Festivalgoers’ opinions are unanimous: Stone Techno is one of the best electronic music festivals out there. Confirmation comes after speaking with several attendees during this year’s edition, held once again at the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein in Essen, Germany — undeniably one of the most spectacular venues for music events. Drawn by its high-calibre lineup and meticulous attention to detail, this project strays away from the mainstream, thriving thanks to a loyal community.
As we mentioned last year, this project champions musical quality above all else. And it stays true to that mission by resisting the pull of trends and social media status, earning a prominent spot in the international scene. Here, no one cares how many followers you have on Instagram, your marketing tactics, or any of the other factors that often shape a lineup. What truly matters is the connection forged between artist and audience; the ability of DJs not only to deliver sonically and technically, but also to turn their sets into rituals that let people forget their concerns and surrender to the dancefloor.
“There’s no such thing as a main stage,” DJ, producer, promoter, mastering engineer, and founder of The Third Room, Ahmet Sisman, told us a few days ago. His independent label, studio, and event series based in Essen are the driving forces behind Stone Techno. And it’s that very magic, the rejection of hierarchy and ego, that invites everyone to be their truest selves during the festival, which sold out across all three days from Friday, July 11th, to Sunday, July 13th.
Whether at Kokerei, Werks-Schwimmbad, Eisbahn, or Salzlager, each of the four stages delivers top-tier music without competing for attention. Instead, they coexist in perfect harmony within this one-of-a-kind location. “It’s already established as one of the top festivals in the world,” said Nastia before taking over the Kokerei Stage with raw intensity and razor-sharp precision. “Stone Techno is the best festival in Germany — if not in the entire world,” added Philippa Pacho ahead of her performance. “The audience here is so amazing because everyone who comes to Stone really loves electronic music,” continued the Swedish artist, for whom this event is a meeting point with fellow DJs and music lovers she’s met around the world.
DVS1, DJ Nobu, Ben Klock, Planetary Assault Systems, Objekt, Wata Igarashi, Helena Hauff, and D. Dan were just some of the names on this year’s bill, with jaw-dropping live sets from Ignez, JakoJako, Rødhåd, and Ufo95 leaving us speechless. The lineup features some of the most interesting names of the global scene while also welcoming lesser-known talents and rising stars with undeniable potential. It’s refreshing to see established artists share the spotlight with the next generation in such a stimulating, sensorial environment.
The Salzlager stage, hosted by Laster on Friday and Mutual Rytm on Saturday, gifted us unforgettable moments: a live set from Human Safari and Arthur Robert, a B2B from KiNK and Raredub, and another from Fadi Mohem and Philippa Pacho, to name just a few. But beyond the names and sets, what truly sets Stone Techno apart is, as Pacho mentioned, the crowd’s genuine love for music. Whether deep in the middle of the dancefloor or right behind the decks, everyone is there for the beats. You’ll barely see phones in the air; no one’s trying to prove they were there. They just are, fully immersed.
This is a no-ego zone, and DJs merge with the crowd in every set, every stage. That’s why artists feel so at ease here; even the festival’s founder gets behind the decks himself, a true testament to the hands-on involvement of the organisers. Think about it: how many festivals have directors chatting with press and artists backstage or even performing as part of the lineup? Not many, right?
Just like last year, what caught our attention was the crowd, undeniably cool, serving street style-worthy looks. No one’s judged or judging. It’s a space to feel inspired, reconnect with the essence of music, and be your most authentic self, surrounded by people who are doing the same in a celebration of the here and now.
Special mention must go to the visuals projected during the performances and to the short films shared on Stone Techno’s social channels, which gave us the chance to relive the experience in an immersive way. No gimmicks, just connection.
Ahmet Sisman
Arthur Robert
Ben Klock
Dj Nobu B2B Wata Igarashi
KiNK B2B Raredub
Planetary Assault Systems
