Lorenzo Raganzini is a defining force in Techno, known for intense, immersive sets that leave a lasting impact. From premier stages like Tomorrowland, Rotterdam Rave, Verknipt, Soenda, Hive, OpenBeatz, WCD, and more, to iconic clubs worldwide, his music speaks to those who crave something beyond the ordinary, drawing listeners into a world where the night is sovereign. As the visionary behind HEX, founded in 2014, Lorenzo has shaped a movement that merges music, art, and underground culture, pushing the boundaries of Techno. HEX stands as a symbol of creativity and defiance, inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts and solidifying Lorenzo’s place as a main figure in the evolution of the genre.

Lorenzo Raganzini, co-founder of HEX, shares his journey from IT and hacking to pioneering intense, boundary-pushing techno that blends music, art, and culture in this exclusive interview with Orly Gal for 6AM. 

 

Orly Gal: I’m delighted to be here today with Lorenzo Raganzini, an innovative artist and the co-founder of the HEX movement. Lorenzo has made a name for himself in the world of techno with a sound that’s experimental, unapologetically intense, and fiercely individual. But your story starts in a very different world—IT and hacking. Can you take us through that journey? How did you transition from tech to music?

Lorenzo Raganzini: Yeah, I’ve been fascinated by technology since I was 13. Back then, I was a geek, hacking systems just for the thrill of it. It wasn’t about having a goal—it was just about breaking the rules and accessing places that weren’t meant to be accessed. I remember infiltrating university servers, taking files—just for fun, no grand purpose behind it.

From there, I got into developing websites, making a living between Italy and Barcelona. I was also a raver, so when I moved to Barcelona, I was frustrated. There was no techno scene there at the time, and I was tired of the happy, commercial music. I craved something darker, industrial, something with more culture and a sense of community behind it. I thought, "I can’t be the only one who feels this way," and I decided to try DJing.

At first, I practiced every day with Traktor, trying to get the sync right, but mixing is magic. It’s not just about aligning the tracks—it’s about knowing when to introduce elements, when to create tension. It drove me crazy, but I kept at it. Eventually, after years of practice and growing more confident, I left the IT world completely and focused solely on being a DJ. It was the best decision I made. I love it more than anything now.

 

Orly Gal: That’s incredible! I’m curious—what exactly were you hacking at the time?

Lorenzo Raganzini: It wasn’t anything advanced—just simple stuff. Using commands in the terminal to access networks, break into servers, and get past their passwords. It was basic hacking. I had a big computer, not even a laptop, and I’d ask myself, "How can I push the limits of this thing?" That was the beginning of it.

 

Orly Gal: It sounds like the hacker mindset, challenging boundaries and rewriting the rules. Do you think that mentality influenced your approach to music?

Lorenzo Raganzini: Definitely. The rebellious feeling I had as a hacker—doing things that were against the norm, creating something new—has always stuck with me. There are so many limits imposed on techno, especially by people who believe it should follow certain rules. But for me, techno is about freedom. It’s about creating something that wasn’t there before, about connecting with people through music, about breaking boundaries.

 

Orly Gal: Let’s talk about your roots. You’ve lived in both Spain and Italy—two places known for their rich artistic and musical cultures. How did your heritage influence your artistic vision?

Lorenzo Raganzini: I’m a mix of different cultures—25% Spanish, 25% from Istria (a part of Croatia that was once Italy), and the rest is Italian. Growing up, my parents’ music definitely had an impact, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

In Italy, the scene wasn’t much about techno. It was more progressive house and trance, which let me “fly” mentally, but I wanted something more intense, something darker. I’ll never forget when I was 14, my dad took me to a studio in Treviso where they were producing music. I had no idea how they created such amazing sounds, but that experience stuck with me. It was the seed of what I’m doing today.

Later on, when I moved to Barcelona, I rediscovered DJing after a long break. That’s when I realized the seed my dad had planted all those years ago.

To answer your question, I think my family’s influence—especially that trip to the studio—helped shape my path.

Orly Gal: That’s such a beautiful story. Does your dad know he’s the reason you got into music?

Lorenzo Raganzini: He definitely knows now! He still gives me advice on my career. Sometimes it’s a bit annoying, like, "Dad, I know what I’m doing," but then a week later I realize he was right. I appreciate his perspective, though—sometimes you need that outside voice to see things clearly.

 

Orly Gal: That’s rare, a parent who’s so involved and supportive. Now, as co-founder of HEX, you work closely with Paolo. You both bring very different perspectives to the table. How do you balance your creative vision with the shared goals of HEX?

Lorenzo Raganzini: Our partnership is built on a strong friendship that started in Barcelona. It’s rooted in music, but it’s gone beyond that. The key to our relationship is that we balance each other out. We’re very different, and that’s our strength. We argue sometimes, but we don’t get stuck in those discussions. We move forward, and that dynamic keeps us pushing the boundaries of what we can create.

 

Orly Gal: I think what you and Paolo have built over the past 10 years is remarkable. It’s hard to maintain any relationship—let alone a creative one—when you’re both so busy. It’s like a marriage, in a way. Congratulations on making it work.

Lorenzo Raganzini: Yeah, exactly—married without the benefits!

 

Orly Gal: Techno was once an underground genre, but with HEX, you’ve brought it into the spotlight, especially in Europe. How do you feel about that?

Lorenzo Raganzini: I think we’re showing a different side of techno, but all perspectives on techno are valid. For me, it’s about intensity. Intensity in the emotions, in the energy—it’s about creating a lasting impact. That’s what I strive for in my sets, to leave people with something they can remember.

 

Orly Gal: Speaking of your sets, what are your rituals before going on stage?

Lorenzo Raganzini: Before I hit the stage, I need to get all the energy out. I shake, jump, scream, stretch. I get the excitement out because I’m not nervous—I’m just hyper-excited. I usually get to the club a bit earlier so I can be in the space, feel the vibe, and appreciate the work that’s gone into creating the event. I see the effort promoters put in, and I want to honor that by giving my best performance. When I step on stage, I just try to let go, enjoy the moment, and make sure the crowd enjoys it too.

 

Orly Gal: That’s a powerful way to connect with the crowd. Techno is often described as a fusion of mind and body. You definitely push the limits of intensity. Do you feel like the darkness in your music brings light in some way?

Lorenzo Raganzini: It’s hard to define darkness or light—they’re two sides of the same coin. For me, intensity is what matters. Whether it’s dark or light, it’s about the energy and the emotion behind it. I’ve always gravitated toward things people would consider "dark," but it’s really just a different perspective.

 

Orly Gal: And you’ve also mentioned fusing metal with techno. Can you tell us more about how that came about?

Lorenzo Raganzini: Fusing metal with techno is just one part of my sound. It’s not everything I do, but it adds a unique edge to my sets. During COVID, Paolo and I were locked in at home, and we just started experimenting. We didn’t have guitars or know how to scream, but we found samples and started mixing them with techno. It was a discovery that just felt right—it added the intensity we were looking for, and that’s how the techno-metal influence came about.

 

Orly Gal: That’s such a raw, authentic beginning to a new sound. Outside of music, what are some of your other influences or interests that shape you as an artist?

Lorenzo Raganzini: Music is my biggest influence—it’s basically my entire life. But outside of that, I find inspiration in places like Berlin, Tbilisi, and Kiev. The culture, the people, the energy in the streets—it all feeds into my creativity. And yes, I also listen to a lot of EBM, Coldwave, and rock, especially the darker styles.

 

Orly Gal: I can totally relate. Sometimes it’s the chaos of the world that sparks creativity.

Lorenzo Raganzini: Exactly! Sometimes, right before bed, my mind starts racing with ideas. It’s like, "Why now? Why before I sleep?" It never stops.

 

Orly Gal: Where do you see your sound evolving in the future? Any genres or directions you’re interested in exploring?

Lorenzo Raganzini: I'm  starting to get a little bored of the current sounds in techno, even though I still enjoy playing hard techno—it’s perfect in terms of sound design. But I’m experimenting with different directions, like incorporating more groove, inspired by places like Berghain. I love that slower, deeper groove, but it’s hard to blend with the intensity I’m known for. So, I’m mixing it up, combining some new sounds while staying true to my essence.

 

Orly Gal: Sounds like the future is full of possibilities! Thank you so much for sharing all of this today. It’s been a pleasure.

Lorenzo Raganzini: Thanks for having me!

 

Interview conducted by Orly Gal

Connect with Lorenzo Raganzini: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | SoundCloud | Resident Advisor | Facebook