Techno was never meant to be exclusive. It started in the margins, built by the outsiders, the rebels, the underground communities who refused to conform. But as the scene grows, who’s being pushed out?
Enter Dana Montana—DJ, producer, and unapologetic voice for change. Born in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, now based in Antwerp, Belgium, Dana built their name in the LGBTQ+ club scene and beyond, fusing 90s house, hard house, and trance into high-energy sets that feel like a riot on the dancefloor.
But for Dana, music is just one piece of the puzzle. They’re here to talk about why the rave scene needs to do better, how techno is losing its edge, and what needs to happen to bring it back.
Feeling Like an Outsider – and Fighting for a Scene That Includes Everyone
Before the packed clubs and festival slots, Dana was just a kid who didn’t fit in. The rave scene became a home, but even now, that home isn’t as inclusive as it should be.
We dive into:– The reality of breaking into the techno industry as an outsider– How electronic music gave a voice to the unheard, and why that legacy is fading– Why representation in club culture matters now more than ever
Techno Was Built by Marginalized Communities – So Why Is It So Exclusive?
Techno has a problem. The underground is getting commercialized, the gatekeepers are getting louder, and diversity is still an afterthought. Dana Montana isn’t here to play along.
They break down:– How the scene can stay radical and inclusive– The problem with gatekeeping and the myth of the underground– Why representation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of rave culture
Techno was always meant to be political. The question is, does it still have the nerve?
Building a Sound That Actually Moves People
Dana’s music isn’t about looking back—it’s about channeling the raw, high-energy chaos of the 90s into something that still feels dangerous.
They talk about:– What makes a DJ set unforgettable– How to create music that actually stands for something– Why the best artists always come from the margins
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