Maike Depas: Hard Never Dies
Maike Depas on His New Label and the Future of Hard Techno
Maike Depas, an Italian hard techno producer with a background in classical composition, merges technical skill with the raw energy of 90s rave and psy-trance influences. In 2024, he refined his artistic identity through key performances like his Teufelsberg set in Berlin and launched his label, The Innovation Studio Records (TIS), with releases such as the Sexy Devil Horse EP. Now in 2025, he continues pushing his sound with tracks like "Instead of Drugs (VIP Remix)" and "Caribbean Rave," while preparing to release Hard Never Dies, a collaborative compilation that reflects his evolving vision for the genre.
Maike Depas discusses with 6AM how his classical training shapes his innovative approach to Hard Techno, his artistic evolution showcased at Teufelsberg, and the bold vision behind his new label, The Innovation Studio Records, launching with the collaborative release Hard Never Dies.
Hi Maike Depas! Thanks for taking the time to speak to 6AM. How are you?
Hi 6AM, thanks for having me! I’m doing great, just been focusing a lot on creating new tracks for the summer season.
For those that do not know, you trained in classical composition and piano at the Milan Conservatory. How does that foundation influence your current productions? Are there specific techniques or theories from your classical background that you find yourself applying when crafting hard techno tracks?
I had the great privilege of studying piano and classical composition in my hometown of Milan, home to one of the world’s most prestigious conservatories. The extensive study of classical and contemporary music has been crucial in developing a deep understanding of the piano and the wide range of textures and styles music offers.
My current catalog is still heavily influenced by my musical background. I always aim to avoid following the repetitive formulas commonly found in today’s market. In the arrangement and sound design of my tracks, I incorporate elements that encourage listeners to explore new sounds and horizons within Hard Techno.
Listen Now: Guest Mix feat. Maike Depas
You performed a live set at Berlin’s Teufelsberg. What drew you to that location, and how did the environment shape the performance? Was there a particular message or feeling you aimed to convey through that setting?
I have a strong connection to Berlin; it’s where I discovered that I could do more with my music. The artistic freedom that fills the city and the people who live there are truly special.
2024 was the year I decided to solidify my sound internationally through various releases and collaborations with major artists in the global Hard Techno scene. It was also the year I took full control of my artistic direction, crafting a dystopian character that feels almost from another dimension.
Teufelsberg was the perfect location to shoot and share my new artistic vision. It also holds significant historical meaning for the city of Berlin. What better way to transform the complex imagery of the past than by offering everyone who visited the museum the gift of good music, free of charge.
You have an upcoming release of Hard Never Dies on May 22, your label, The Innovation Studio Records. What’s the overarching vision for the label, and how do you decide which artists and sounds align with that vision? How does “Hard Never Dies” represent the label?
The lineup was curated with great care, aiming to showcase the many shades of our shared passion for the Hard Techno scene. Each artist brings a distinct sound that reflects their own personality and musical vision. What unites everyone on Hard Never Dies is a bold, uncompromising approach to sound, and a deep, genuine connection to rave culture.
Hard Never Dies marks the beginning of a broader musical journey for The Innovation Studio Records. Our ambition is to lead the electronic scene by pushing beyond the traditional boundaries of Hard Techno, embracing new influences, and perhaps even helping the genre evolve into something we haven’t yet imagined.
As an artist, I truly believe in a future shaped by collaboration, where the creative minds within our TIS family can unlock new musical frontiers and challenge the limitations imposed by today’s market.
For us, experimentation and artistic freedom are essential. That’s how music can truly resonate, when it’s allowed to innovate, surprise, and connect deeply with people. This is the path we’re committed to, and Hard Never Dies is just the first step.
The title of the release alone carries a strong message. What does Hard Never Dies represent to you personally and artistically? Is it a statement about the genre, your journey, or something else entirely?
For me, Hard Never Dies is a bold statement. It’s a compilation that brings together artists I truly respect, individuals who are actively contributing to and strengthening our international community.
This release is just the beginning. TISVA001 marks the start of a much larger project, one that will continue to embrace both emerging and established artists from around the world, welcoming them into the TIS Records family. For us, music is always the top priority.
This compilation isn’t just a release; it’s a declaration of who we are and a bold step toward where we’re heading. TIS Records is more than just a label, it’s a movement driven by artistic integrity, innovative production, and a strong commitment to shaping the future of Hard Techno.
There’s a growing number of niche techno imprints out there. What gap did you feel was missing in the hard techno landscape that The Innovation Studio Records was created to fill?
At The Innovation Studio Records, our goal is to provide a platform for the next wave of major talent in the Hard Techno scene. We aim to build a strong sonic identity and produce music of the highest quality, something that stands out and can compete on the global stage.
Bass in My Face, my upcoming single featured on Hard Never Dies, is a perfect example of the sound we’re developing at TIS Records. It was produced in my recording studio in Milan, one of the most advanced music facilities in Europe. Our team includes multi-platinum producers, mixing and mastering engineers, all of whom are exceptional musicians.
At TIS Records, we work closely with each artist to help them reach their full potential, both musically and creatively. We offer a safe, professional environment where every detail, from sound to artistic vision, is carefully crafted.
In the coming months, we’ll be releasing several new projects featuring some of the most respected names in the international scene. We’re excited to share this next chapter with our audience.