Raptor (AUT) – Energy Carved from Experience

Raptor (AUT) - Believe In [OLYMPVS]

Raptor is a DJ and producer from Salzburg, Austria – a city with deep classical roots and a strong underground heartbeat. His journey began at a legendary techno night where Thomas Schumacher’s set sparked a lasting passion for the sound. In 2023, a friend handed him an old DJ controller, and what started as curiosity quickly turned into obsession. Since then, Raptor has spent every spare moment behind the decks and in the studio, shaping his hard, driving sound that reflects his raw connection to techno.

We sat down with him to talk about his beginnings, inspirations, and what fuels his energy behind the decks.

Hello Raptor! How are you today and where are you joining us from?

I’m doing great, thanks! I’m from Salzburg – a city known for its classical music, but it also has a really strong underground scene. I’m proud to be part of that community. That’s where it all started for me – in small basement clubs, illegal raves, and a passion that grew stronger with every night out.

You’ve been part of the Salzburg techno scene for two decades. Your first party was a Thomas Schumacher set, which left a big impression. Looking back, what made that night so unforgettable?

That night was pure magic. I remember how Thomas Schumacher completely captured the crowd – that mix of power, emotion, and total control over the energy in the room. Back then I had no idea about DJing or production, but I instantly knew: this is more than music. That night shaped me because it showed me what techno can do emotionally – that feeling of being part of something bigger.

You spent years spending your weekends in the same club and discovered different variations of techno. How did those experiences shape your taste and influence your current sets?

For me, it was mainly the 2000s Schranz era that totally grabbed me. That uncompromising hardness, the speed, the energy – that was exactly my thing. I spent every weekend in the club dancing to artists like Sven Wittekind, Felix Kröcher, and ViperXXL. That sound was raw, direct, and honest – no frills, just power. That’s exactly what you hear in my sets today: heavy kicks, a driving groove, and full energy from start to finish. I play Hard Techno because it expresses what I feel – pure, loud, and without compromise.

Raptor (AUT) - Distortion [OLYMPVS]

At the beginning of 2023, a friend gave you his old DJ controller and encouraged you to try it out. What do you remember from those first moments mixing at home?

(laughs) It was chaotic – but incredible! I had no idea what I was doing, but the feeling was instantly there. I still remember the moment when I managed to blend two tracks together for the first time. It was like a little electric shock – that energy when two worlds merge. From that moment on, I knew: I want to learn this, understand it, and feel it – every day.

At first, you thought it would just be a temporary hobby. But it quickly turned into a daily passion. What made you keep coming back to the decks day after day?

Because it just felt right. Every day I could feel myself getting a little better, finding my own style. It was like a fire that just wouldn’t go out. I could barely sleep at night because I had ideas for new sets or tracks running through my head. It was never an obligation – just pure passion. And that hasn’t changed to this day.

Starting this journey at 37 is truly inspiring. How has your view of music and creativity changed since discovering DJing later in life?

I see music much more consciously now. Before, it was just there – like a soundtrack to daily life. Now it’s an expression of emotion, energy, and identity. DJing has shown me that creativity isn’t about age, it’s about courage – the courage to try something new. When you start later, you naturally bring more life experience and emotion into your sound – and you can really hear that.

Raptor (AUT) - Besser Als Du Glaubst [RAVE+]

You’re now not only DJing but also releasing tracks on labels like We Are Existence, OLYMPVS, and RAVE Plus. How did it feel to see your name on such respected labels so soon after starting out?

That was surreal. I still remember my first release – I couldn’t believe it when the confirmation came through. These labels have always stood for quality and depth in techno, and suddenly I was part of that. It showed me that hard work and passion always find their way, no matter when you start.

Among your releases, there are some powerful tracks. Which release was the most important milestone for you personally, and why?

Definitely my first Hard Techno EP – with the track Besser als du glaubst (“Better Than You Think”). That was my real breakthrough. When the track entered Beatport at number 12, I could hardly believe it. That was the moment I realized: it’s really happening now. That EP opened doors for me and showed that my sound was being heard and appreciated internationally.

When you’re behind the decks – what kind of feeling or atmosphere do you want to create for the crowd?

I love it when the crowd completely loses themselves in the music. For me, it’s about creating a kind of collective energy – raw, hypnotic, intense. I want people to forget everything around them and just be in the moment. When I see the crowd moving in sync with my rhythm, that’s the best feeling ever.

Raptor (AUT) - Space Energy [RAVE+]

Austria, and especially Salzburg, has a vibrant underground culture. How has the local scene influenced your sound and career?

A lot. Salzburg may be smaller than Vienna or Berlin, but the scene here has real depth and authenticity. People come for the music, not the hype. That honest feedback and closeness to the community shaped my sound. It motivates me to make music that doesn’t just “work,” but truly expresses something.

Balancing family life and music isn’t always easy. How do you manage to find time for both while keeping your passion alive?

It’s definitely a challenge, but also a beautiful balance. Family gives me stability and perspective, and music is my outlet. I work a lot at night, when it’s quiet – that’s my creative time. The key is to be present: when I’m with my family, I’m fully there; when I’m making music, I’m completely immersed. Both sides feed and inspire each other.

Techno has many faces – from melodic to raw, from atmospheric to heavy. Which direction do you feel most connected to when playing or selecting tracks?

Without a doubt: Hard Techno and Schranz. I love that uncompromising, high-energy sound that just sweeps you away. For me, it’s not about perfection but about raw power – that feeling when the bass shakes everything and the whole room vibrates. That power feels like liberation to me. I want people to push their limits, switch off, and completely let go – that’s the spirit I bring to the decks.

What artistic goals do you have for the future? Are there any venues or festivals where you’d love to perform one day?

My biggest goal is to keep evolving my sound and to reach even more people with that energy. But if I had to pick one dream venue – it’s definitely the Gotec Club. That place has such a special atmosphere – raw, honest, and with an energy that perfectly fits my sound. That would be a huge milestone for me. Long term, I want to keep refining my style, release more music, and bring my sound to stages all across Europe.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We wish you all the best for your future releases and performances.