Luca Agnelli & MAIKE DEPAS discuss main influences, upcoming plans and more: Interview

In this exclusive We Rave You interview, we catch up with both Luca Agnelli and MAIKE DEPAS, as they provide us with a further insight into their respective careers within the dance scene.

Enhancing his status within our community on the daily, Luca Agnelli is the personification of an act that has dedicated his life to mastering his craft. A true pioneer within the techno scene, the Italian DJ/Producer is renowned for his eclectic style of play, whilst his ability at fusing various genres into one, make him an artist that most certainly stands out from all the rest. From finding his very own imprint, Etruria Beat Records, and providing a platform for some of the biggest names in the dance scene, to performing at the biggest stages worldwide, and of course, releasing music that has amassed millions of streams, Agnelli continues to write his own legacy, and we of course, are all for it.

With this in mind, we could not be any more thrilled to be joined by the man of the moment, as he discusses main inspirations and influences, the origin of his style of play, releasing his ‘Game Over‘ EP, collaborating with Maike Depas, closing the year with his ‘Ministry of Gasse‘ single, future plans and so much more.

Hello Luca and thank you for joining us! Could you provide us with an insight on the main inspirations/influences that led to your chosen career pathway in music?

“When I was 8 years old, my parents gave me a set of drums, and as soon as I started playing, I immediately felt that I had a strong sense of rhythm and that music would be a part of my life. I fell in love with rock and metal when I started listening to my father’s Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Iron Maiden records. That was the beginning of my musical journey. However, when I first went to a club at the age of 14, I was captivated by the figure of the DJ. I knew instantly that the DJ booth would be where I wanted to be in a club, the place where I could transmit my emotions and energy to people through the music I loved. So, I did everything I could to make it my job. I bought Technics 1200 turntables right away, spent afternoons in record stores listening to vinyl, and began mixing tracks at home from artists that influenced me at the time. Some of the names that come to mind, across multiple genres, include Frankie Knuckles, Lil Louis, Todd Terry, Kevin Saunderson, Laurent Garnier, Louie Vega, Carl Craig, Derrick May, Jeff Mills, Joey Beltram, Robert Hood, Lenny Dee, Marc Acardipane, Paul Elstak, Robert Armani, 3 Steps Ahead, and others.”

Blending hard techno with elements of hardcore, house and rave, we would like to know the origin of your style of play, and how it may have evolved over time?

“I started DJing in the ’90s, and the first event I played at was called ‘Sunday Afternoon.’ I played a 5-6 hour set, mixing different kinds of music, including house, techno, progressive, hardstyle, and hardcore. These genres have all contributed to shaping my musical background. Today, all of these influences continue to inform the way I produce and perform, blending them together and always striving to create something new. While I take inspiration from the past, I am always looking towards the future.”

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With versatility a key aspect in the dance scene, could you talk us through your own approach towards music production, and the message your music conveys?

“I produce what I feel, what excites me and gives me energy. Throughout my career, I’ve always followed my instincts, constantly evolving musically, experimenting with new paths, and being influenced by what resonates with me at any given moment. However, I always make sure that my tracks are dance-floor-oriented, tracks that convey my emotions, unleash my energy and passion, whether they’re at 130 bpm, like they were in the past, or 160 bpm or more, as they are today. My background has been a big help in this process, allowing me to explore sounds I had discovered earlier and incorporate them into more contemporary productions.”

Releasing your ‘Game Over’ EP back in May, we would like to know the main thought process behind this body of work, as well as the impact caused on since its release?

“When I was creating the tracks for the ‘Game Over’ EP, I felt a surge of raw power and wanted to channel that intensity into something unpredictable, something that would really catch listeners off guard. The title track plays with contrasts: it starts with a dark groove, builds tension with intertwining synths, then unexpectedly drops into a hardcore kick. It’s a sonic roller coaster, shifting between highs and lows to maintain explosive energy. On the other hand, Let’s Go is relentless. A rolling bass drives the momentum forward, leading up to a shouted vocal urging you to let loose. Each break builds anticipation, only to explode with synths, delivering pure, unfiltered power. Seeing the crowd react to these tracks live, especially to the unexpected twists and explosive energy, has been the most satisfying part of this journey. This EP represents my artistic evolution, staying true to my roots while pushing my sound into new territories, always with the aim of creating unforgettable moments on the dance-floor.”

Closing the year with the electrifying ‘Ministry of Gasse’ single, could you talk us through its production, the message it conveys and how it compares to previous releases?

“‘Ministry of Gasse’ is Etruria’s 100th release, and we wanted to do something special to celebrate this important milestone, as well as to mark 15 years of the label, which was founded in 2010. Gasse has been a saying of mine for years, meaning I go full throttle, giving everything I’ve got in everything I do, both in music and in life. Over time, it’s become a slogan that unites me and my fans. So, it felt great to create a track inspired by this phrase. Almost as a joke, ‘Ministry of Gasse’ was born, and it even includes a sample of my voice. Etruria has always reflected what I like to play, which is why its sound is always evolving. Over the past 15 years, we’ve released hundreds of tracks from both emerging and established artists, giving young talents a platform to express themselves. We’ve released music from techno mainstays like Ben Sims, Truncate, DJ Rush, Radio Slave, 2000 and One, and many others. We’ve also been home to emerging talents like Nico Moreno, Amelie Lens, Fantasm, Alignment, Oguz, Azyr, and more.”

Collaborating with Maike Depas on his ‘Sexy Devil Horse’ EP, we would like to know your thoughts on the body of work, working alongside Depas himself, as well as a further insight on your own input, the remix of ‘Star Killer?’

“When Maike sent me the album, I found it musically intriguing. Other artists I respect, like Oguz, were involved, and there was a lot of young talent featured, so it was a solid package that I was excited to support. When it came to the music, I was especially struck by the track Star Killer. Listening to its melody, I immediately imagined transforming it into something more aggressive, while still giving it an epic and triumphant feel. I brought my contemporary musical vision to it, infusing it with my signature energy, significantly increasing the bpm, and adding new melodies and vocal samples. The remix is characterized by a powerful kick bass and an industrial groove, with tight rhythmic interlocks and sharp screeches. But the two breaks are where the magic happens. The first break creates an epic and triumphant atmosphere, highlighting the imposing sounds of the horns. In the second break, the focus shifts to the main synth, exposed in all its purity, intertwined with a powerful synth bass that creates a magical and emotional moment.”

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With 2025 now in full flow, could you provide us with an insight on what the future holds for Luca Agnelli, always in terms of new music, upcoming collaborations and live performances?

“2025 has already kicked off on the right foot. In terms of new music, I have a remix of ‘Firestarter’ for Paolo Ferrara and Lorenzo Raganzini, coming out on HEX Records, as well as a track featured on Oguz’s 808 label compilation. I also have three EPs lined up for my Etruria Beat label, which will be my main focus this year, along with some other surprises. I’m excited to announce another collaboration track with SALMO, one of the most influential rappers in Italy. Additionally, I’m continuing to work on my All Night Long series, taking it to different places around the world. This year, some of my tracks will also be featured in the soundtrack of the Italian TV series Blocco 181.”

Remarkable in every sense of the word, we will most certainly be keeping a close eye on Agnelli and all his future endeavours within the dance scene, but for the time being, you can stay fully up to date by following him on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify!

Ensuring nothing less than the most electrifying of vibes, MAIKE DEPAS (real name Michelangelo De Pasquale) has been causing quite the havoc within the dance scene, as each of his releases and live performances cement him amongst the elite of our community. With over a decade of experience, the Italian DJ/Producer effortlessly blends 90s rave, hard techno and psy-trance, making for a signature sound that cannot go amiss. Bringing the heat with each of his endeavours, MAIKE DEPAS evolves his sound on the constant, whilst the raw talent that he possesses, has led to him performing at the biggest of stages, collaborating with the most well-renowned of acts, and of course, amass millions of streams on his productions.

An artist to watch indeed, we could not be any happier to be joined by the man of the moment, as he talks about main inspirations and influences, the evolution of his style of play, the impact evoked by his cultural background, integrating music and art on the daily, achieving a wide range of milestones, closing the year with the release of his ‘Sexy Devil Horse‘ EP, future plans and so much more.

Hi MAIKE, thanks for being here with us! Could you share with us the main inspirations and influences that led you to pursue a career in the music industry?

“Thank you so much to We Rave You for having me! Ever since I was very young, electronic music has held a special place in my life. Growing up in a city like Milan, where lighter music genres dominate, gave me a unique perspective on music. Listening to sounds like Strange World by Mike Push and the hypnotic The House Of House by Cherrymoon Trax was a turning point for me, it became a true springboard in discovering my sonic identity within the world of ‘90s Trance and Techno.”

Inspired by the ‘90s rave scene, we’d love to know how your signature sound developed and how it may have evolved over time?

“My signature sound is the result of my deep passion for experimentation, combined with hard work and in depth study of sound design. I use both in the box techniques and analog outboard gear to significantly enrich the sound of my productions. The evolution of my sound has progressed a lot in recent years, which has been heavily influenced by having access to my recording studio, The Innovation Studio Records (which also serves as the home for my label). In there, I’m able to utilize some of the most advanced technologies in Europe, allowing for tailor-made production at the highest quality level which exceeds industry standard.”

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Growing up in Italy and coming from an artistic family, could you tell us how your cultural background has shaped both your life and career?

“My love for music isn’t just a passion, it’s something deeply ingrained in my family’s history, almost like an unspoken tradition passed down through generations. While my parents weren’t musicians themselves, music was ever-present in our home. They both grew up in large families where playing music together was a way to connect, to share emotions, and to create a sense of belonging. Every Sunday, relatives would gather, forming small home bands with whatever instruments they had, filling the house with melodies. As a child, I was completely mesmerized by how music had the power to transform a room, bringing people together in a way that words often couldn’t. Despite this strong family connection to music, my parents never pushed me toward an academic path in classical training. Instead, they encouraged me to explore my own passions freely. Choosing to dedicate my life to music was entirely my decision, a choice that required courage, especially in an environment where a creative career is often seen as uncertain. But I was fortunate. My parents supported me wholeheartedly, giving me the space to pursue what I instinctively knew was my calling. However, growing up in Milan wasn’t always easy. The city, known for its elegance and fast-paced lifestyle, often felt rigid, prioritizing appearances over deeper artistic expression. As a teenager, I struggled to find my place in an environment where electronic and techno music had little recognition. I felt like an outsider, searching for something that wasn’t yet fully embraced by my surroundings. But that very sense of displacement shaped me. It pushed me to look beyond conventions, to seek out like-minded individuals who, like me, wanted to challenge the city’s established norms. It taught me resilience, the importance of carving out my own space, and the value of building a community from the ground up. This mindset naturally found its way into my music. Just as I refused to conform to the cultural expectations of my city, I’ve never seen music as something confined by rigid genres or classifications. To me, music is fluid, an evolving language that thrives on contrast and unexpected connections. Blending sounds, stepping outside traditional structures, and embracing experimentation come naturally to me because they reflect my own personal journey. It takes courage to break away from convention, but often, that’s where the most profound discoveries, both in music and life, are found.”

As someone who works daily to perfect your craft, we’d love to hear about the experience you gained from your formal music training and how it has shaped you as an artist?

“Being a DJ and producer can often be an extremely solitary job, but my formal training background has really allowed me to develop the ability to socialize and collaborate with other artists on studio projects. I’ve had the opportunity to work with small string ensembles, bands, and even just pianists, which helped me cultivate a skill that, unfortunately, is becoming rare in our industry: the sharing of ideas, expertise, and human interaction in the studio. Today, in the techno scene, collaborations often come down to sending stems back and forth remotely. But for me, the real magic happens through direct connection and shared creativity in the same space, which is something music school really emphasized for me.”

You integrate music and art into your daily life, could you share your artistic vision and some of the projects you’ve undertaken in this field?

“I’ve always sought inspiration for my music, and one of the first great passions that guided me was conceptual visual art. Over time, this interest helped me develop a unique artistic vision behind my aesthetic as an artist. A great example is my fully 3D-rendered videos for my tracks Midnight Ride, Dark Room, Voyager and Berliner, which have all attracted a significant online fan-base. I’ve collaborated with some of the biggest visual artists of the moment, such as Eris Red, Impossible Realities, ItwasLeo, and my long-time graphic designer Ludenworks, who works with me both for my label and my artistic project as MAIKE DEPAS. From the very beginning, my artistic vision has been clear. Through my music, I aim to explore uncharted territories and distant dimensions, as if I were a character from another realm. To bring this vision to life, in 2024, I developed a new aesthetic concept that represents the manifesto of my artistic identity. This concept is also closely tied to another art form I deeply love: fashion. I’ve chosen to collaborate with emerging, environmentally conscious brands that perfectly reflect my sonic and visual world. This strengthens the connection between my music and an innovative, sustainable aesthetic that aligns with the Avant-Garde genre.”

With each of your projects making waves, we’d love to know what milestones you’ve recently achieved and how they’ve impacted your already remarkable career?

“2024 was a pivotal year for me as I honed my musical vision and solidified my direction in the techno scene. My first release, ‘Rave The Planet’ EP on The Innovation Studio Records, was a manifesto of my sound. I had the privilege of collaborating with Italian artist Amstra on a remix of ‘Float Together,’ blending his dreamy style with my melodic touch for a dystopian vibe. Another highlight was ‘The Age Of Chaos’ EP, featuring a powerful remix of ‘Cyber Attack’ by Matasism, which became a true rave weapon. Later in the year, I released ‘Tokyo Nights’ on Pushmaster Discs, a project that marked a major shift in my sound, merging hard techno with psytrance influences. The EP also included a drum & bass remix by Mattia Trani, which was explosive. A major milestone came in June when I was featured on the cover of Mixmag Germany’s special edition for Sonar Festival, which helped cement my place as “The Future of Hard Techno.” To round out the year, I dropped another EP, ‘The Circle Of Life,’ a more introspective release that reflected on the human experience.”

Closing the year with the release of your EP Sexy Devil Horse, could you tell us about the creative process behind this work, its message, and the atmosphere of collaborating with artists like Luca Agnelli?

“‘Sexy Devil Horse’ is undoubtedly the most significant release of my career and for The Innovation Studio Records. This double EP features five original tracks by me and five remixes by top international techno artists, including Luca Agnelli, Oguz, CHRS, Michael Katana, and Gianni Di Bernardo. The project took a full year to develop, and each track tells a different story, reflecting the creative journey behind them. The EP captures diverse moods, from the pounding psy kicks of ‘Sexy Devil Horse’ to the dark, rave-ready atmosphere of ‘Starkiller,’ while tracks like ‘Ce Soir,’ ‘Dark Serenade,’ and ‘Hear The Sound’ showcase my more impulsive and explosive side. One of the most exciting experiences was working with Luca Agnelli. His remix of ‘Starkiller’ breathed new life into the track, making it a global hit even before its official release. Seeing my music move thousands of people around the world has been incredible, a true milestone in my career.”

With 2025 in full swing, can you give us a glimpse of what the future holds for MAIKE DEPAS in terms of new music, upcoming collaborations, and live performances?

“2025 is set to be a year full of exciting new projects, with numerous releases on some of the biggest international labels. I can’t wait to share everything! I also have collaborations lined up with major hard techno artists, both nationally and internationally. My first release of the year will drop on a legendary Italian hard techno label, who can guess which one?! Additionally, The Innovation Studio Records is taking a big step forward: we’ll soon be officially accepting demo submissions from emerging artists! We have a packed release schedule ahead, with fresh music hitting your favorite streaming platforms in the coming months. And for vinyl lovers, don’t worry, each release will have its own dedicated 12” format. An incredible year of music is ahead, and I can’t wait to play all these new tracks live!”

A true pioneer within the dance scene, we will most certainly be keeping a close eye on MAIKE DEPAS and all his future endeavours, but for time being, you can stay fully up to date by following him on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify!