He’s closed Defqon1 five times, produced under at least 30 different aliases and belongs to the superlabel SAIFAM Records. Quite simply, there’s no bigger name in Italian hardstyle. And after a 2 year hiatus, the man who created the classic War Machine makes a welcome return to our shores. With his unconditional enthusiasm for hardstyle apparent with every tweak of the vinyl, miss this DJ at your peril. ITM catches up with Technoboy to see what makes the maestro tick.

We are always keen for new tunes, so are there any forthcoming new releases you can give us the heads-up on?

The new Technoboy Oh My God features an Australian vocal. I have been working with Shayla to produce it and it is a mayor hit in Holland right now. Besides that one I will have a lot of new records coming up; I always finish a lot of tracks just prior to the big events like Defqon1 and Black.

Hardstyle was often classified as either Dutch or Italian – do you think the distinction between styles has blurred these days?

Well there used to be a difference between Holland and the rest of the world. While in Holland most people like the really hard hardstyle, the rest of the world was more into melodic breaks and energetic tracks. Nowadays there is a difference between harder and less harder DJs in Holland. This is the same for Italian hardstyle, we have both the harder and less harder DJs. I guess it has become more of a style difference then a geographic difference. Still it all remains hardstyle; some people are using terms as ‘nu-style’ but that does not make sense; the hardstyle has evolved over the years and nowadays the difference is less then what it used to be.

You have been to Australia several times now, what do you like so much about playing here?

A crowd that goes all out partying like it is the last day on earth. It feels every time like people have been actually waiting all this time saving their energy. It is a long trip and quite heavy considering my schedule, but in the end it is all worth it.

As a record label owner you would receive lots of demos from up and coming artists. Any tips on which newcomers to the scene we should be watching out for?

Ivan Carsten and Bruno Power AKA The Nastyboyz. Two new stars which impressed me in such a way that I will be ‘supporting’ them myself. And of course Headhunterz and Wildstylez although they are hardly newcomers any more.

Why do you choose to produce under so many aliases?

Because I have different ideas and every alias represents a different style. I want everybody to be able to identify a track by the alias I am using. KGB’s, 2 Best Enemies, Gius, Hardstyle Masters and Technoboy; every time a different approach.

What is your opinion on recorded live sets been uploaded onto the internet for download?

I hope people will enjoy listening to them. I am glad there are now alternative ways to get them like the Q-dance music store, not only because the artist is paid in that way (only minor amounts) but mainly for the quality of the sets. No more badly dubbed sets but real quality, there is so much work involved in making a track sound just right.

You have been in the scene for a long time now, where do you see hardstyle in 2-3 years time?

Probably in Southern America and Tokyo for example. The scene is growing rapidly and the world is ready for it. I hope to hear new talent from all over the world.

Let’s reminisce. What was your favourite pre 2004 party, and what made it so special?

I think the first Qlimax I played; for me it was the first sign how big the music had become. Little did I know then… Nowadays I play before crowds of ten thousands of people, but a Qlimax remains something special.

Out of all the songs you have produced, do you have a favourite?

No; it would not be good either. I have to focus on the future. I like my current tracks but every time I try to make my new best record ever.

And of course I have to ask, what can the fans expect from your forthcoming Transmission sets?

A lot of new tracks but I will also try to satisfy some people who made a request. Although I will not be able to comply to all requests; my set would have to last for 2 full days haha.
Catch Italian hardstyle’s finest ripping it up this weekend…

Friday 27th June – Pharmacy @ QBH, Melbourne
Saturday 28th June – Transmission @ State Sport Centre, Sydney