Dekmantel, long celebrated for their forward-thinking curation, put together one of the most beautiful contrasts recently. The festival really showcased the world of electronic music. Richie Hawtin didn’t disappoint with his historic, state-of-the-art performance. By comparison, Two Shell arrived with an electric energy straight out of the Y2K punk scene. These two acts, seemingly worlds apart, represent both the established vanguard and a glimpse into the potential future of the genre.

Richie Hawtin’s getting back on stage is certainly an event to make note of. Even three decades deep into his career, this commitment to the live experience is an iconoclastic move even for Mr. Keenan. He’s not just spinning songs, he’s creating this incredible story from beginning to end through sound. His live shows, such as DEX EFX XOX, represent that commitment. They highlight a smoothly combined apparatus of old school and new high tech equipment. This singular configuration gives way to a constant, effortless surge of sound, an ever-shifting experience that perpetually challenges and captivates the listener.

Hawtin's preparation for these performances is intense. He allegedly spent months rewiring his studio to recreate his 1990s setup — a time viewed by most fans as crucial to his unique sound. He deftly marries era analog warmth with cutting-edge tools, such as Bitwig. This provides a unified system that connects the history and future of electronic music. He does have decades of experience improvising on 909s. This deep history paved the way for the production of cutting-edge tools and novel ways of performing live. Very importantly, too, Hawtin’s intent is still all about the musicality and improvisation, emphasizing where the sonic journey leads him rather than any visual glitz. He is a rare talent among the DJs who often rely on pyro and other visual gimmicks. This cemented his legacy as one of the great true innovators.

Two Shell: Y2K Reimagined

Two Shell moves onto the scene with a sound that’s as much a throwback as it is forward-thinking. This is a jarringly different approach than Hawtin’s well practiced and calculated, yet spatial, soundscapes. Their music can be described as a high-definition upgrade of Y2K-era pop, a blend of familiar sounds rendered with cutting-edge production techniques. They aren't afraid to incorporate elements of drum 'n' bass and hyper-pop, creating a sonic tapestry that is both exhilarating and slightly disorienting.

Shell’s sound combines the staticky polyrhythms and haunting melodies of Aphex Twin with the energetic chaos of hyper-pop. Combined, their visual and sonic palettes hearken back to early 00s video games and a more innocent internet, cultivating an aesthetics of playful futurism. Chiseling away at their work is the constant cacophony of irreverent disruptions. The Siri-like robot narrators add to the audacity and occasionally mind-boggling joy of the experience. Yet this whimsical ostentation masks a more profound emotional undertow.

Underneath those festival-ready anthems, though, are stirring declarations of vulnerability. These changes and almost inaudible vocals make their music darkly complicated, treating their most focused, careful listeners for the best. They provide a longing glimpse back to the Y2K days while stretching the very fabric of modern electronic music.

The Generational Shift

The spartan abstraction of Richie Hawtin versus the maximal spectacle of Two Shell at Dekmantel emphasizes the broader changes within the origins of electronic music. Representing a more experimental and avant-garde legacy of the genre is Hawtin, a pioneer of techno. Two Shell is a departure from that most abrasive aesthetic, leaning much harder into a more commercial and approachable sound. This legislative shift reflects the genre’s increasing popularity and diversification.

Technological Advancements

The influence of tech on electronic music is impossible to overstate. Hawtin’s performance is a prime example of what can be achieved by pushing the boundaries of sound design and performance via integrated systems. Two Shell in many ways illustrates the effect that professional, high-rise, crewed production techniques can have.

Sub-Genre Diversification

Underneath festivals like EMFO, the widening scope of electronic music sub-genres is clearly on display. While Hawtin is best known for his contributions to the worlds of techno and ambient, Two Shell’s music fuses influences from techno, house and breakcore.

Changing Artist Roles

The artist’s roles within the electronic music landscape are constantly changing, too. While Hawtin is known for his solo approach, painstakingly piecing together his performances in advance, Two Shell often works with other artists, especially vocalists and musicians, indicating a growing trend toward co-creation and a more interdisciplinary practice.

Globalization

This globalization of electronic music is crystallized in the multitude of influences that each artist pulls from. Hawtin is the product of that vivacious and energetic Detroit techno scene. At the same time, Two Shell merges an eclectic range of UK and US electronic music traditions.

Dekmantel: A Platform for Discovery

Dekmantel’s history also includes a deep commitment to presenting emerging artists. The festival started with modest club nights that were capped at 150 attendees. Fast forward to today, and it has grown into one of the largest events of its kind! The national festival is a platform for both established and emerging artists – the Trocadero Dance Theatre. Its program is a lively blend of cutting edge finds and familiar favorites.

Dekmantel’s organizers put quality of experience first, but they are adamant about providing the broadest possible spectrum of talent. The festival's growth has enabled it to provide a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure, with over 200 artists participating in some editions. This commitment is evident in its dynamic program. It’s headlined by artists such as KIA, Shanti Celeste and a host of other various exhilarating new-school talents.

Dekmantel's ability to bring together such diverse acts as Richie Hawtin and Two Shell underscores its importance as a bellwether for the electronic music scene. The broad-ranging festival spotlights iconic pioneers along with burgeoning new talent. This literary-historical approach provides a useful way to understand the genre’s past, present, and future.