With a career spanning over four decades, Timo Maas remains a cornerstone of the global electronic music scene. Recently, he lent his expertise to the new record label and audio-visual platform Gun Raven, contributing two distinct, high-intensity remixes to the Stealth Mode EP. As the release makes waves, we sat down with the legendary artist to discuss the shifting landscape of techno and his enduring passion for the craft.
Reflecting on his long tenure in the industry, Maas acknowledges the profound transformation the scene has undergone since he first started spinning records. “Everything has changed,” he notes. “The transition from analog to digital, the listening behavior, the sales, and the revenue streams—it is a different world.” While he recognizes the increased visibility and commercial growth of the genre, he also points to the challenges this brings for modern artists. “When it was 100% about music back in the day, it is maybe 20-30 percent left of this, and the rest is marketing. Nowadays, the scene also divides between artists and performers, which is a very different approach.”
Despite these shifts, Maas maintains a clear vision for his own work. He prefers to avoid rigid genre labels, describing himself instead as a “storyteller DJ” who guides audiences through a musical journey. “I leave the description to my listeners,” he explains. “Whether it is deep, psychedelic techno, or just a trip—whatever it is, as long as it rocks, that is what matters.”
This commitment to creative freedom is evident in his recent work on the Stealth Mode remix. “When I heard the original material, I immediately had ideas for reinterpretation,” Maas says. “The original parts were very good, which allowed for more open creativity in the remix process.” He collaborated on these tracks with Mark Ulrich, a producer also known for his work with Apnoea and 2 Pole.
Looking ahead, Maas shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently working on new material, including a special collaboration with Marc Romboy and a remix for the Latin Grammy-nominated band Novalima. He is also developing projects with Francesco Mami and Terry Francis, and continues to push boundaries with his production. “I am still hungry,” he admits.
For the next generation of producers, Maas offers a simple piece of advice: “Stay true to the spirit of techno in all its variations and honor the DJ, no matter how big or small the name is. Keep our scene interesting and alive!”
