u.r.trax on Techno as a “Protest,” the Future of the Scene & Breaking the Illusion
- Filip
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Techno has long been seen as a movement of rebellion—an underground resistance soundtracking warehouse revolutions. But according to u.r.trax, the Parisian DJ and producer known for her mind-bending sets that oscillate between trippy techno, raw electro, and psy-trance, that idea might be a bit outdated.
In a world where the genre now headlines massive festivals and corporate brands infiltrate underground spaces, what does techno really stand for today? Is it still the utopian playground of misfits and outcasts, or has it lost its teeth? We sat down with u.r.trax to get real about the myths, the future, and what the scene needs to survive without losing its soul.
Techno as Protest? Not Quite.
There’s a seductive idea that techno is inherently a form of protest—against the system, against oppression, against the mainstream. But u.r.trax calls bullshit on that.
“People love to romanticize techno as this big anti-establishment movement, but let’s be honest—most DJs are playing the same venues, run by the same people, making money off the same capitalist structures they claim to be against.”
While the origins of techno are deeply political—born from the underground Black and queer communities of Detroit—today’s scene exists in a different reality. DJs fly between cities, sponsored by brands, with lineups dictated by algorithms as much as artistic merit. The protest element? That’s debatable.
“Techno has moments of resistance, but if you think buying a €30 ticket to a club night is activism, you might need to rethink your definition of protest.”
Keeping the Scene Alive: Can Techno Still Be a Safe Space?
Despite the genre’s evolution into the mainstream, its core values—inclusivity, freedom, and community—still matter. Techno was built by the marginalized, for the marginalized, and if the scene loses sight of that, it risks becoming just another industry chasing trends.
For u.r.trax, the real question isn’t whether techno is a protest, but whether it can preserve its roots in an era of hyper-commercialization.
“If we let money dictate everything—who plays, who gets booked, who gets seen—then techno is just pop music in a leather jacket.”
There’s also the question of safety. As the genre grows, so do the issues of sexism, racism, and exclusion—ironically, the very things the scene was meant to reject.
“It’s not enough to just say ‘Techno is against homophobia and racism’—we have to actually do the work to make spaces safer. Otherwise, it’s just branding.”
The Future of Techno: What’s Next?
If techno isn’t a protest, then what is it? According to u.r.trax, it’s a medium for escape, connection, and pure sonic immersion. But its future depends on how the community—and the industry—handle the growing commercialization.
Some things that might define the next phase of techno:
A return to intimacy. With mass festivals dominating, there’s a hunger for smaller, DIY raves and community-driven events.
More focus on mental health. The grind culture of constant touring is burning out even the biggest DJs. Expect more conversations on sustainability in the scene.
Less elitism, more access. Techno was never meant to be exclusive. The future belongs to those who open doors, not close them.
“Techno will survive as long as people actually care about the music and not just the hype. It’s about energy, not algorithms.”
Final Thoughts: Techno is What We Make It
So, is techno still a protest? Maybe not in the way people romanticize it. But it still holds power—as a space for self-expression, rebellion against societal norms, and a way to build something real outside of the mainstream.
For u.r.trax, techno’s true value isn’t in its slogans but in what happens when you’re fully lost in the music, surrounded by people who get it. That moment of pure connection—that’s what keeps the scene alive.
“Techno doesn’t need to be a protest to matter. It just needs to be real.”