May 28, 2025 |
While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dance floors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Magazine Issue 74, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
Entering an Aiden set is not for the faint-hearted. The British-American talent is known to flood brutalist warehouses-turned-clubs with the sort of thundering techno that’ll make your teeth chatter. The former 10 cover star is part of the 44 Label Group roster and has played beloved venues on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Knockdown Center in Queens, NYC, Blitz Munich and Trauma Bar in Berlin.
Aiden wears swimsuit by 604 SERVICE, jewellery by CRAZY PIG DESIGNS and CHROME HEARTS
Describe your approach to crafting a set.
Usually I’ll buy a bunch of new tracks before most sets to avoid feeling bored. I’ll play around with what I feel is an impactful intro and prepare the first 15 to 20 minutes, then allow myself to freestyle the rest of the night.
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
It’s too hard to pick one! Probably something from Withecker or Jason Little.
What track never fails to fill a dance floor?
It depends on the night. Anything from Triptykh or Klangkuenstler makes people go feral.
What makes a great DJ?
I’d say someone who feels music deeply and wishes to share what moves them with others – they can’t fall into trend cycles, it feels unnatural and inauthentic.
What’s been the best night out of your life?
Honestly I’d have to say [techno collective] Mutabor [playing at German club] Kalif Storch was the best night. I got to see one of my favourite artists play and I played right after him in my dream venue. Insane production!
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
I’m working on a schranz [a techno genre] EP, and the other sound I’m working on I can’t really fit into one genre. It’s deep, dark, hard and melancholic but also slightly tekky/groovy. I’m proud of these, but it makes it harder to find the right home.
What does music mean to you?
Music is the most impactful way I can express myself and relate to others. I can’t imagine my life without music production!
What shaped your musical tastes?
Apparently a lot of weird things! At a younger age I loved Gorillaz and Snow Patrol. In middle/high school I was a riddim dubstep girl and still love it. Then I went towards hard techno, schranz, doomcore, speedcore and terror. I was searching for something extreme that pushed boundaries and was creative. Now I’m most in love with schranz – it’s a good mix of everything I love and it’s timeless in its sound.
What makes a great night out?
Good company, great lighting, a fire sound system and of course insane DJs.
Taken from 10 Magazine Issue 74 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Portrait VANESSA D’ORIA
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
