The boundaries between the RAW and hard techno scenes have been blurring for years. The joint release by Damaxy, Incult, and TITI underscores how labels like Classified Records are working to strengthen the bond between both worlds. Their new track features a distinct hard techno influence, without losing the raw energy of RAW.
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Sounds grow closer together
Anyone who has followed both scenes over the past few years can no longer ignore it: the similarities are growing ever greater. The characteristic kicks, the constant drive, and intensity now form a shared foundation. The scenes are also converging more and more in the structure of the records. Drops, tension arcs, and the energy distribution within songs are closer to each other than ever.
According to the duo Damaxy, the biggest similarities are therefore: “The kicks and the drive in the tracks. The arrangements of the tracks are also increasingly converging.” At the same time, however, there are still differences. For instance, the length of the drops, the mixing style during a set, and the atmosphere at parties are not yet aligned.
Artists and labels strengthen the bond between both scenes
The growing similarities between the two scenes are also evident in the way artists increasingly find themselves on stage in both worlds. For instance, Kruelty is adept at navigating both genres as an artist. He performs not only at harder-style parties but also at major techno events such as Verknipt and Nacht Wacht. Artists like The Smiler, Damaxy, and Chapter V are also increasingly appearing on hard techno lineups, such as at TEGENDRAADS or Glow in the Dark.
At the same time, hard techno artists regularly incorporate rawstyle influences or even complete tracks into their sets. Various events and labels help create connections between the worlds. For instance, events such as REBiRTH, Intents, Defqon.1, Decibel Outdoor, and Classified are increasingly featuring hard techno artists on their lineups. A full techno stage even appeared at several events.
The exchange is mutual and is increasingly embraced by the public. Although there remains a group of purists within both scenes who prefer to see a clear separation between RAW and techno. According to Incult, the distinction is smaller in practice than is often thought. “While I myself always thought it was a completely different scene, I have discovered that that preconception is entirely wrong. Even hardstyle classics are highly appreciated in techno.” What does stand out, however, is the difference in set structure. Techno sets often last longer, giving artists more room to tell a story. RAW, on the other hand, revolves more often around short, explosive energy peaks.
Actively working on a better connection
More and more hard techno artists are also being booked at harder style festivals. TITI is a good example of this. He was scheduled to play at Classified last year. Backstage, he came into contact with Damaxy and Incult through Classified Records, where a connection was quickly established. With the help of the label, the connection between the sounds soon fell into place.
“We were talking about doing a collab at Classified. Titi was supposed to play there too, and then we came up with the idea to ask him to feature on the track as well. We both saw the potential in techno x raw collabs and thought this was the perfect match,” Damaxy explains.
According to Incult, the process went smoothly as well. The track developed not only musically but also as a concept. “The whole story about us as artists injecting raw and techno originated during the physical session. I think the message lies more in the sound than in the literal lyrics. It is actually a kind of message that these two worlds can go well together.”
Damaxy, Incult & TITI – ‘IT F#CKING HURTS’
That development now comes together concretely in their joint release: ‘IT F#CKING HURTS’ was released today on Classified Records. The track is available on all streaming platforms and symbolizes the growing connection between RAW and hard techno. As such, the track serves as a clear example of how RAW and hard techno not only exist side by side but are increasingly flowing into one another.
Footage via: Classified Records
