Breda (the Netherlands) March 29th 2025

Interview with a Seasoned Raver: Two Decades of Techno and Personal Growth

It’s 4:00 AM outside MEZZ; a music club in the city centre of Breda. Tonight UNIT, a local organisation, celebrates their 10 year anniversary. Amidst the pulsating beats echoing from within, we sit down with Mark, a 45-year-old devoted raver who has been part of the scene for over 20 years. With two children and a settled life, he now attends raves only a few times a year. He shares his journey of personal development through techno music.

TiMD: Mark, you just told me you’ve been raving for over two decades. How did you first get into the techno scene?​Festival Insider

Mark: It all started in the late ’90s. I was in my early twenties, looking for an escape from the daily grind. A friend took me to an underground rave, and I was instantly hooked. The energy, the music, the sense of community—it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.​

TiMD: You mentioned that raving was initially an escape. How has your relationship with techno evolved over the years?​

Mark: In the beginning, it was about letting loose every weekend, using the music and the scene to forget about life’s stresses. But as I matured, so did my approach. Now, attending a rave is more of a deliberate act—a way to release built-up tension and reconnect with myself. It’s like an active meditation, a preventive measure to maintain balance in my life.​

TiMD: Many associate raving with substance use. How has that aspect played into your experience?​

Mark: While substances were part of the scene in my early days, I’ve come to realize that the true essence of raving isn’t about that. It’s about the music, the movement, and the collective energy. These days, I don’t feel the need for anything extra. The rhythm and the atmosphere are more than enough to take me to that elevated state.​ But I’m no saint either haha! I dropped some acid earlier this night and it’s amazing!

TiMD: Oh really? Well you look – and sound – sober.

Mark: It was just 1/3 of blotter; I guess 50micron. That gives you this lovely energetic rush, but it’s not too much to make you socially awkard. I tend to forget conversations I have on MDMA or alcohol, but on acid everything is much more clear.

TiMD: That’s interesting.

Mark: Yes indeed! And it’s not toxic. Even though I only go out a few times a year, I don’t want to use more destructive substances anymore. I mean, there are ways to use stuff as responsible as possible, but I think I’ve had my share over the years. I’ve seen enough bad things with drugs to not promote it, but to be honest, I also had beautiful moments that were only possible in that extra dimension.

TiMD: Balancing family life with the rave scene must be challenging. How do you manage it?​

Mark: It’s all about priorities and time management. I have two wonderful kids and a career that I’m dedicated to. Raving has become an occasional indulgence rather than a regular habit. I plan these nights carefully, ensuring they don’t interfere with my responsibilities. It’s a way to recharge and bring renewed energy back to my family and work.​

TiMD: Has your time in the techno scene contributed to your personal growth?​

Mark: Absolutely. Techno has been a constant companion through my journey. The music taught me resilience, the community showed me acceptance, and the dancefloor became a space for self-expression. These experiences have shaped me into a more open-minded and empathetic person.​ I truly believe it kept me physically fit too. I saw this girl wearing a T-shirt in Berlin once that said “tanzen is auch sport” and that is so true!

TiMD: With the evolution of the rave scene, how do you perceive the changes over the years?​

Mark: The scene has transformed in many ways—different venues, evolving music styles, and a more diverse crowd. While some of the raw, underground vibes have shifted, the core remains the same. It’s still about unity, music, and release. I appreciate both the nostalgia of the past and the innovations of the present.​ When we first started raving, there weren’t even that much subgenres. We just had techno and house. And gabber of course. Our typical Dutch hardcore kinda techno 😉 When you hear the current hard techno kicks; it is a similar vibe. I still love my hardcore gabber parties and I love my Tekno and Techno.

TiMD: What advice would you give to newcomers who are just discovering the rave scene?​

Mark: Immerse yourself fully but responsibly. Understand that it’s not just about the party; it’s about the culture, the music, and the people. Respect your limits, look out for one another, and remember that the essence of raving is about connection and self-discovery.​

TiMD: Finally, what keeps you coming back to techno after all these years?​

Mark: Techno is more than music; it’s a lifeline. No matter how much my life has changed—be it career shifts, becoming a parent, or adopting a more conventional lifestyle—techno remains a grounding force. It’s a reminder of who I am at my core and offers a space where I can be free, even if it’s just for a few nights a year.​

As dawn approaches, Mark prepares to head home, carrying with him the rejuvenating energy of the night—a testament to the enduring power of techno in his life.