Narciss: Mental Health, Inclusivity, and Safer Spaces in the Techno Scene
- Filip
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Berlin-based DJ and producer Narciss, aka Nicolas Schmidt, isn’t your typical techno artist. Known for their unpredictable sound and grooves that blur the line between euphoria and chaos, Narciss has more to say than just dropping beats. Their mental health struggles, thoughts on inclusivity, and efforts to redefine safe spaces in the techno scene are what set them apart—not just as an artist, but as a voice for change in an often exclusive, high-pressure world.
In this interview, we break speak to Narciss’s about mental health in the electronic scene, and how they’re using their platform to address deeper issues like inclusivity and the toxic side of techno’s door policies. Narciss doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—they’re out here, vocal about self-care, creating spaces where everyone belongs, and making sure the culture of techno evolves into something more than just elitist parties.
Mental Health: The Unspoken Struggle in the Techno Scene
We all know the cliché—techno's a scene built on wild nights and highs that only the beats can bring. But for Narciss, it’s a double-edged sword. The mental health crisis in the electronic music industry often goes unspoken, but Narciss is ready to break that silence. They’ve been open about their own struggles with mental health, admitting that the highs of fame and success come with their own psychological toll. But it’s more than just surviving; it’s about thriving in a scene that often overlooks the people behind the decks.
In this raw conversation, Narciss pulls back the curtain on what it really means to fight for your mental well-being in an industry that thrives on long hours, heavy crowds, and constant travel. They talk about the reality of burnout, depression, and the unsustainable pressures that come with performing for a living. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Narciss is reshaping the conversation around mental health in the music world and advocating for a more supportive community.
They’re using their voice to ensure the conversation doesn’t just stop with exposing the issues—they’re actively part of the solution, showing up as an advocate for mental wellness in the techno scene, and encouraging others to do the same.
Exclusivity & The Problem with Berghain's Door Policy
For many, the Berlin techno scene is synonymous with Berghain—a space so iconic, it’s almost mythical. But behind the allure of its dark, hypnotic beats, there’s a controversial door policy (that can be make some feel excluded, and assume it's about some superficial standard). Narciss is one of the few artists to speak about the problematic aspects of the Berlin techno elite, particularly its lack of inclusivity.
In a scene where exclusivity often trumps inclusivity, Narciss argues that it’s time to rewrite the rules. They share their perspective on how Berghain’s door policy often perpetuates a culture that’s more about image than substance, where the "cool kids" get in while others are left outside. Techno isn’t about elitism—it’s about community. Narciss’s message? Everyone belongs on the dance floor, regardless of appearance, background, or social status.
Narciss’s challenge is simple: If the techno scene wants to thrive, it needs to be for everyone, not just a select few. No more gatekeeping, no more barriers. In their mind, techno should be about expression, not about fitting into someone else’s box.
Safer Spaces: Reclaiming the Dance Floor
But the issues don’t stop at the door. Once inside, the techno scene has a long way to go when it comes to ensuring that all people, especially marginalized communities, feel safe and welcomed. Narciss speaks out about the importance of creating safer spaces—spaces where consent, mutual respect, and mental wellness are part of the package deal.
For Narciss, this isn't just a theoretical conversation—it’s an active, ongoing effort to create a culture of compassion and community. It's about transforming techno events into places where everyone can show up and feel safe, supported, and celebrated. From tackling harassment to supporting LGBTQ+ communities and people of color, Narciss believes the dance floor is for everyone, and they’re fighting to make sure that reality comes to life.
The Boiler Room Moment: Unpredictable, Raw, and Real
When Narciss steps onto a stage, you know it’s going to be unpredictable—and their recent Boiler Room set is no exception. They don’t just play the hits—they turn the night into a raw, visceral journey. Their sound is as electric as it is unforgiving, combining heavy basslines with dynamic builds that pull listeners in and keep them on their toes. If there’s one thing you can count on from a Narciss set, it’s that you’re never quite sure what’s coming next. It’s the kind of energy that pushes the crowd beyond their comfort zones, making them embrace the full spectrum of techno’s possibilities.
Narciss’s Boiler Room set is the perfect example of what they bring to the table: authenticity and unfiltered energy. Every track is a journey, and every shift in tempo is a statement of intent. But it’s not just about the music—it’s about creating a space where the audience can connect, drop their guards, and immerse themselves in the moment.
The Bottom Line: A Call for Change
In a world where the lines between art and culture are often blurred, Narciss is asking us to rethink the way we approach techno. It’s not just about creating a beat that drops—it’s about creating a space where everyone can find freedom, authenticity, and connection.
Their mental health advocacy, critiques of exclusionary practices, and passion for creating safer spaces within the scene are just the beginning. As they continue to carve out their space in the techno world, they’re also pushing for a shift—a movement towards a techno scene that’s open, inclusive, and kind. Narciss is leading the charge, and it’s a message we all need to hear.