MAIKE DEPAS is set to redefine the electronic music landscape with the launch of ‘Rave the Planet’, an EP that marks a significant shift in her artistic direction. This ambitious project, part of MAIKE DEPAS 2.0, is not just a collection of tracks but a comprehensive audio-visual experience designed to captivate audiences worldwide. Coupled with this heavier, more refined sound is a series of beautifully shot DJ sets live-streamed from post-apocalyptic locations across Europe, starting with Berlin’s iconic Teufelsberg.
The concept behind ‘Rave the Planet’ goes beyond just music production; it’s a journey through time and space, exploring the fusion of sound and visuals in unprecedented ways. MAIKE’s innovative approach includes not only a fresh sonic palette inspired by techno maestros like Kobosil and In Verruf but also pays homage to trance legends Energy 52 and Cygnus X.
This blend of influences, combined with the stunning backdrop of Europe’s dystopian landscapes, sets the stage for an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of what live electronic music can be. As MAIKE DEPAS 2.0 unfolds, audiences can expect a series that not only showcases her evolution as an artist but also challenges the conventions of the electronic music scene.
What inspired the idea to live-stream DJ sets from post-apocalyptic locations across Europe, starting with the Berlin Teufelsberg set?
Starting from the beginning in 2023, I decided to create a special series of DJ-sets on my YouTube Channel called The Essentials Mixes. The main goal was to produce a series of videos were I was performing my favourite hard techno tracks in various locations such as my studio and some beautiful, remote spots in Italy. The Essentials Mix Vol. 8 shot in the iconic Berlin location, Teufelsberg, marked the official release of my new identity as a hard techno artist.
My new identity is influenced by the dystopian imagery of sci-fi films like ‘Dune’ by David Lynch and ‘Blade Runner 2049’ by Denis Villeneuve. From the outfits I wear in the locations where I perform not to mention the tunes I play, everything has to be unique and related to the overall atmosphere that I want to convey to my audience – a little film production, sort of. Through 2024 I will release new DJ-sets in special locations around Europe with the aim of bringing my sound and visuals to life. These sets will also feature special remixes and unreleased tracks. Stay tuned!
How do the chosen locations influence the mood and energy of your live sets?
The locations of my productions are really important and determine the mood that I want to convey to my audience. Almost everything is built around the locations: from the fixed camera placements and the use of drones to the DJ sets and outfits. My intros are usually dreamy and resemble a soundtrack of a film that sets the scene for the first act. For example, the first track of my set in Teufelsberg is a cinematic edit of my single ‘Voyager’.
How do the visuals and dystopian outfits designed by Demobaza integrate with the themes of your live performances?
When I have decided a location for my set, an important aspect of the production is the costume that I am going to wear while I am performing the set. Demobaza ticked all the right boxes for me because of their extremely futuristic clothes with full of interesting details, which go well with my sound and post-apocalyptic surroundings.
Looking ahead, are there any other locations you’re particularly excited about exploring for future live sets?
In the future I would love to shoot a new essential mix somewhere in my country, Italy. There are many industrial locations that I have been scouting for my next production.
Beyond the visual and auditory, is there a message or statement you aim to convey through choosing to perform in post-apocalyptic settings?
The locations where I like to perform are unique, iconic parts of our common history. They all have their untold, forgotten stories to tell – much like each and every one of us. As an artist, I want to use their rugged charm as a backdrop to tell my own story and convey my futuristic vision where the metaverse will revolutionise the way we experience music.
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