Adam Beyer

Adam Beyer occupies a firm position among the few techno originators who’ve stayed at the top of their game since the ‘90s. The Swede’s three-decade career is an impressive unfurling of steadfast, future-focussed innovation and expansion. Beyer has performed at nearly every club and festival around the world multiple times, he’s the first to have racked up 100 Awakenings appearances, he’s turned in two rounds on Radio 1’s Essential Mix and an entry into fabric’s mix series, built a vast catalogue of vital records, released under various aliases, and launched three record labels, including the gargantuan Drumcode, a world-dominating brand with a syndicated radio show, weekly show on streaming platforms and global wide events. Beyer’s vocation kicked off as he galvanised the dawning of a new wave of European techno in the mid ‘90s with releases on Planet Rhythm Records and the iconic Drumcode imprint. Adolescent impatience spurred the launch of his label in 1996. With a vast stack of his records good to go and Beyer being eager to speed up the release process, he threw money into a venture that would sooner give his cuts a stomping ground. Drumcode would soon grow at supersonic speed with his own high-voltage material being released alongside early records from Cari Lekebusch, Joel Mull, Marco Carola, Henrik B and Hardcell. Today there’s no bigger label or brand in techno than Drumcode. It’s long been an entry point into techno, ushering in millions of ravers. An impressive roster of artists feature across an unbroken schedule of worldwide, sustainable events, with a high point being a two-year run of its own booming festival. The imprint has already surpassed its 250th release - a historic collaboration that had Kevin Saunderson revive his E-Dancer moniker for remix treatment. Celebrating the origins of techno, Beyer came through once again on his commitment to respecting the sound, maintaining its integrity and pushing things forward with a diverse line-up of artists including Robert Hood, DJ Mink, Amelie Lens, Len Faki, TYGAPAW, DJ Bone, rRoxymore, Bart Skills and Layton Giordani. “Techno is more diverse than it’s been in a long time. The underground scene is thriving again. I started Drumcode as a counterculture movement, so it’s encouraging to see the energy in it - this youth punk feeling feeding back into techno again.” A true festival headliner, his main stage performances consistently push the envelope of sonic and visual possibility. Beyer’s diligence and devotion to deftly preparing for each set is what fuels his ability in cultivating clubbing environments that are consistently abuzz with euphoria. Guaranteed to enjoy that special treatment in 2023 are clubbers headed for Ibiza with Beyer’s 10-week residency at Hï Ibiza in the main room alongside fellow Swede Eric Prydz. He’s also leading yet another residency at M2 Miami - the latest brainchild from the team behind Ultra, headlining two nights at Coachella, touring South Africa and South America, and lining up festivals Tomorrowland, Awakenings, Creamfields, Junction 2 and many more.