"Hard Never Dies" compilation

With the launch of HARD NEVER DIES, The Innovation Studio Records presents not only its very first compilation, but also a powerful manifesto for the new era of Hard Techno. Spearheaded by label founder Maike Depas, this inaugural release signals the birth of a platform designed to champion cutting-edge talent and elevate uncompromising sound to global standards. Built on values of artistic integrity and sonic excellence, the compilation unites a diverse lineup of emerging and established artists, all connected by a shared devotion to the raw, unfiltered energy of the rave.

At its core, HARD NEVER DIES is both a creative milestone and a community-driven effort, reflecting the label’s mission to go beyond music as product, and instead foster music as movement. From the pulverizing basslines of Maike Depas’ “Bass In My Face” to Akoriz’s relentless sonic assault on “Destroy Your Brain,” each track contributes to a greater vision—one where innovation and tradition collide in the name of evolution. The result is a compilation that doesn’t just reflect the scene’s current momentum, but dares to shape its future.

In this exclusive interview for Mixmag Germany, we dive into the minds behind two of the VA’s most compelling voices: Maike Depas and Akoriz. Through their insights, we explore the philosophy, production process, and broader ambitions that make HARD NEVER DIES not just a release, but a cultural statement. From Milan to Ibiza, from studio perfection to dancefloor destruction—this is hard techno at its most fearless.

This marks the first-ever compilation on The Innovation Studio Records, what was your vision behind HARD NEVER DIES, and how does it reflect the label’s core identity?

At The Innovation Studio Records, our goal is to give space to the next wave of major talent in the Hard Techno scene, building a strong sonic identity and producing music of the highest quality, something that can truly compete on the global market.

With HARD NEVER DIES, I wanted to create a real statement: a compilation that brings together artists I deeply respect, who are actively shaping and strengthening our international community.

This is just the beginning. TISVA001 marks the launch of a much bigger project, one that will continue to welcome both emerging and established artists from around the world into the TIS Records family. For us, music always comes first…

Your track “Bass in My Face” is a high-octane statement, how did you approach producing it in the context of this VA, and what message were you trying to send as label boss?

My new single “Bass In My Face”, featured on Hard Never Dies, embodies the raw energy and passion we ravers bring to the dance floor. I set out to create a track where the power of the bass could mirror the euphoria of a proper rave, when the sound takes over and you lose yourself completely in the moment.

This track also reflects a key part of the sound we’re developing at The Innovation Studio Records. It was entirely produced in my recording studio in Milan, which is recognized as one of the most advanced music facilities in Europe. Our team includes multi-platinum mixing and mastering engineers, all of whom are also outstanding musicians.

At TIS Records, we work closely with each artist to develop their full potential, musically and creatively. We offer a safe and professional environment where every detail is taken care of, from sound to artistic vision.

The compilation draws together diverse names like Scarlett, WarinD, Akoriz, and ANKKH. How did you curate the artist lineup, and what connects them all under the TIS banner?

The lineup was curated with great care, aiming to showcase the many shades of our shared passion for the Hard Techno scene. Each artist brings a distinct sound that reflects their own personality and musical vision.

What unites everyone on Hard Never Dies is a bold, uncompromising approach to sound, and a deep, genuine connection to rave culture.

This compilation is more than a release, it’s a declaration of who we are, and a bold step toward where we’re heading. TISR is more than just a label, it’s a movement rooted in artistic integrity, forward-thinking production, and a commitment to shaping the future of Hard Techno.

As someone pushing the envelope of modern hard techno, how do you see The Innovation Studio evolving after this release? Is HARD NEVER DIES a blueprint for what’s next?

Hard Never Dies marks the beginning of a broader musical journey for The Innovation Studio Records. Our ambition is to lead the electronic scene by pushing beyond the traditional boundaries of Hard Techno, embracing new influences, and perhaps even helping the genre evolve into something we haven’t yet imagined.

As an artist, I truly believe in a future shaped by collaboration, where the creative minds within our TIS family can unlock new musical frontiers and challenge the limitations imposed by today’s market.

For us, experimentation and artistic freedom are essential. That’s how music can truly resonate, when it’s allowed to innovate, surprise, and connect deeply with people. This is the path we’re committed to, and Hard Never Dies is just the first step.

In the coming months, we’ll be releasing several new projects on The Innovation Studio Records, featuring some of the most respected names in the international scene. We can't wait to share this next chapter with our audience.

Akoriz approaches Hard Techno as both a personal outlet and a bold artistic statement, channeling raw emotion and instinct into tracks that are built to overwhelm and captivate. His contribution to HARD NEVER DIES, the ferocious “Destroy Your Brain,” was born from a desire to create something relentless and hypnotic—an unfiltered surge of peak-time energy. For Akoriz, this compilation represents a pivotal moment in his journey, aligning with a phase of rapid artistic growth and international recognition. Beyond its sonic aggression, the track and the release as a whole reflect his deeper belief in Hard Techno as a lasting cultural force—one that defies trends and thrives on authenticity. With HARD NEVER DIES, Akoriz declares his place in the movement loud and clear: he’s not here to follow, he’s here to define.

“Destroy Your Brain” is one of the most aggressive and uncompromising tracks on the compilation — what was your creative mindset when producing it, and how did you want listeners to feel?

The idea behind the track was to create something relentless, something that hits you right away and pulls you into a hypnotic state. I wanted to capture that peak dancefloor energy, those moments where everything explodes. It was made in a phase where I needed to express my creativity without overthinking just following instinct. “Destroy Your Brain” is a controlled explosion: distortion, relentless groove, and elements that don’t ask for permission they just take over.

Hard techno is experiencing a massive surge in popularity. Where do you see your place within that movement, and how does your track contribute to that larger sonic uprising?

I see myself as part of the wave that’s constantly pushing the limits, not just riding the trend. Hard techno, to me, is more than just speed and aggression; it's a raw form of expression that can still hold depth. With this track, I wanted to add my signature to the movement by crafting something powerful but also precise. The scene is evolving fast, and I’m here with a clear vision and my own sound, ready to push it further.

This VA gives a rare opportunity to be featured alongside both rising names and scene veterans, what does this release mean for you personally and artistically

For me, it’s a milestone one of those moments where everything starts aligning. Being part of this compilation is a huge personal and artistic statement, especially now that I’m entering a very exciting phase. I’ve recently released on top labels like Hekate by Sara Landry, Rave Alert, and Artcore by Indira Paganotto, and soon I’ll be playing at Hï Ibiza which is definitely one of the biggest steps in my career so far. This VA represents a cornerstone of my journey, and there’s a lot more to come.

The compilation’s title, HARD NEVER DIES, carries a lot of weight. What does that phrase evoke for you, especially in the context of your track and your role in the release?

Hard Never Dies feels like a battle cry a statement that what we’re building is here to last, no matter the trends. My track perfectly reflects that spirit: raw, direct, and unapologetic. It’s my way of saying that this sound, and this culture, are alive and evolving. Being part of this project is like leaving a mark at a key moment in the movement. With “Destroy Your Brain,” I’m saying loud and clear:

I’m here, and I’m not stopping.