IN CONVERSATION WITH MAIKE DEPAS
Interview by SAMO ŠAJN
Italian DJ and producer Maike Depas is a rising star in the global hard techno scene. Combining 90s trance, hard techno, and psy-trance influences, he blends music with a striking dystopian cyberpunk aesthetic. Classically trained at the Milan Conservatory and Berlin’s Funkhaus, Depas has released standout EPs like Tokyo Nights and Circle of Life. With the release of his latest EP, Sexy Devil Horse, on Dec. 12, 2024, he continues to push boundaries and redefine the genre.
Can you tell us more about the moment you first heard Skrillex's Kyoto at the age of eight? How did it ignite your passion for electronic music?
It was December 2011, a moment I vividly remember. In Milan, commercial radio stations were playing tracks from Skrillex, whose revolutionary sound was making waves globally. His Bangarang EP had just been released, and among its tracks, Kyoto struck me the most. Its two-step drum machine groove and melodic dubstep lines completely captivated me. That moment sparked a deep curiosity and determination to embark on my own journey in electronic music.
Growing up in a conservative cultural landscape in Italy, how did you overcome societal pushback to pursue a career in electronic music?
I chose to go against the grain, refusing to conform to the judgments around me. I focused on studying and working hard daily to bring my artistic vision to life in a way that truly represented me. "You must believe in your dreams and work hard to make them a reality."
How did your time at the Milan Conservatory shape your approach to music production and composition today?
A solid foundation in classical music has given me a well-rounded approach to composition, versatility with various instruments, and the ability to quickly arrange ideas for further refinement. "My creative process blends modern and classical techniques, and I continue to study and explore new genres to refine and expand my sound."
What were some of the transformative lessons you learned at Funkhaus Berlin, and how have they influenced your signature sound?
The most important lesson I learned at Funkhaus was to embrace a holistic perspective on music. Viewing music without rigid boundaries has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, experiment, and create unexplored musical landscapes. "My distinctive sound results from extensive research, blending genres that resonate with me and presenting them in a way true to my identity."
Your sound blends hard techno, psy-trance, and 90s rave influences. What about these genres speaks to you, and how do you fuse them into your unique style?
These genres have inspired me since I first started creating electronic music. Their powerful energy and ability to connect thousands of fans, including myself, are incredibly compelling. In my tracks, I blend the metallic grooves of hard techno, the powerful basslines of psy-trance, and the hypnotic melodies of '90s rave—a fusion showcased in my EPs Tokyo Nightsand Circle of Life, released under Mattia Trani's PushMaster Discs.
Your dystopian cyberpunk aesthetic is striking. How does this visual universe connect with your music, and what was it like collaborating with Demobaza on your campaign?
My dystopian visual aesthetic became central to my artistic identity in early 2024 with the release of Rave The Planet. It marked the moment I realized I could authentically represent myself without conforming to industry standards. "I delved deeply to uncover an inseparable connection between my music and my artistic aesthetic." My music, with its dreamy yet dystopian melodies and transportive soundscapes, reflects this vision, as seen in my fully 3D video clips for tracks like Voyager, Dark Room, and Midnight Ride.
This year has been huge for you, with live sets, major collaborations, and five EP releases. What do you see as the most pivotal moment of 2024 so far?
The most significant achievement this year is undoubtedly the release of Sexy Devil Horse on December 12—a double EP featuring 10 tracks, including remixes by internationally renowned techno artists like Oguz, Luca Agnelli, CHRS, Michael Katana, and Gianni Di Bernardo. "Creating a double EP with 10 tracks was demanding, but the overwhelming positive feedback from the international scene has been incredibly rewarding."
Can you share the creative process behind Sexy Devil Horse? What inspired the collaboration with artists like Luca Agnelli and OGUZ?
Sexy Devil Horse evolved in phases throughout 2024, with the initial tracks written between January and March. They sat on my hard drive until inspiration struck on a hot day in July. I realized this project could close the year on a high note and solidify my position as a rising star in the international scene.
I had already been in contact with most of the featured artists, sharing ideas and receiving positive feedback on my tracks. Collaborations with Luca Agnelli and OGUZ came naturally due to our artistic synergy. They particularly appreciated my originals Starkiller and Sexy Devil Horse, adding their signature styles to the remixes.
You’ve spoken about fostering a community around hard techno and your dystopian universe. How do you plan to achieve this through your label, The Innovation Studio?
My musical journey is just beginning, and I believe the foundation for creating a community through The Innovation Studio Records was set with Sexy Devil Horse. Moving forward, I plan to expand this vision by collaborating with new artists and pushing creative boundaries.
The Innovation Studio Records is more than excellence in music production—it’s about fostering a family of artists who innovate and grow together, with the goal of releasing music that stands the test of time.
As a rising star in the hard techno scene, what’s your ultimate goal in revolutionizing the genre? How do you want your music to impact listeners?
I don’t aim to revolutionize the genre, but I want to share my authentic artistic essence with as many people as possible through live performances across Europe. My goal is to create a sound that resonates deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
"I hope my music becomes a tool for listeners to enhance their daily lives—not as an escape, but as a way to uplift and inspire their souls."
