Julian Muller on Mental Health, Lyme Disease, and the Responsibility of DJs

The techno scene moves fast—BPMs climb, flights blur into afterparties, and burnout is just part of the itinerary. But what happens when the body can’t keep up with the industry’s relentless pace?

At Glitch Festival, Playful Magazine sat down with Julian Muller—the DJ and producer known for his euphoric yet melancholic blends of trance, techno, and electro—to talk about mental health, chronic illness, and the weight of having a platform in the scene.

Mental Health in the Electronic Music Industry

For many, DJing is the dream: international gigs, packed crowds, living off music. But the reality? It’s a pressure cooker.

“People think it’s just partying and fun, but it’s a job like any other—except you don’t get to switch off.”

Touring means no sleep, inconsistent meals, and an overstimulated brain running on pure adrenaline. There’s little time for reflection when the next gig is always around the corner.

“You can’t really have bad days in this job. You’re expected to bring energy, always.”

But that mindset—that expectation to perform, no matter what—has its limits. And Muller is vocal about the importance of DJs speaking up before exhaustion turns into collapse.

“It’s easy to lose yourself in the cycle of gigs, but if we don’t start normalizing rest, we’ll keep losing people in this scene.”

Living with Lyme Disease as a Touring Artist

Beyond the expected stress of touring, Muller has another battle: Lyme disease. A chronic illness that affects energy levels, immune function, and overall well-being.

“Some days are harder than others. Lyme affects everything—your energy, your focus, how your body reacts to stress.”

For an industry that thrives on high intensity, chronic illness isn’t part of the conversation. But Muller refuses to let that stop him. Instead, he’s pushing for more awareness, more care, and more sustainable ways to exist in electronic music.

“If you’re given a platform, you have to use it for more than just yourself.”

The Responsibility of DJs in the Scene

With recognition comes influence. Muller believes that DJs and producers—especially those gaining traction—have a responsibility to care for the culture they’re part of.

“Techno was built on values. If you get a voice in this scene, you need to make sure you’re protecting it.”

That means: – Supporting mental health awareness – Calling out toxic behavior – Making space for those who don’t always get it

It’s not enough to just play the music—you have to stand for something, too.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Music

Julian Muller isn’t just here for the drops and climaxes. He’s here for the long run. That means navigating mental health, chronic illness, and the pressures of the industry—without losing himself in the process.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. If we don’t start taking care of ourselves, the scene won’t survive either.”

Maybe that’s the biggest takeaway: rest isn’t weakness—it’s the only way forward.

Julian Muller on Mental Health, Lyme Disease, and the Responsibility of DJs