Basilar Festival 2026

Afra

After a hiatus of about eight years Afra couldn’t deny her love of dj-ing any longer, so she dusted of her collection of vinyl, assembled many new records too and gave it another swing. This all took place in 2017 and a lot has happened since. But more about that later, let’s start at the beginning. 
Electronic music and the international club scene have always fascinated Afra. It started in the early years of this century when she decided – at 16 years old - to collect vinyl and made her Technics her new best friends after seeing a Miss Kittin show. In the coming years she was playing different clubs and festivals in and around her hometown Amsterdam, but dj-ing as a teenager can be tough. The fun slowly passed and Afra started spending her time setting up her own business as a jeweller, which she is still running to date. Luckily Afra dug up the fun 4 years ago when she did what was mentioned at the beginning of this little bio. She found out that the break she took from dj-ing only made her more determined and mature about the job. Her sound has progressed to a mix of techno, electro, acid and EDM all with that rousing punch and emotion at the same time. Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Berlin became Afra’s holy trinity these past years. She became a resident for one of Amsterdam’s biggest queer parties SPIELRAUM, played her monthly shows at Operator Radio while buying records at Clone and cooking up some new ideas with Marsman from Pinkman in Rotterdam, and took the train to Berlin often to play at parties like Herrensauna and Saule. Afra is a true vinyl lover. The imperfections that come with the sound of it and the focus that is needed for mixing with the black gold give her energy and goose bumps. She mixes all of her sets with vinyl and she likes to play diverse sets from the more subtle ones to peak time bangers. 

Another period of rest came when the COVID-19 pandemic stopped all artists from playing their shows. In Afra’s case this meant she could finally finish her plans with Marsman. They set-up the Pinkman sublabel Mindri, which had it’s first release ‘Flying Spaghetti Monstership by Pluto Junkies at the end of 2020. As the shows start to pick up again, Afra is ready and steady for round three.

Anika Kunst

Reading a dance floor is not a science, but knowing how to make the audience enjoy every minute is an art Anika Kunst puts into practice session after session. She has spent more than twenty years perfecting her intuition, technique and building up a vinyl collection which oscillates between timeless techno and the most select house, making the most of the nuances that exist between said genres and all their sub-genres have to offer. Maybe you remember some of her emblematic vinyl-only ‘All Night Long’ sessions or maybe you saw her perform in London, Berlin, Brussels or during her time in Latin America. She might have made her mark on one of your idyllic summer nights in Ibiza or perhaps you heard her at a festival or an distinguishing club in Barcelona at her ‘Selectors’ night; always in constant evolution, with all possibilities still open for exploration. You may be familiar with her well-respected label, which he founded in 2014 as Chapter Records, and you may even have played or listened to one of her releases yourself, perhaps at a DVS1 or Dave Clarke session. You might also have already discovered her studio work, such as her "Different Approach EP" on RSPX (Rekids Special Project), her acclaimed remix of Rødhad on WSNWG, her 'Hidden Intention EP' or 'Sin Rodeos EP' for Symbolism, Ben Sims' label. Her most recent release has been a track for ‘Back To Zero’, a V.A. on Rodhad's label.

Decka

Raised in Bristol, Jack Wallis’ earliest musical influences were shaped by dubstep, punk, and UK techno, shown by his early releases on Darwin’s label SPE:C. Following his move to Berlin in 2017, he and The Lady Machine established Unterwegs, an imprint to release music from like-minded talents, including Decka's pressurized, raw, and driving techno productions. Since then, he has released on top-tier labels such as KEY Vinyl, AMTK+, Token, Tar Hallow and Reclaim Your City. Pushing the boundaries of modern-day techno, the quality of his music is consistently recognized with multiple sold-out releases and a growing portfolio of remix commissions for esteemed artists such as Dubfire. He now runs a second label with artist Roseen - Frameworks - where the duo released their debut album “Imaginary Places” in 2023. In September 2024, Decka released his first solo full-length LP "Exit" on Tar Hallow. His fervent love for analog in the studio translates behind decks. DJ’ing only with vinyl since the beginning of his career, Decka’s sets not only highlight his clear-cut technique but are filled with moments of suspense and tension amidst high-octane energy, drawing on his extensive knowledge of techno, never limiting himself to just one style.

DJ Red

Born and raised in Italy, Dj Red is a key figure of the Roman techno scene. Resident of the iconic Goa Club and its notorious party Ultrabeat, her contribution has been essential to the development of Rome’s club culture. Constantly travelling among Rome and Berlin over the past two decades, she has built up a unique approach to electronic music both as a producer and a performer. When in the DJ booth, DJ Red fully deploys her eccentric and multifaceted personality. From Berghain, Tresor to Awakenings and Exit Festival, she never fails to deeply connect with her audience. The manic perfection in selecting every single record and the commitment of her daily research makes it impossible not to be dragged by the intense, visionary techno sets. The thriving passion for music blossoms also in her productions. Intertwining dynamic rhythms arising of electronic drums, organic tonalities and esoteric machines, DJ Red gives birth to pitch black, aethereal, aqueous soundscapes that reach the very core of her listeners. Her discography counts releases on labels such as Electric Deluxe, Wolfskuil Records, BPitch Control and remixes from Ricardo Villalobos, Zeitgeber (Speedy J and Lucy) and Stanislav Tolkachev. DJ Red is a shimmering example of techno’s past, present and future -- a voice that continues to evolve alongside the genre she so proudly represents; time after time with each impressive performance.

Enkō

Enkō's locked groove style sits at the intersection of classic techno and contemporary rhythms. Deep, immersive, dubby and deliberately groovy. The approach is the product of a practice built over many years, five of them spent studying music technology and sound design in Leeds, where collaborations with Latitude, Leeds Festival, and SHHH_IFT sharpened both his ear and his understanding of what electronic culture can be when handled with care. Back in Lisbon, he channelled that formation into a series of projects that have come to define a particular corner of the city's scene. SUMMA, the party he co-hosts with CRAVO at Outra Cena, has become a reliable home for emerging Portuguese talent, a platform that prioritises quality of experience. OCASO, his ambient-leaning counterpart, takes a different register, as the atmospheric sessions and radio show at Lusophonica document the slower, more searching side of his musical identity. His production work saw releases on BCCO, AWRY, BELUGA TRACKS, WÄXXEL, SUBOSC, and HAYES, the label he co-founded, and reflects the same sensibility: cerebral, physical, precise but never cold or detached. At Basilar Festival, held annually at Barragem da Queimadela in Fafe, Enkō holds a residency that goes beyond performing. His involvement in the festival's curatorial and creative direction has grown steadily since his first appearance, and his fingerprints are on more of the programme than his name alone would suggest. It is the kind of commitment that mirrors what Basilar is: a community-based affair in the forest with a serious groove and built for the long run.

 Venues including Lux Frágil, Gare Porto, Outra Cena, Boom Festival, Forte Festival, Waking Life and many others have all featured him on their programmes.

Fadi Mohem

Lebanese DJ and producer based in Berlin known for deep, raw and hypnotic techno.

Luisa

From Lisbon

Marcel Dettmann

Berlin DJ and producer and Berghain resident, known for a powerful, stripped-down and uncompromising approach to techno.

Montero

Montero's musical journey begins in the sun-soaked terrains of Málaga, southern Spain. His entanglement and love for electronic music has seen him evolve as an artist who weaves a soundscape that's both physical and cerebral, euphoric and controlled. With an understanding of music history that allows him to seamlessly blend modern and classic House & Techno, Juan often produces moments that transcend the ordinary. But what truly sets Montero apart is his connection with the crowd and community spirit. He's not just playing music, he's having a dialogue, shifting between introspective dub grooves and electrifying textures and rhythms as he engages in a dance with his audience. The ability to communicate through sound and his role as a curator for the well re-known Basilar festival makes him a key figure in today’s electronic music scene and although his road has taken the Berliner-by-choice quite a few miles, a few things have stayed the same along the way - an unwavering dedication to our underground electronic culture and respect for the fellow dancers and artists. Montero's journey is a testament to authenticity, innovation and the eternal role of music in knitting our dancing society.

P.E.A.R.L.

Immersed in club culture from a young age, he developed a deep connection to the raw energy of techno, particularly drawing inspiration from scenes emerging in the UK and Spain. In 2012, he relocated to Berlin, and one year later founded his own label, Falling Ethics Records. What began as a platform for his own productions has since evolved into a respected outlet showcasing a diverse range of artists, contributing meaningfully to the global techno landscape. The label is also recognised for its distinctive visual identity and commitment to authenticity, establishing itself as a reference point within the independent scene. As a performer, P.E.A.R.L. brings a considered and intentional approach to the DJ booth. Less focused on spectacle, his sets are deeply personal, shaped by a careful balance of tension and release and an eclectic sense of flow. This unpretentious yet deliberate artistry has earned him quiet respect within the international techno community — not as someone chasing trends, but as an artist with a deep understanding of our culture.

Richard Akingbehin

Co-founder of Berlin community radio station Refuge Worldwide and founder of techno, dub and ambient label Kynant Records.

ROD

coming soon..

Ruman

Salbany

Salbany is the alter ego of Guilherme Alves, portuguese producer, sound technician and DJ, who, in a short time, conquered his place in the panorama of Portuguese electronic music. Born in the nineties from an early age he became interested in electronic music in its most varied forms. Music has always been a constant presence and from 2014 the path to a professional life. As a certified sound technician began working in the field, making live sound for bands, studio recordings and working on projects related to theater and cinema while participating as a DJ in parties. The passion for techno was kept alive and in 2018 becames a producer, with special interest in analog machinery, synthesizers, sequencers, external effects etc. At the end of 2019, records his first EP, thus creating the alter ego Salbany. When he debuted his new techno Live Act in 2020, Salbany instantly became a revelation in electronic dance music. His path started on the dance floor, but quickly was transposed to the studio and the DJ booth, where he showcases an unusual finesse in manipulating and guiding his synthesisers and drum machines towards his main influence: Detroit Techno, but also explores experimental territory, portraying a personal and unique dimensional sound output. The minimalist approach and the repetitive and syncopated rhythms, which he deconstructs into a real-time performance, allow him to operate directly on the crowd, constantly tweaking the groove, ambience and energy with the ability and ease of a seasoned performer.

STERAC

Since his earliest days in the scene, Amsterdam’s electronic music pioneer Steve Rachmad has created a legion of monikers to cover the variety and broadness of his compositions. Black Scorpion, Tons of Tones, Rachmad Project, Scorp, Parallel 9, Ignacio, Dreg, Sterac Electronics; they all represent a different facet of Rachmad’s music. One of the main creatures living on Planet Rachmad has always been STERAC, a side of Steve’s musical personality that’s not easily described. Let’s say that where other aliases are used for excursions to more dub-, disco-, or house- oriented records, STERAC’s focus has always been on the no-nonsense, darker, and deeper side of techno. The STERAC discography consists of signature cuts, spread out over genre-defining labels such as M-Plant, Tresor, Klockworks, Afterlife, Mote Evolver, Indigo Aera and Delsin. Over the years it’s been reinterpreted, remixed, and reworked by peers such as Ricardo Villalobos, Vince Watson and Marc Romboy. The work rarely fits current trends or pushes through to the absolute top of subjective charts. Rather it simmers, always ready to spark the rise of new generations, parties, and artists’ careers within the musical biotope we all love. His effort and independent attitude have made STERAC a regular on many a stage. From his hometown’s Awakenings, to Berghain in Berlin, Movement festival in Detroit, Fabric London, Loft Barcelona, D-Edge in Sao Paulo, and more 🦂

Steve Rachmad

Mentioning releases, remixes, or labels on which Steve Rachmad has shown his craftsmanship is pointless and time-consuming. So is boasting about the clubs and festivals on which he has left his mark. It would just make for another list of names, places, and brands…. Let’s not do that. Feel free to visit the usual channels (Discogs, Soundcloud, Beatport) and take your pick from numerous productions and DJ sets. They all come from three decades of dedication, sweat, and polishing a one of a kind talent. Because as Miles had his horn and Pablo took to canvas, Steve has an unequalled gift for (almost physically) connecting with every thinkable drum machine and synthesizer out there. If the man had kids, boys would listen to Roland or Robert (Moog), and a girl would surely be named Linn, after the machine made famous by Prince and others in the 80’s. Some claim it’s analogue machine telepathy, others say he was born with all the right connectors and inputs hidden somewhere underneath his trademark curly hairdo. This ability has established Steve as one of those artists that simply last because of quality. New generations of artists from different genres recognizes his signature and therefore play his work. As a DJ he is constantly reinventing himself. Set firmly in the best that techno and house have to offer at the moment, Rachmad draws inspiration from his love for high quality disco and electro from the past. As words can never truly describe music, we’ll end with advising you to go check him out and hear for yourself what Steve is all about 🦂

stranger (NL)

Tipped as being one of Rotterdam’s best kept secrets in Techno, dj/producer ‘stranger’ moves in mysterious ways and has quickly proven to be one to watch. His first musical appearance in 2014 was quickly picked up by established names as Dave Clarke, Sven Vath and Marcel Dettmann, giving his career aswell as his own Self Reflektion label a major kick-start. While remaining in the background pushing forward talented artists and working on various projects such as the highly anticipated Paling Trax label, his dj-career is on the rise. His name can be found on the line-ups of some of the biggest clubs and events in techno such as Awakenings, Tresor and many others. This is not your average ‘unknown artist’…

Substance

Vainqueur

Tasha

Runs Neighbourhood record label & techno party... Presenter on Rinse FM... Played alongside Ben Sims, Randomer, Helena Hauff, Ben UFO, Pangaea, Karenn, Henning Baer...

Stojche

Musical trends may fluctuate over time, but some artists remain pillars unscathed by the change in the tides. One such artist is undoubtedly Stojche Cvetanovski. Native of Skopje, Macedonia, he established himself as a notable undeground techno figure. The vibrant scene and the expansion of the Motor City sounds in the Macedonian capital, triggered him to explore his own path in his futuristic music phenomenon called Techno. After a decade devoted to djing, he shifted to producing, and in 2009 he co-founded “Argumento Music”. Stojche is one of the names on the European circuit that broke through by array of contributions to labels like A.r.t.less, Syncrophone, Fuse Brussels, Conform, Mutual Rytm, alongside many others. In 2011 he launched hissolo imprint “Tangible Assets”. An outlet that has given him the freedom to explore and refine his trademark Detroit – schooled dubbed out productions. “Tangible Assets” reflects a personal statement with emphasized appreciation for the history of techno music. His "Minor-scale funk" sound signature, assembled a discographic résumé that passed the test of time. He is consistent in pushing forward the timeless envelope of the “hi-tech soul” legacy. In contrast, as a dj that is deep in harmony with the roots of techno, electro or dub, he exudes the kind of tact that speaks nothing but the truth. Whether you find him in the basement of Tresor or Berghain, his dj sets providefurther evidence of many years spent behind the turntables, resulting in pounding yet dynamic journeys with a dose of emotional content. His constant pursuit for inspiration sits balanced with the pulse of the city life, and isworking tirelessly without fanfare to enrich a scene that sits close to his heart. Locked away in his studio in Madrid where passion and process all catalyze into waveforms of intense voyages, executed by a man who is well in tune with his craft.

Tauer

Tauer finds his rhythm in the purest forms of techno, in a constant shift between past and present, strongly influenced by the 90s minimalism. Based on a fine selection of classic and contemporary techno, he pursues the perfect cadence and elegance for the dancefloor.

VIL (PT)

Nuno Costa began his ventures into electronic music in 2008 with his Sinner moniker, and with it he created Warface, a local crew and promoter focused on dubstep, drum ’n’ bass, and UK garage. In 2013 he kickstarted his new project, VIL, focusing mainly on techno, electro, breaks, and house music. His debut EP came in early 2015, when Portuguese label Extended Records picked him up for a release. Soon after, he released on Lewis Fautzi’s “Faut Section” imprint and on the legendary techno imprint Synewave New York, run by Damon Wild. VIL’s refined taste and set building ability has already earned him a place at some of the best clubs in Portugal, and is a regular presence at many of the country’s festivals as well. Fast forward to 2018, where alongside Portuguese artists Temudo and menosdois, he creates Hayes, a collective focused on showcasing the distinct output of its artists through vinyl and digital releases. Already counting with three vinyl releases since its inception, their music has already been played by the biggest artists in the scene.

Temudo

As a music producer and DJ, Temudo is part of a new generation of artists whose work relies on the contemporary approach to Techno. His music allies the soul of the genre with a modern methodology, and has the seal of genre defining labels like Klockworks, Soma, Modularz, Mord or Clergy. He’s one of the minds behind Hayes and runs his own Mastering Studio: Tema Mastering. The Portuguese João Rodrigues started his alias Temudo in 2014, after a period into the Drum and Bass scene. The Drum and Bass influence can be heard not only on the detailed sound design and low end focus of his music, but also on the energetic and eclectic 3 deck sets he has to offer. Over the last years he saw some of his music being widely played, such as “Tough To Say” or “The Beholder” from the EPs “Unnecessary” and “Not The End But a Change”, both released on Soma, or “Jack and Verge” from the collaborative EP with Nørbak “I Will Guide Thy Hand”, released on Modularz. João describes himself as a nerd for audio processing, composing techniques and solving puzzles in the pursuit of the perfect mix. His background in Jazz, a Degree in Sound and a Master Degree in Music and Technology gave him the tools for the unorthodox experiments he takes in the studio. It is fair to say that Temudo is one the Portuguese Techno main characters.

Valody

Through her sincerity, unmatched energy and mesmerizing selections, Valody captivates any crowd that dances to her beat. Originally from Portugal and now based in the Netherlands, Valody is a DJ, producer, promoter, and the driving force behind the Elberec label. By amplifying the voices of undiscovered talent and performing at many renowned venues, she has become a key figure in the Portuguese scene. Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed in the Netherlands either, where she’s already making waves and recently has joined the infamous Disturbia crew as a resident. Recognized for her bold choices, she crafts an unstoppable energy on the dance floor that enchants all who join the rhythm. Valody effortlessly weaves between delicate and powerful sounds. Though rooted in techno, her musical approach goes far beyond, exploring a wide range of sounds and moods, making her adapt to any moment. Her passion and commitment shines through, turning her into a distinguished and promising artist.

Z.I.P.P.O

Representing the cutting edge of Italy's Club Scene, Z.I.P.P.O distinguishes himself with a unique musical narrative. Giuseppe, as he is known off-stage, unveiled his passion for music early on. His youthful and prolific discography became the foundation upon which he built through several collaborations, a diverse musical journey that spanned continents and genres. From Berghain's pulsating heart to the iconic Tresor – where he now holds a prized residency – and the legendary halls of Fabric and Circoloco, Z.I.P.P.O's sonic influence can be found echoing in the most revered corners of Europe's dance culture. As a testament to his prolific artistry, he has collaborated with prestigious labels such as SK11, Voitax, Enemy, Fides Records, and his presence has been felt at DVS1's curated parties throughout Europe. Nearing its tenth anniversary, Fides Records stands as a testament of Z.I.P.P.O's sonic vision. Under its emblem, the birth of 3KZ, a side project born by Z.I.P.P.O and Kaelan, was soon recognized by Resident Advisor as “Sci-Fi Tinged Techno”. Meanwhile, his releases have graced compilations curated by the likes of Ryan Elliot and Amelie Lens for Fabric, his distinctive sound captures the imagination as it oscillates between ethereal introspection and captivating energy On the dance floor Z.I.P.P.O’s performances are defined by his eclectic selection, deeply rooted in his vast record collection and representing a profound love for the club culture. Whether it's one of his signature marathon closing sets at Tresor, or sunlit festivals like Polifonic and Boiler Room, his contribution consistently highlights the Italian artist's dedication, establishing Z.I.P.P.O as a luminous figure in the ever-evolving realm of electronic music.

Mareena

Mareena's deep connection with electronic music began in her early teenage years in East Germany, where she experienced the quaking rise of techno. Growing up amidst youth club culture and underground parties in abandoned buildings, she was shaped by the no-nonsense, freedom-oriented spirit of the post-communist era. But it was when she moved to Berlin in 2004, that she started DJing, and the city and its vigorous nightlife contributed immensely to her understanding as an artist. Musically spoken, her roots branch deep into the spirit and sound of dub techno and pre and early 2000s techno productions. Adding to this foundation, Mareena has developed a statement sound characterized by rhythmic, lively, and non-linear beats that create an unrelenting flow of energy on the dancefloor. This foundation has earned a long-standing residency (since 2012) in the techno institution Tresor, which stands for a similar ethos. Authentic, but always evolving. Her ability to include hard and elegant elements into her vinyl-oriented sets has led her to play at renowned clubs across the globe - Berghain, De School, Faust Seoul or for the Bunker New York events. Mareena brings that club spirit also to life at the festivals she played, ranging from the cutting edge Up To Date Festival to ravier happenings like the Third Room and not to forget her ambient appearances like at Mostra Barcelona. As opposites are necessary to create balance and harmony, another facet of Mareena’s DJing is the subtle and evocative touches of her ambient sets. Mindfulness, slowing down and the art of contemplation are equally important to Mareen than the dancefloor euphoria. This has led her to found the event series, podcast and label UNRUSH in 2016. Unrush focuses on different hues of ambient music and therefore likes to be a counterpoint to today's fast-paced society. Mareena's career extends beyond DJing into production, too. Productions, that celebrate her love of synthesizers and don't stick to any of the classic genre boxes. So far, Mareena has released on labels like Muzan Editions, Tresor, and her imprint, Unrush. Her collaborative album with JakoJako, "Atlas Der Gedanken," is dedicated to different shades of ambient that make the listener reflect inwards and gaze outwards simultaneously through its organic and electronic touches. Mareena's credibility and authenticity, paired with a daring style, make her a key presence in today’s electronic music culture and carry its spirit forward.