From: Based in Singapore

DJ style: “EDM/hardstyle/open format.”

Best known for: “High-energy sets that create lasting memories.”

Fave tune of 2022: “Martin Garrix ‘Starlight (Keep Me Afloat)’.”

Rising star DJ/producer of 2022: “Ezra Hazard.”
 

Covid restrictions and lockdown were challenging for Mathias and Stas, the twosome behind Rave Republic. The Swiss and Australian duo are based in Singapore and, due to the level of restrictions, the two had to isolate themselves separately during the strictest stages of the pandemic. But that doesn't seem to have put a dent in their meteoric rise. If anything, the duo used 2022 to showcase the versatility of their sound. They touched on bottom-heavy hardstyle with their single ‘Brakes On’ and went old school with sinister late-night techno on ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. But for their fans still needing the catharsis they delivered in their breakout hit, ‘In My City’, they delivered the goods on the broody ‘Missing You’. 

Being back on the road seems to have invigorated the duo as they brought their schoolboy charm to Europe as well as across southern, south-eastern and eastern Asia, cementing their status as one of Asia’s principal DJ duos.  

What’s the best DJ set you’ve seen this year?

“W&W at Electrobeach Festival.”

Name one great festival you played for the first time this year…

“Neversea Festival in Romania.”

What’s the longest DJ set you’ve ever played?

"Back when we were solo DJs, we had some eight-hour sets.”

What’s one piece of studio hardware you wish you owned?

“Akai MPC X.”

What’s the last tune you bought?

“Moby ‘Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? (Enrico Sangiuliano remix)’.”

What’s the next big sound?

“We think progressive house is going to get another big wave in the next year.”