Interview With Maike Depas

Last Updated: February 7, 2025 (07.02.2025)

Explore Maike Depas‘ journey from Milan’s underground scene to global techno innovator in this exclusive interview on music, vision, and future ambitions.

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Key Takeaways

• Maike Depas started DJing at 11, inspired by the raw energy of ’90s trance and techno.
• Despite challenges, he built a name for himself in Milan’s underground scene.
• His music blends hard techno, trance, and industrial elements, creating a signature sound.
• He studied classical composition at Milan Conservatory, refining his musical approach.
• His experience at Berlin’s Funkhaus shaped his understanding of experimental sound design.
• Maike Depas has collaborated with top artists like Amstra, OGUZ, and Mattia Trani.
• He launched The Innovation Studio Records, fostering emerging techno talent.
• His latest release, Sexy Devil Horse EP, is his most ambitious project yet.
• He aims to revolutionize techno by integrating virtual reality and AI-driven music experiences.
• His ultimate goal is to create a global techno community that pushes creative boundaries.

Introduction: The Rise of a Visionary DJ

The electronic music scene is constantly evolving, but few artists are redefining its future as boldly as Maike Depas. A Milan-born DJ and producer, Maike is not just another name in the hard techno landscape — he’s a visionary. From his early exposure to trance and techno to his innovative fusion of music and virtual reality, he is paving a new path where sound and immersive digital experiences collide.

In this exclusive interview, Techno Airlines dives deep into the world of Maike Depas — his journey from a young DJ in Milan’s underground clubs to a global techno innovator. We explore his influences, creative process, major milestones, and the exciting projects shaping his future.

Early Beginnings and Influences: The Making of a Techno Prodigy

Before Maike Depas became a rising name in the hard techno scene, his journey began in the unlikeliest of places — his childhood bedroom in Milan, where he would spend hours dissecting beats, layering sounds, and imagining the kind of music he wanted to create. Unlike many artists who stumble into their craft later in life, Maike’s passion was innate, almost instinctual.

From an early age, he was captivated by the way music could alter emotions, transport listeners to different states of mind, and shape an atmosphere with nothing but rhythm and sound. While most kids his age were occupied with video games or sports, Maike was immersed in the underground sounds of electronic music, analyzing the structure of tracks and dreaming about the day he would create his own.

a Childhood Immersed in Electronic Sounds

For Maike Depas, music wasn’t just a passing interest — it was an obsession from an early age. Growing up in Milan, a city known for its deep-rooted artistic culture, he found himself drawn to the hypnotic rhythms of ’90s trance and techno. Tracks like Strange World by Mike Push and The House of House by Cherrymoon Trax shaped his early sonic landscape, sparking a love for electronic music that would define his future.

But it was a single moment that changed everything. At just eight years old, Maike heard Kyoto by Skrillex.

“It hit me like nothing I’d ever heard before. The energy, the rawness, I was hooked.“

He recalls. That song became the gateway to his deep dive into electronic music, leading him from dubstep to EDM, then to the melodic techno influences of artists like Sven Väth and eventually the hard-hitting sounds of Amelie Lens and Kobosil.

DJing at 11: Breaking Into The Scene

Most kids at 11 are playing video games or riding their bikes, but Maike Depas was behind the decks, spinning tracks at local clubs in Milan. With the support of his father, who helped book gigs, he stepped into an underground scene that wasn’t always welcoming to young talent.

“I played in some really small, not-so-great clubs. The crowd wasn’t always into electronic music, so I had to sneak in one EDM track every couple of hours.“

It wasn’t easy. The venues weren’t glamorous, and the audiences often expected mainstream pop. But these early gigs shaped his resilience and determination.

“Those experiences made me who I am today. They taught me how to read a crowd, how to adapt, and most importantly, how to push my sound forward even when the odds were against me.“

The Italian Influence: a Love-Hate Relationship With Milan’s Music Scene

Milan is a city of fashion, art, and culture, but when it comes to electronic music, it hasn’t always been the most accepting. While the underground techno scene was growing, mainstream music dominated the airwaves. Maike found himself at odds with a culture that often dismissed techno as outsider art. But instead of backing down, he used this challenge to fuel his creativity.

“Milan gave me the foundation, but it also made me fight for my place in this industry.“

He says. Inspired by Italy’s ’90s rave culture, he sought to break away from mainstream expectations and create music that felt true to his vision.

Family and Cultural Context: Growing Up in an Artistic Household

Maike Depas’ story is deeply intertwined with the artistic world he grew up in. Unlike many artists who discover their creative inclinations later in life, Maike was surrounded by a culture that celebrated expression from the very beginning. His childhood was spent in an environment where art wasn’t just decoration — it was conversation, history, and emotion. This foundation shaped his understanding of creativity, teaching him that every artistic form, whether music, painting, or sculpture, carries a message.

Beyond the walls of his home, Milan itself played a significant role in his artistic identity. As a city with a rich cultural heritage, Milan introduced him to galleries, museums, and architecture that blended the classical with the avant-garde. This contrast between tradition and modernity left a lasting impression on Maike, influencing the duality found in his music — a balance of structured composition and raw, evolving soundscapes.

Art at The Core of His Identity

Born into a family that valued culture and creativity, Maike’s artistic inclinations were nurtured early. His father was an art collector, and his home was filled with paintings, sculptures, and discussions about artistic expression.

“Even though my parents weren’t musicians, art was always present. It shaped how I see creativity — not just as a job, but as a way to express emotions and ideas. A track isn’t just a collection of beats. It’s a masterpiece, like a painting. Every sound, every detail has to mean something.“

Navigating Cultural Expectations

Despite his artistic upbringing, pursuing a career in electronic music wasn’t always easy. In a society where becoming an artist was often seen as a risk, Maike faced the pressure of conforming to traditional career paths. But he refused to let societal expectations dictate his future.

“There’s this stereotype in Italy that being an artist isn’t a ‘real job’, but I knew this was what I was meant to do.“

That conviction led him to push forward, ignoring skepticism and focusing on building a career in music.

Musical Education and Craft: The Foundations of a Techno Innovator

Maike Depas‘ musical journey is a testament to his commitment to mastering his craft. While many electronic producers rely solely on digital tools, Maike wanted a deeper connection to sound. He understood early on that true innovation in music comes from knowing its fundamentals. His approach was never about choosing between classical training and electronic experimentation — it was about merging the two.

From a young age, he was fascinated by the idea that sound could be manipulated, stretched, and reshaped into something entirely new. This curiosity led him to explore not just the mechanics of music production, but the philosophy of sound itself — an obsession that would later define his artistic identity.

Classical Training at Milan Conservatory

While Maike Depas is known for his futuristic techno sound, his foundation in music is deeply classical. Studying piano and composition at the prestigious Milan Conservatory, he developed a strong understanding of melody, harmony, and structure.

“For me, the piano is pure sound. Whenever I create a new track, I start by improvising on the piano. Once I have the main chords, I begin shaping the electronic elements.“

His training in classical music gave him a structured approach to composition, allowing him to blend traditional techniques with modern electronic production.

But beyond just technique, the Conservatory instilled in him a respect for musical storytelling. Learning from some of the most skilled composers in Italy, he saw firsthand how classical musicians approached the layering of emotion, contrast, and movement within a piece — elements he would later apply to his own productions.

Berlin’s Funkhaus: a Life-Changing Experience

Though the Milan Conservatory gave him technical expertise, it was his time at Berlin’s Funkhaus that transformed his creative vision. Attending Catalyst’s 4-week Advanced Sound Design course in 2022, he learned from industry legends like Christopher Jarman (Kamikaze Space Programme) and Laurence Osborne (Appleblim).

“It was a life-changing experience. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that ‘everything is sound’. Even the smallest noise — a breath, a scratch, the hum of a machine — can be music.“

Berlin was an entirely different world from Milan. The city’s underground electronic scene welcomed experimentation and rebellion, giving Maike the freedom to unlearn traditional boundaries and create without limits.

“In Berlin, there are no rules. You don’t have to make music for the clubs, for the charts, for anyone. You make it for the feeling.“

One of the most mind-opening moments was studying the work of avant-garde composer John Cage. His famous composition 4′33″, where performers remain silent and let the ambient sounds become the music, shifted Maike’s perspective entirely.

“That was when I realized sound design isn’t just about beats — it’s about the environment, the atmosphere, the unspoken moments.“

This experience forever changed how Maike approached music production. From that point forward, he began incorporating organic, unconventional elements into his tracks — sounds from the real world, layered into his techno compositions to create deeper, more immersive experiences.

a Fusion of Analog and Digital

Today, Maike Depas is known for his ability to merge digital precision with analog warmth. Using a mix of in-the-box software techniques and outboard gear, he creates immersive soundscapes that feel alive. His work at the Innovation Studio Records is a testament to his dedication to sonic exploration, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining techno’s possibilities.

What sets Maike apart is his belief that machines should sound human. While many producers chase sterile, hyper-polished electronic sounds, he embraces imperfection, allowing subtle distortions, tape warmth, and unpredictable modulations to add life to his productions.

“Innovation doesn’t come from just using the latest plugins. It comes from taking risks, from making a synth line slightly offbeat, from letting a random texture bleed into the mix. That’s what makes music feel alive.“

His philosophy is simple but profound: music should breathe. Whether he’s creating hard-hitting, dystopian techno or deep, cinematic soundscapes, his goal is always the same — to make people feel something visceral, something real.

Artistic Evolution and Style: Crafting a Sonic Identity

Maike Depas has never been content with the ordinary. His musical journey has been one of constant evolution, shaped by his relentless pursuit of pushing sonic boundaries. From his earliest days as a DJ to his deep dive into production, his goal has always been to create music that transcends the dance floor — tracks that don’t just make people move, but also make them feel.

As his career progressed, Maike realized that his identity as an artist couldn’t be confined to one genre or one sound. Instead, he sought to develop a unique signature — one that blended nostalgia with futurism, structure with chaos, and emotion with raw power. It was this mindset that led him to experiment with unconventional elements, layering distorted synths, atmospheric pads, and pounding basslines to craft a sound that is unmistakably his own.

From Early Influences to a Signature Sound

Maike Depas has never been one to follow trends — he creates them. His music is a fusion of raw energy, hypnotic rhythms, and deep emotion, blending hard techno with trance and elements from the ’90s rave scene. His signature sound is a paradox: futuristic yet nostalgic, structured yet chaotic, aggressive yet deeply melodic. As he evolved as an artist, his sound became darker, more cinematic, and emotionally complex.

“I always want my music to tell a story. It’s not just about making people dance — it’s about making them feel something, experience a journey through sound.“

His recent work takes inspiration from techno heavyweights like Kobosil and Amelie Lens. Their ability to merge relentless energy with atmospheric depth struck a chord with him, reinforcing his belief that techno isn’t just music — it’s an immersive experience.

Pushing Boundaries Through Experimentation

For Maike, breaking musical conventions isn’t just a preference — it’s a necessity.

“I see music as a language that thrives on contrast and unexpected connections.“

He explains. In his productions, he experiments with layering industrial soundscapes, distorted basslines, and haunting melodies, creating tracks that feel both cinematic and primal. He plays with unconventional tempos, polyrhythms, and atmospheric textures, crafting music that keeps listeners on edge, immersed in its unpredictability.

One of his core philosophies is that the best music comes from creative risk-taking.

“Some of the best tracks come from happy accidents. A sound I didn’t plan, a mistake in the studio — it can turn into the most unique part of a track.“

This mindset has led him to continuously refine his approach, always striving to create something fresh while staying true to his identity.

Aesthetic Vision: Beyond Just Music

Maike Depas is not just a producer or DJ — he is a storyteller of the future, crafting an immersive world that extends far beyond the confines of sound. For him, music isn’t just about what you hear; it’s about what you see, feel, and experience. Every track he creates is part of a larger artistic vision, one that fuses dystopian themes, cyberpunk aesthetics, and high-energy techno into a unified sensory experience.

His artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that electronic music should be cinematic, evoking imagery and emotion as powerfully as a film score. This perspective has led him to experiment with visual art, fashion, and digital storytelling, ensuring that his music isn’t just something people listen to — it’s something they step into.

a Multi-Sensory Experience Through Visuals

For Maike Depas, music is more than just sound — it’s a multi-sensory experience. His artistry extends into visual storytelling, crafting dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired worlds that complement his sonic creations.

His 3D-rendered music videos for tracks like Voyager, Midnight Ride, Dark Room, and Berliner are testaments to his immersive artistic vision. These videos don’t just serve as promotional material; they act as extensions of his music, pulling viewers into a world where sound and visuals merge into a single, powerful narrative.

“I want people to feel like they’re stepping into another dimension when they listen to my tracks. That’s why visuals are so important. They help complete the story.“

Each video is crafted meticulously, using advanced CGI, dark aesthetics, and futuristic landscapes that reflect the raw energy of his music. These aren’t just music videos; they’re immersive digital experiences.

Merging Music and Fashion

Maike’s artistic identity doesn’t stop at sound and visuals — it extends into fashion as well. In 2024, he collaborated with the sustainable fashion brand Demohaza, known for their Dune Collection, aligning his musical and visual identity with avant-garde, environmentally-conscious design. Fashion, much like music, is a way of storytelling for Maike.

“What you wear is an extension of who you are. Techno is about breaking boundaries, and fashion is the same — it’s about expression.“

His futuristic, minimalistic style perfectly complements his music, reinforcing his brand as an artist who embodies a complete aesthetic universe.

Recent Milestones: Breaking Into The Global Scene

As Maike Depas continued to evolve as an artist, his ambitions grew beyond creating tracks and performing live. He envisioned a larger role — one that involved shaping the future of techno itself. Determined to leave a lasting impact on the genre, Maike began carving out his place on the global stage through innovative releases, influential collaborations, and strategic media exposure.

These milestones are not just markers of his success; they represent his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what techno can be. Whether it’s through launching a record label or pioneering new sonic landscapes, Maike’s recent achievements are a testament to his drive to make a lasting imprint on the electronic music world.

Launching The Innovation Studio Records

2024 marked a pivotal moment in Maike’s career with the launch of his own record label, the Innovation Studio Records. The label became an outlet for not just his music but also for emerging techno artists pushing the genre forward.

“I wanted to create a space where artists can truly experiment. Where they can explore techno beyond the usual boundaries.“

The label quickly gained traction, becoming a hub for cutting-edge electronic music that prioritizes raw emotion, technical innovation, and immersive sound design.

Breakthrough Releases: Tokyo Nights and Circle of Life

With the launch of his label came two groundbreaking EPs:

• Tokyo Nights (2024) – A fusion of hard techno and psytrance elements, creating an electrifying and fast-paced sonic experience.
• Circle of Life (2024) – A deeper, more atmospheric release that explored introspective themes while maintaining Maike’s signature high-energy sound.

Both EPs were met with critical acclaim, solidifying his status as one of the most innovative figures in modern techno.

Collaborations With Industry Leaders

Collaboration has been a key driver of Maike’s success. Over the years, he’s worked with some of the most respected names in the techno scene, including:

• Amstra – Known for their deep, hypnotic techno sound.
• OGUZ – A rising name in industrial techno.
• Mattia Trani – A pioneer in the modern hard techno movement.
• Matasism – An experimental producer pushing the limits of electronic music.

Each collaboration brought fresh perspectives and sonic textures to Maike’s music, allowing him to continuously evolve his style.

Media Recognition and Live Performances

With his rapid ascent in the electronic music world, Maike has been featured in major publications, including:

• Mixmag Germany,
• DJ Mag Italia.

These features helped cement his place as a leading voice in the hard techno scene. But his true strength lies in his live performances. One of his most talked-about sets was his live performance at Berlin’s Teufelsberg, where his signature high-energy stage presence and immersive soundscapes captivated the crowd.

“Performing live is my favorite part of what I do. That energy, that connection with the audience — it’s irreplaceable.“

The Big Release: Sexy Devil Horse EP: a Career-Defining Moment

December 2024 marked the release of Sexy Devil Horse EP, Maike’s most ambitious project to date. The double EP features:

• Five original tracks by Maike, showcasing his signature dystopian, hard-hitting techno sound.
• Five remixes by international techno heavyweights, including:
  • Luca Agnelli
  • OGUZ
  • CHRS
  • Michael Katana
  • Gianni di Bernardo

“This EP represents everything I’ve learned, everything I’ve experienced. It’s the culmination of my journey so far.“

The Creative Process Behind the EP

With Sexy Devil Horse, Maike pushed his boundaries, blending emotional depth with industrial soundscapes, cinematic buildups, and pounding rhythms.

“This project was about capturing raw, unfiltered energy. I wanted it to feel like a journey — dark, intense, but also liberating.“

The EP has already made waves in the techno community, receiving praise for its bold production choices and forward-thinking approach to the genre.

Future and Aspirations: The Evolution of a Techno Visionary

As Maike Depas continues to push boundaries in the electronic music world, his vision extends far beyond personal success. For him, the future of techno lies not just in innovation but in community, culture, and shared experiences. While his past achievements have solidified his presence in the industry, his ambitions are now focused on something larger — a movement that transcends music itself.

In an era where electronic music is becoming more digitized, Maike believes in maintaining the human connection within the genre. He envisions a techno scene where underground culture thrives, where experimentation is celebrated, and where the next generation of artists has the space to grow without creative limitations. His future isn’t just about where he’s headed, it’s about where he can take the entire genre.

Building a Community: More Than Just Music

For Maike Depas, music is not just about beats and basslines, it’s about connection. As his career progresses, he envisions building a global community around his signature hard techno and dystopian sound.

“The best part of electronic music is the people. Techno has always been more than just a genre — it’s a movement. It’s about unity, freedom, and expression.“

Through his label, the Innovation Studio Records, Maike aims to nurture a new wave of techno artists who share his vision.

“I don’t just want to make music — I want to create a platform for others who are pushing boundaries.“

He explains. By fostering emerging talent and collaborating with like-minded creatives, he hopes to contribute to the evolution of hard techno as a genre.

Beyond his label, Maike also envisions hosting exclusive underground events — intimate gatherings where fans can experience his music in a raw, immersive setting. These would be spaces for pure artistic expression, where sound, visuals, and audience energy blend into something greater than the sum of their parts.

Revolutionizing Hard Techno: Pushing Creative Boundaries

While Maike Depas is firmly rooted in the techno scene, he has no interest in playing it safe. Instead, he is committed to pushing the boundaries of the genre, experimenting with new sonic textures, BPM structures, and production techniques.

“Techno should never be predictable. It should evolve, take risks, and challenge the listener. That’s what makes it exciting.“

One of his main goals is to integrate virtual reality (VR) and AI-driven soundscapes into his music, taking the listening experience to the next level. His cyberpunk-inspired music videos for tracks like Voyager are just the beginning. In the future, he envisions fully immersive digital concerts, where fans can step into a VR-driven world designed around his music.

“The metaverse is going to change the way we experience music. Imagine stepping into a club that doesn’t exist in the physical world, where the visuals react to the sound in real-time. That’s the future I see.“

Also Read: Metaverse Techno Clubs: The Future of Nightlife.

This fusion of sound, tech, and digital artistry is something that excites him deeply.

“I don’t want to just make tracks, I want to create experiences.“

Freedom and Escape: The True Purpose of Music

At its core, Maike believes that music is a form of escape, a way for people to lose themselves in sound, if only for a moment. Whether it’s a pounding club set or an intimate home listening session, his goal is to transport listeners to another dimension.

“In this world, people need moments of freedom. Techno, for me, is that escape. It’s a place where nothing else matters except the rhythm, the energy, and the feeling it gives you.“

Through his music, Maike wants to create emotional landscapes, a place where listeners can find their own meaning, their own stories. His tracks aren’t just dance anthems; they are journeys designed to be felt as much as they are heard.

“I want my music to be a mirror. Everyone should be able to see themselves in it, to find their own emotions within the sound.“

Conclusion & The Future of Maike Depas

As our interview comes to a close, one thing is clear: Maike Depas is not just another techno artist — he is a visionary. From his early days DJing in Milan’s underground clubs to launching his own label and shaping the future of techno, his journey is one of passion, persistence, and fearless creativity.

With his latest projects, including the groundbreaking Sexy Devil Horse EP, his growing label, and his vision for a fully immersive techno experience, Maike is well on his way to becoming one of the defining artists of his generation.

“I don’t know where this journey will take me. But that’s the beauty of it. As long as I can keep evolving, keep making music that means something, I’ll be happy.“

For fans of Maike Depas and techno lovers alike, the future looks incredibly exciting. And if his past work is any indication, we can only expect more innovation, more energy, and more unforgettable moments from this rising star.