Hard Techno’s Reality Check: Navigating the Storm and Reclaiming the Vibe
The BPM in the Hard Techno scene has always been fast, aggressive, and intense. But recently, the intensity shifted from the speakers to the socials, and the mood on the dancefloor has gotten a lot heavier. If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve definitely seen the chaos—lineup changes, black squares, and a lot of anger.
For those who missed the beat drop on this story: the Hard Techno world is currently facing its own "Me Too" moment. It’s messy, it’s painful, but honestly? It’s a conversation we needed to have. Here is a breakdown of what went down, how the titans of the scene like Amelie Lens and Sara Landry are reacting, and where we go from here.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
To keep it factual and straight to the point: the explosion started via social media. An Instagram account known as @bradnolimit—a former booker associated with Steer Management—began releasing a series of heavy accusations against several major players in the Hard Techno circuit.
The allegations are serious. We’re talking about claims of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, and predatory behavior. The artists named in these reports include heavy hitters like Shlømo, Basswell, CARV, and Odymel.
The fallout was instant. Steer Management suspended collaborations with the accused artists. Major festivals like Verknipt, Awakenings, and Glitch Festival didn’t wait for a judge’s ruling; they prioritized community safety and removed these acts from their lineups immediately.
The ripples of this storm have even reached Ibiza's shores. The White Isle is not immune to global shifts in the industry. Shlømo has been officially deprogrammed from the lineup of the highly anticipated Pyramid Special taking place during IMS week at Amnesia on April 24th. In a swift move to maintain the night's energy, the club has announced that Portuguese rising star Biia will take his place on the decks.
Elsewhere, CARV stepped down, admitting to "unfaithful" behavior while denying criminal acts, and Odymel released a controversial statement blaming "somnambulism" (sleepwalking), which, let's be real, didn’t sit well with the community.
The Queens of the Scene Speak Up
When the foundations shake, you look to the leaders. The reaction from the top-tier female artists—who have often had to fight twice as hard for respect—has been powerful and necessary. They aren't just playing tracks; they are setting boundaries.
Amelie Lens, the boss of Exhale and a figurehead for the genre, didn’t mince words. She used her platform to highlight that this isn't just about a few bad apples, but about a culture that needs to protect its women better. She shared her own terrifying experiences to contextualize the fear many feel.
"I once went to the police with hundreds of messages from a person detailing exactly how he would kidnap and r*pe me. He took a plane to Antwerp and found me... luckily my team was with me."
Her message was clear: safety isn't a luxury; it's a requirement.
Similarly, Sara Landry, the "High Priestess" of Hard Techno, stepped up with a zero-tolerance stance. She made it clear that her brand and her events are about empowerment, not exploitation.
"I condemn any and all forms of abuse, assault, and predatory behavior. My team and I have been focused on taking real, tangible steps to support and uphold the values of this community."
Turning the Page: A Safer Dancefloor
It feels heavy, right? But here is the silver lining. This crisis has forced a massive wake-up call. We are seeing the launch of initiatives like "Me Too DJs," a collective providing legal and psychological support to victims. Promoters are finally installing dedicated "Awareness Teams" (A-Teams) at every event, ensuring that if you feel unsafe, there is someone sober and trained to help you—not just a bouncer.
The music we love was born from marginalized communities creating safe spaces to be themselves. By purging toxic behavior, we aren't killing the vibe; we are protecting it.
So, for the next rave? Check on your friends. Respect the "No." And keep supporting the artists and promoters who are doing the work to keep the dancefloor safe. The Hard Techno scene is tough, but it should never be dangerous.
We’ll see you in the front row—safe, loud, and united.
