Swedish DJ and producer KAAZE is redefining the boundaries of techno. Known for his electrifying sets and chart-topping productions, he’s now spearheading a genre he cheekily dubs “Hot Tekno.” Currently sitting at #48 on DJ Mag’s Top 100, KAAZE opens up about his journey—from early underground days in Sweden to building a genre with mainstream appeal.
What Is “Hot Tekno”?
“It’s not your typical techno,” KAAZE explains. “It’s not hard techno either—it’s somewhere in between.”
The idea for Hot Tekno emerged during a brainstorming session with his agent, Dennis. Blending rhythmic elements from his earlier electro house and progressive sounds with techno textures, KAAZE found something entirely new.
“I saw people reacting to it online—especially women,” he adds. “
It had this sexy, rhythmic energy, but calling it ‘sexy techno’ sounded too cliché.
So we said, why not ‘Hot Tekno’? It started as a joke, but fans loved it.”
A Return to His Techno Roots
What many don’t realize is that KAAZE’s journey actually began with techno—long before the rise of his KAAZE persona.
“Twenty years ago, I was making underground industrial techno in Sweden,” he says.
“It was raw, gritty, and completely different from what I became known for.”
After years immersed in progressive house and big-room anthems, KAAZE hit a creative wall.
“I needed to feel excited again in the studio. Returning to techno felt like coming home—but with a twist.”
That twist became Hot Tekno, and it didn’t take long for the sound to catch fire online.
A Fanbase Explosion
Since shifting focus to Hot Tekno, KAAZE’s fanbase has skyrocketed.
“I went from 200,000 followers to nearly 800,000 in just two years,” he says.
“Most of them only know me for this new sound, which is exciting—it feels like I’m building something fresh from the ground up.”
His #48 spot in DJ Mag’s Top 100 is more than a number—it’s a testament to the resonance of Hot Tekno with a global audience.
“That ranking wasn’t just about me,” KAAZE emphasizes. “
“It was about a whole new community forming around this sound.”
What’s Next for KAAZE?
With a North American tour on the horizon and new productions in the pipeline, KAAZE is full throttle in building the Hot Tekno movement.
“This is just the beginning,” he promises. “There’s so much more to explore, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.”
As KAAZE continues to merge underground authenticity with mainstream accessibility, one thing is clear: Hot Tekno is here to stay—and it’s heating up fast.
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