IN CONVERSATION WITH DYEN

Interview by Samo Šajn

DYEN is one of the leading names in the hard techno scene, known for his high-energy productions and explosive DJ sets. This summer, the Dutch artist is releasing his long-awaited debut album, HERE WE ARE, a project that reflects his journey and the many influences that have shaped his sound. Ahead of the album, he continues the rollout with his new collaboration with Vieze Asbak, "MAAK ME NOU NIET GEK," out on 3 July.

Your debut album HERE WE ARE is being described as your life's work. Why did you feel this was the right time to release your first album?

I've been working towards this moment for years. After releasing so many singles and playing all over the world, I felt it was finally the right time to tell a bigger story. An album gave me the opportunity to show who I am as an artist instead of just releasing individual tracks. It represents everything I've learned, experienced, and created over the years.

The album explores a wide range of sounds, from hard techno and industrial to hardcore and bounce. What inspired you to show so many sides of your music on one project?

I've never wanted to limit myself to one sound. I grew up listening to many different styles of harder music, and they've all influenced the way I produce today. With this album, I wanted to bring all those influences together and create something that feels authentic to me. Every track represents a different side of my musical journey while still sounding like DYEN.

The album tells the story of your journey as an artist. Looking back, what were some of the biggest moments that helped shape your career?

There have been so many unforgettable moments. Playing my first international shows, performing at festivals I used to dream about, and building an amazing community around my music have all played a huge role. Ticking shows off my bucket list, like Tomorrowland, EDC, and Glastonbury, has motivated me even more. Starting Reckless has also been a very important chapter because it allowed me to build something bigger than just myself. Every challenge and every opportunity has helped shape the artist I am today.

Hard techno has changed a lot in recent years. What do you think about the direction the scene is taking today?

It's great to see hard techno reaching such a big audience because it creates opportunities for many artists. At the same time, I think it's important that people keep pushing the genre forward instead of following trends. The scene grows when artists stay creative and develop their own identity. That's something I've always tried to do with my music.

This album feels more personal than a typical collection of tracks. What story did you want to tell through HERE WE ARE?

For me, this album is about the journey. It tells the story of where I came from, the music that inspired me, the challenges I've faced, and where I am today. Every track represents a different emotion or moment in that journey. I wanted people to listen to the album from beginning to end and really understand who DYEN is as an artist.

You worked with artists like Maddix, Mr Polska and Vieze Asbak on the album. What was it like collaborating with them, and what did they bring to the project?

Every collaboration brought something different. Maddix has incredible energy and understands how to create powerful dancefloor records. Mr Polska brought his unique personality and creativity, while Vieze Asbak added his own raw and recognizable style. I always want collaborations to feel natural, where both artists bring out the best in each other, and I think that's exactly what happened on this album.

Several tracks are inspired by Dutch hardcore and gabber culture. How important was it for you to include those influences on the album?

It was very important because that's where everything started for me. Dutch hardcore and gabber are part of my musical DNA. I grew up listening to those sounds, and they inspired me to make music in the first place. Including those influences was my way of paying respect to the culture while giving it my own modern DYEN twist.

You have a background in live instrumentation. How has that influenced the way you produce electronic music today?

Learning to play guitar at a young age helped me understand melody, rhythm, and songwriting long before I started producing electronic music. Even though my music is very energetic and hard, I still think about musicality when I produce. That background helps me create tracks that are not only powerful but also emotional and memorable.

You've gone from playing small clubs to some of the world's biggest festivals. How has that experience changed you as both a DJ and producer?

It has taught me a lot. Every crowd is different, and performing all over the world has helped me understand what connects people through music. As a DJ, I've learned how to read a crowd much better, and as a producer, I've become more confident in creating music that reflects my own vision instead of trying to follow what's popular.

The title HERE WE ARE sounds like a celebration of how far you've come. What does that title mean to you personally?

For me, HERE WE ARE means looking back at everything it took to get to this point: all the years of hard work, the sacrifices, the ups and downs, and the people who supported me along the way. At the same time, it isn't the finish line. It's a moment to appreciate the journey so far while also looking forward to everything that's still to come. It's my way of saying, "This is who I am, and this is only the beginning."

HERE WE ARE pre-order here!