amazing. Experiencing Halloween in the States for the first time made it even more special.
What would you say is the biggest difference between the Dutch and American techno scenes?
From my experience, the Dutch crowd tends to be more experienced and knowledgeable about techno and electronic music. You can see this in how they dance, their body language, and how they react to certain tracks. The American crowd, on the other hand, is still growing and evolving, but there’s a lot of energy and excitement. I’ve noticed that the American crowd tends to be a bit more open to new sounds and experimentation, which makes it very fun to play new tracks.
The hard techno scene is booming right now, not only in the United States but in the Netherlands and Belgium as well, what do you think led to the rise of the genre and do you think it will continue to grow and evolve, or do you think eventually the hype will wind down?
Currently, there seems to be a shift towards more intense and hard music. Nowadays, people seem to party for the experience instead of traditional clubbing. As for its future, I think hard techno will continue to evolve, but many subgenres are also on the rise, like groove and hard trance. While trends come and go, there will always be a place for hard techno.
How has the rise of social media affected the underground techno scene – both positively and negatively?
Social media has definitely brought a lot of visibility to the underground (hard techno) scene, which is both a good and a bad thing. For example, it has helped emerging artists connect with a bigger audience, find new fans, and collaborate with other artists who might otherwise never have been discovered. However, the downside is that the oversaturation of content, artists, and promoters has brought a lot of commercial intent to the scene, making it less ‘underground’ and leading to a decrease in quality.
How do you respond to people who say that hard techno is actually early hardstyle with a twist?
Nowadays, hardstyle and hard techno share some similarities. However, hardstyle often has a more melodic structure and focuses on big drops, while hard techno is now more about who has the hardest screeches and kicks. With the new sound of hard techno, there can sometimes be overlap. To be honest, I miss the days when hard techno was more industrial, raw, and unfiltered.
Lastly, what are you currently working on and what can we expect from you for 2025?
My goal for 2025 is to create a world with 808 STUDIOS where everyone who wants to be part of it is welcome. I’m currently working very hard to achieve this by building my own club, a fashion department store, and an art gallery. Every moment I’m not touring, I’m focused on 808 STUDIOS, which is why I deeply appreciate the massive support I’ve been receiving worldwide. Aside from that, I’ve been busy working on my personal music projects—expect a lot of exciting collaborations and crossover tracks. I hope to see you on the dance floor!
