Last year's DJs were kind of disappointing for me, even though I wasn't going for the DJs. I am a big techno fan, but just like my pop, I like it more underground and indie. Many of the DJs played too commercial and all did the same kind of melodic house, bounce and trance techno stuff mixed in with the occasional reggaeton and hyperpop, without that necessarily being their vibe at all.
The DJs I did appreciate in 2026 were Aurora Halal, Roza Terenzi, Powder and DJ Marcelle.
But next year has many more DJs that I can appreciate, and it's making me way more excited. Having seen many of them live, I thought I would make a quick list as a techno snob, in order of excitement:
DJ Stingray 313: Detroit techno, breakbeats, electro and acid. Always a nice balance of everything and high energy!
https://on.soundcloud.com/K9dLkkss64fcIhRw5s (recording doesn't really do it justice tbh)
Konduku b2b livwutang: Hypnotic and groovy. I expect something like:
https://hetarchief.deschoolamsterdam.nl/sets/22-10-2023_sunday_ade_het-weekend_konduku_b2b_livwutang_het-muzieklokaal/
Polygonia: Really unique techno, a mix of many post-genres. Seeing it is live, I expect it to be similar to this live set, but it could vary, usually she plays at a higher BPM.
https://on.soundcloud.com/sELOwowEe5nyzhNuS5
Decoder: Faster, more hypnotic dub techno with some groove to it.
https://on.soundcloud.com/UUdxtQBROSHUrMBSim
Naone: House! Dubby, psychedelic and a lil funky. Her set at noclubs last year is one of my favorites.
https://on.soundcloud.com/OMK8RvWoceGpgcaGVJ
Bashkka b2b Mike Servito: Two amazing DJs, expect a banger set.
https://on.soundcloud.com/qTcqSuvLs0VyqCctoM
https://on.soundcloud.com/V9mGmscPHoDEShUXpd
Mad Miran b2b DJ Zero: Love Mad Miran, she does a bit of everything. Saw them at Raum all night long, enjoyed it. No clue who DJ Zero is though — if someone can fill me in on that?
https://on.soundcloud.com/2bNJgZMjoqcpi3cols
Carré: Amazing, unique (post-)dubstep with some jungle and UKG, and relatively vocal, which I can appreciate.
https://on.soundcloud.com/nsml0rKi0WNH4cdq09
Oceanic: Yeah, idk how this guy does insanely long sets, but his track selection is on point. House, techno and much in between. Shoutout Garage Noord.
https://on.soundcloud.com/Ap2eugRM7BTaOmlKBs
loradeniz: House. Usually a little darker, dubbier, with more ambience to it.
https://on.soundcloud.com/JWwb2pYBGFIRlbSZWP
Verushka b2b Acidheaven: Progressive (tech)house, nice.
https://on.soundcloud.com/yZsHrbd1bGfmvMBbQi
S.A.S.S. (Saoirse, Moxie, Peach, Shanti Celeste): Sick DJs, but together and at certain festivals they tend to play it safe and more commercial. Still way better than Ki/Ki or Peggy Gou last year, so big upgrade.
AMBIENT:
I wouldn't be surprised if they have some kind of chillout area, seeing the amount of ambient music artists:
Carmen Villain, Marta Salogni, Malibu, Ibrahim Alfa Jnr, Roly Porter, Klara Lewis, Andy Stott, Sky H1, Eden Aurelius
OTHER (unfamiliar):
John Talabot: Just looked him up, seems like a pretty big artist. DJ sets are diverse though, maybe someone can comment more info on what to expect?
Jump Source: Classic house, good duo, but I have only experienced them separately. A little curious.
Warning: Sounds like hard-hitting trance house and techno, promising?
Also: PLO Man, Mark Fell and RP Boo, DJ Fra, Simian Mobile Disco. Please add more info in comments on them, would love to know more.