B2's meteoric rise in the techno scene is a testament to his unwavering dedication and innovative spirit. Transitioning from local DJ to international sensation, B2's journey was marked by pivotal moments, including a bold shift towards harder sounds that catapulted him onto the global stage. B2 (Michael) takes time to talk to 6AM about his thoughts on the hard techno scene and his future plans.

 

Michael, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. We are almost through the first quarter of the year, time flies! How did you wrap up 2023 and kickstart 2024?

2023 was an intense year full of creativity and shows; as I ended the year with unforgettable performances, I used the beginning of 2024 to recharge creatively, explore new sounds, and further develop in the studio. Additionally, my new EP on 9x9 was released, which was a pure success considering the vinyl sold out almost immediately.

 

Let's delve into your past a bit. Could you share with us a glimpse of your upbringing? Where did you grow up, and what was life like for you as a child?

I grew up in Nuremberg, a city in Germany. My parents are from Greece and Poland, so I've been exposed to different cultures my whole life. This diversity reflects in my music since I love playing variety sets and incorporating all the influences I adore. My family owned a restaurant, and while they were busy working, I spent a lot of time hanging out on the streets, experiencing both positive and negative things. However, I don't regret anything; every experience has shaped me into who I am today.

 

Your journey into music is intriguing. When did you first discover your passion for music, and what drew you to the realm of electronic music?

Music has always been a part of my life; I played the guitar in my early years. However, I stopped quite young as I was more interested in hanging out with my friends outdoors than practicing. I found my passion for electronic music in my young adult years when I first stepped into a techno club. Since then, I've been hooked, and it's been a constant passion for me over the past 10 years - so I guess it's a forever thing.

 

Who were some of your early musical influences and favorite artists that shaped your musical tastes?

Early on, artists like Dax J, the R Label Collective, and the early 2000s Techno era played a significant role in shaping my musical tastes. Also, friends I've met on my path, like SDB, shaped my taste a lot. Their innovative approach to electronic music inspired me to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

Reflecting on your career trajectory, was there a defining moment when you felt your career gained significant momentum? What do you attribute this to?

It's not that easy to say, but looking back, I would say that it was an accumulation of various factors and also a bit of luck. Like many others, I started my career as a local DJ without really thinking about becoming an international artist. Back then, the Drumcode era dominated the scene, but I wanted to play harder. This decision led me to leave the local DJ scene as I was considered too hard, but in the long term, it seemed to have brought me a lot (laughs). At some point, I wanted to expand artistically and produce music. Of course, it took quite a while until I had some usable material. My first key moment was when I noticed a significant increase in attention after I Hate Models played my track "Ghetto Patron" during a set published on YouTube. This led to multiple inquiries about potential EP releases. My EP "Hymnen an die Nacht" on COUP went down really well and made me more popular as an artist. Big artists highlighted the track on various platforms and suddenly wanted promos from me, almost all S-tier artists. I didn't think it was possible that I would find myself in this position; it was such a thrill for me, and I was so nervous to write to these people. My next EP, "Heavy Machine," on 9x9 finally put me in the cosmos of international artists. The EP was an incredible success and went viral. It's a privilege to be in such a position at the age of 27, and I'm grateful for every moment that I'm currently experiencing.

 

With your extensive touring schedule, what has been the most challenging aspect to adapt to?

Adapting to the constant travel and hectic schedules can be challenging. Maintaining a balance between performances, studio time, a healthy sleep schedule, and personal life requires discipline and resilience. However, the energy and connection with the audience make it all worthwhile.

 

The hard techno scene, particularly in Europe, has seen remarkable growth. How do you believe your music stands out amidst the plethora of artists in this scene?

In a crowded landscape, I believe my music stands out through its distinct blend of driving rhythms, intricate melodies, and emotive textures. I love to play sets that represent a symbiosis between old-school and modern techno. I strive to create a unique sonic experience that resonates with listeners on a visceral level, transcending boundaries and genres.

 

Is this current sound the one you see sticking to in the years to come, or are you looking to explore other avenues in techno and electronic music?

While I'm as of right now rooted in hard techno, I'm always exploring new sonic avenues and pushing the boundaries of my sound. I believe evolution is essential for artistic growth, and I'm excited to see where my musical journey takes me in the years to come. I can already sense a shift in my taste back to my percussive and groovy roots.

Despite your young career so far, you've already achieved notable milestones in your career. What have been some of the musical highlights for you thus far?

Performing at unique venues such as RSO and Club Elastica and my appearances in South America stand out as some of the most memorable moments in my career so far. Working with artists and collectives I admire and releasing music on respected labels have also been significant milestones for me.

 

Among the countries you've toured, do you have a favorite destination to perform in? If so, what makes it stand out?

Each country has its unique energy, but if I had to choose, I'd say Berlin holds a special place in my heart. The city's rich musical history and passionate audience create an unparalleled atmosphere for techno. Honorable mention to the eastern countries like Lithuania, Poland, Georgia, and Ukraine as they currently have the most underground culture, which I appreciate.

 

Looking ahead, where do you envision the hard techno scene heading in the next few years?

We don't need to beat around the bush here; the trend of the post-COVID era is characterized by very hard, fast techno. We're witnessing an upward spiral almost solely in terms of its hardness. I'm not really a fan of it; those who have been following me for years know that I've always been more inclined towards melodic hard techno and techno from the 2000s era. The melodic elements have significantly diminished over time simply because they weren't received as well as they were before COVID. Music is an ever-changing medium of society, so modern hard techno certainly has its place. We musicians have also become

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