MAIKE DEPAS Curates Next-Gen Lineup For VA on TIVA

Italian DJ and producer Maike Depas is fanning the flames of the global hard techno resurgence with the launch of his label’s first-ever compilation. Titled HARD NEVER DIES, the release arrives today via The Innovation Studio Records.

Spearheaded by Depas himself, the compilation captures the current state—and future direction—of hard techno. Raw, relentless, and razor-sharp, *HARD NEVER DIES* features a blistering lineup including Scarlett, ACOR, RBX, Akoriz, WarinD, Aekae, Marco Leckbert & Luca Maier, ANKKH, and DLVM. Depas leads from the front with “Bass in My Face,” a track that barrels forward with industrial aggression and rave-soaked intensity.

But beneath the chaos lies control. Standout tracks like ANKKH’s “TNT” and DLVM’s “In This House” inject intricate detail and off-kilter groove into the mix, proving the compilation isn’t just about speed—it’s about vision.

More than a playlist of punishing anthems, *HARD NEVER DIES* embodies the love-hate paradox fueling the genre’s rise: it bruises, then bewitches. It’s techno that won’t ask for space—it’ll take it.

Depas, a classically trained musician with a background in piano and composition from Milan Conservatory, has rapidly evolved into one of hard techno’s most compelling figures. His dystopian sound has caught the attention of DJ Mag Italia, Mixmag Germany, and FAZE, while his recent audiovisual reinvention—including a live set at Berlin’s Teufelsberg and a cyberpunk-styled shoot with Demobaza—cements his unique creative world.

The compilation builds on the momentum of his recent EPs with Pushmaster Discs and his December 2024 release *Sexy Devil Horse*, signaling an ambitious new phase for both the artist and the label.

With *HARD NEVER DIES*, The Innovation Studio Records doesn’t just make a statement—it throws down the gauntlet. Hard techno isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s only getting stronger.