From: Netherlands
DJ style: “Techno.”
Best known for: “Live sets with analogue equipment, performing only my own music live on stage with a mix of live adjustments of existing material and pure improvisation.”
It’s been a year of recognition for Dutch producer Reinier Zonneveld, who in addition to ranking on DJ Mag’s annual poll, also set the first Guinness World Record for longest solo electronic music live set. This moment took place at Zonneveld’s own Karren Maar Festival in Arnhem on August 5th, and the performance — crafted entirely from his original productions and remixes — clocked in at a stunning 11 hours and 11 minutes.
Still, that was a mere blink in the midst of a hugely productive period for the live performer and label boss. When we asked the techno innovator what his 2023 entailed, he was quick to respond, “Touring, touring, touring” — before noting that his fourth studio album, ‘Heaven Is Mad (For You)’, also commanded his focus for the past 12 months. The LP arrived on October 13th via his Filth on Acid imprint, further cementing his legacy as one of the genre’s standouts with its blistering peak-time productions and expansive compositions. The lead single, ‘Music Is The Answer’ (a collaboration with JG), features samples from the Danny Tenaglia and Celeda classic floating effortlessly over melodic techno-fied chords, lending a glimpse at Reinier’s lighter side. Alternatively, he also teamed up with Israeli producers VINI VICI on the drilling psy-trance banger ‘Distorted Reality’ to remind listeners of his boundless range. Congrats on a record-breaking trip around the sun!
Hero of 2023: “Kiki Solvej.”
Fave tune of 2023: “Space 92 ‘Gravity’.”
Best DJ set you’ve seen in 2023: “I Hate Models at Monegros Desert Festival.”
What was the most exciting tech development of 2023? “AI by far in my opinion — let’s see if we can use it for the good, or will mankind go under like in a Hollywood blockbuster.”
Rising star DJ/producer of 2023: “Zeltak.”
What gives you hope for 2024? “Somehow mankind has always found a way of working out unexpected solutions for the many problems thrown our way.”
