IN CONVERSATION WITH DON WOEZIK

Interview by Samo Šajn

Don Woezik is a rising techno artist from the Netherlands, now living in Malmö, Sweden. Known for his strong beats and engaging performances, his music is gaining attention on top electronic labels. With a background in drumming, Don creates exciting tracks that take listeners on a journey. As he continues to release music and perform around the world, Don Woezik is becoming a key name in the techno scene.

From your early days as a drummer, you've clearly kept a strong focus on percussion. How has this background shaped your approach to Techno production today? 

Playing drums and being in a metal band was where I first fell in love with sound, and it shaped how I create tracks today. Percussion feels like storytelling to me—about movement, tension, and release. Every beat has a purpose, and that carries into how I build tracks, layering rhythms and sounds to feel alive, like a conversation. My drumming background is why my tracks feel physically connected—I can’t separate rhythm from emotion.

You're based in Malmö, Sweden, but have roots in the Netherlands. How does being in Sweden influence your music, especially as the only Hard Techno artist in the area? 

Being the only Industrial Hard Techno artist in Sweden is both challenging and liberating. The small, underground techno scene here, combined with strict laws forcing clubs to close early, makes it tough to sustain. This pushes me to think creatively and make my own opportunities. The isolation has shaped my sound—darker and more industrial, reflecting the challenge of standing alone. I also draw inspiration from abandoned places I’ve discovered, like an old power station I found while searching for an underground rave venue. These spaces and their struggles influence my music deeply.

You have a reputation for taking listeners on a "voyage of ebb and flow" during your performances. Could you explain what this means to you and how you achieve it in your sets? 

"Ebb and flow" to me is about guiding the crowd through tension and release, balancing hypnotic rhythms with emotional breaks to create an engaging journey. I build loops that tighten before explosive drops—like pulling back a bowstring and letting it fly. The energy of the crowd plays a huge role, fuelling my own energy and shaping my set. This creates a powerful feedback loop, keeping the vibe alive and evolving all night.

You’ve been releasing music on some of the genre’s most respected imprints. How do you select which labels to work with, and what do you look for in a partnership? 

I only work with labels that resonate with me on a deeper level. It’s not just about their reputation but about a shared vision and mutual respect. For instance, my latest vinyl release on Sacred Court came after being inspired by SNTS’s performance. Reaching out to SNTS felt natural, and releasing on that dream label was a milestone for me. I look for labels that let me stay true to my sound while also challenging me to grow. 

Your track “I Like It Harder” with NIEM was released as a free download via INNERGATED. What do you think of the trend of giving away tracks for free and how does it help artists gain more exposure? 

Sharing tracks on platforms like Hypeddit is a great way to connect with new listeners. Re-sharing is required to download, which helps the music reach people who might not have discovered it otherwise. For me, it’s not about the numbers but about building relationships with fans and reaching new ones. While it doesn’t compare to releasing on a strong, established label, it’s an effective way to reach a different kind of audience. 

As a producer, you've been involved in several high-profile collaborations. Can you share how these collaborations shape your music, and what you value most in working with other artists? 

Collaborations push me out of my comfort zone, sparking unexpected ideas and energy. What I value most is openness—both artists experimenting and letting the music take shape naturally, like an equal conversation. For example, my release on Hekate came from a week at Sara Landry’s house, where we connected, had fun, and created 4–5 tracks together. It’s those genuine, creative moments that make collaborations special.

You’ve hosted illegal parties for over 15 years, facing a lot of struggles along the way. What challenges have you faced as a result, and how have they influenced your music and career trajectory? 

Hosting illegal parties comes with risks—police raids are common in Sweden. Undercover officers often pose as ravers, arresting people for intoxication and conducting urine tests outside. It’s a gamble whether the party gets shut down; sometimes the police turn a blind eye, but there’s always the risk of equipment seizures, fines, and the need to stay under the radar. These struggles have made me tougher and fuelled my creativity. The energy of those nights has shaped my harder sound and driven my passion—it’s not just music, it’s a movement that inspires everything I do.

What’s your creative process like when you're working on a track? Do you start with a specific idea, or is it more about improvisation and feeling the vibe? 

My creative process is a mix of structured ideas and improvisation. Sometimes I start with a melody or rhythm from a show, while other times I experiment with sounds until something clicks. I’m a perfectionist, so I refine every detail. It’s not finished until it feels 100% right—I can spend weeks just EQ’ing, for example. 

Looking ahead, you have a lot of releases and live performances lined up for 2024 and 2025. What can fans expect from your upcoming music and shows? 

Fans can expect my upcoming music and shows to explore even deeper industrial sounds, with moments of lightness and contrast. Rhythmic drums and emotional twists will remain central to my work. Each performance will focus on creating a shared experience that lingers long after the night ends. I’m also prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to shows. 

You’ve mentioned using platforms like HYPEDDIT to share your music for free as a way to make tracks go viral. How do you see the future of music distribution evolving, and what role do you think social media and streaming platforms will play in that? 

The future of music distribution will blend streaming, social media, and direct-to-fan platforms like free downloads. Social media helps reach people, but it’s about building authentic connections. Platforms will continue to evolve to prioritize this. While free downloads are great for connecting with fans, artists and labels still need fair compensation for their work. It’s about balancing free content to build connections with paid releases to support the scene’s sustainability. It’s an exciting time for artists, with more ways than ever to share music directly and create deeper connections with listeners.