Techno Without Borders

In an era where music festivals and events have become synonymous with grandeur and scale, Techno Without Borders(TWB) is emerging as a refreshing alternative, blending intimacy with global inclusivity. Founded by Saad Ayub during the pandemic, TWB has successfully bridged the gap between virtual and live experiences, transcending traditional formats. With its roots in Toronto, TWB has grown into a global movement, transforming how techno is presented, experienced, and celebrated in cities across the world.

At its core, TWB is driven by a passion for creative freedom, musical integrity, and diversity. Saad and his team have skillfully curated events that remain deeply connected to the underground essence of techno while welcoming diverse influences from around the world.

“Our lineups are designed to take attendees on a journey, with a flow that tells a story—one you can truly feel as much as hear.”

This balance of authenticity and openness to innovation has allowed TWB to stand out, gaining traction internationally. In our interview, Saad delved into the journey, challenges, and future aspirations of Techno Without Borders, offering a deeper insight into the philosophy behind the brand.

When asked about the inception of TWB and its unique approach to events, Ayub recalled the early days of the pandemic, which served as a pivotal moment in shaping the movement.

“The idea behind Techno Without Borders was always in the back of my mind. I wanted to create a brand where I had full creative freedom to showcase talent and curate events the way I envisioned, without being constrained by promoters, venues, or politics. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that it truly began to take shape. I had just finished a show in Amsterdam with Paul Van Dyk when the world started shutting down. The music scene took a huge loss, and genres began to blur together. Like many others, I found myself without work, trying to figure out the next step”.

“That’s when I decided to create something new: a virtual live show for my fans. I launched it on Zoom and named it Techno Without Borders. I played the music I loved: techno, bootlegs of trance with techno, house with techno. The response was incredible. It kept me connected with both my fans and my local community during lockdown”.

“As the restrictions eased, my Toronto audience started asking for live events. Promoters even approached me to throw underground raves. That’s when I decided to make Techno Without Borders a real-world event. Since then, we’ve had seven consecutive sold-out shows, with our annual boat cruise becoming a signature event where we celebrate TWB’s anniversary in Toronto. It has turned into a true reunion for the community.”

Saad´s vision was not just limited to bringing people together locally; it extended far beyond borders, with a focus on creating events that connect diverse audiences and artists across the globe.

TWB’s growth from a virtual platform into a real-world international brand has been fuelled by his’s deep love for music and his dedication to curating unique, authentic experiences.

“The driving force behind going international has always been my pure love for music. I want to bring the artists I love to the stage and create the kind of events I would want to dance at. Techno Without Borders has now grown into a global brand, allowing us to book talent from all over the world, especially in Europe. The journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see how far we can take it.”

Techno is a genre with rich cultural roots, and for Ayub, ensuring that TWB remains inclusive and diverse is essential to its identity. His experiences as a DJ and producer have shaped his outlook, and this perspective is evident in both the music and the events TWB curates.

“As I celebrate 10 years as a producer and over 15 years as a DJ, I can confidently say that diversity has been a defining element in shaping both my music and my events. Coming from a diverse background myself, I’ve always sought to reflect that in my sets and the way I curate experiences. A perfect example is this year’s event, where we’re showcasing a lineup that features equal women and men, with artists from various backgrounds and countries. Diversity is the unity that this scene thrives on. In times like these, when the world is facing so many challenges, it feels more important than ever to champion the values of PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. This inclusivity has undoubtedly contributed to the international growth of the movement, making it a truly global community"

By championing diversity, Saad’s has managed to capture the spirit of techno while pushing its boundaries, ensuring that TWB remains deeply rooted in the underground culture while appealing to a wide audience.

“It’s pretty straightforward. Our events are driven by what we genuinely love as musicians. If we chased trends, our lineups would look completely different. For me, David, Sam, and Katrii, it’s all about curating music that resonates with us personally. That’s what we bring to every event, and I think it’s what keeps us connected to the true underground vibe. Honestly, I’ve always preferred going against the grain, and that’s what makes our approach feel authentic and true to who we are.”

Saad Ayub’s journey from Toronto to the international stage has been marked by a series of milestones. He recalls the pivotal moments that helped TWB transition from a local project to a globally recognized brand.

“One of the key moments in the evolution of Techno Without Borders was our first year at ADE, where we partnered with Neon Owl to host an intimate event at the iconic Crane Hotel featuring all our favourite artists. That event marked a significant milestone for us. Additionally, collaborating with brands like Beatport, Mixmag, Tecán, and GiG has been another highlight of our journey.”

Partnering with local talent and like-minded individuals in new cities has also been a critical factor in TWB’s expansion. Katrii, TWB’s creative director, explained the importance of building relationships in every new city they enter.

“Expanding to Amsterdam wasn’t easy, “but thanks to the invaluable efforts of our regional head, David Maters, we made it work. Born and raised ‘Amsterdammer’, David’s deep knowledge of the city’s evolving music scene and his unique blend of logistical precision and creative vision have been crucial to our growth and immersive event success. He’s been at the heart of making each event feel immersive and true to the essence of TWB’s philosophy.” When we all put our heads together, it came easily and just worked.”

As TWB prepares for its upcoming ADE event, Sam Van Horne, TWB’s executive director, shared his excitement about their third return to the festival and what makes this year’s showcase particularly special.

“We’re hosting this year’s event at ‘The Other Side,’ the first venue equipped with the L-ISA Spatial sound system, offering a fully immersive audio experience. By ca - refully selecting venues that enhance both sound and atmosphere, we create events where the music and environment combine for a truly unforgettable experience.”

The remarkable journey of Techno Without Borders, from its virtual origins to a worldwide movement, is a testament to the vision, resilience, and passion of its founders. Saad´s’s unwavering commitment to curating authentic, underground techno experiences, while embracing diversity and inclusivity, has resonated with audiences across continents.

The collective’s ability to adapt to new challenges, whether through expanding into new cities or incorporating cutting-edge technology like spatial sound systems, keeps TWB at the forefront of the electronic music scene.

“Techno is continuously expanding into new territories, while drawing from and inspiring a wide range of genres. This cross-pollination creates exciting oppor - tunities for more diverse lineups and allows us to ex - periment with genre-blending in ways that challenge expectations and push creative boundaries”.

Looking ahead, Techno Without Borders is poised to continue pushing boundaries, both musically and geographically. With a confirmed presence at ADE and plans to expand into new markets like Berlin, Barcelona, and Tokyo, the movement shows no signs of slowing down. As the post-pandemic world craves deeper connections through music, TWB remains dedicated to fostering an environment where people can reconnect with the essence of techno, creating unforgettable experiences that resonate long after the music fades.