Techno Scene Faces Reckoning: Safety and Accountability Take Center Stage
The electronic music world, particularly the techno genre, is grappling with a growing wave of allegations regarding sexual misconduct and a pervasive culture of unsafe environments for women. Leading DJ Amelie Lens has publicly addressed the issue, highlighting a systemic problem that extends beyond individual perpetrators and into the very fabric of the scene.
Beyond Individual Cases: A Systemic Issue
Lens’s statement, shared on Instagram, doesn’t focus on specific accusations but rather broadens the conversation. She argues that safety has been wrongly framed as a “women’s problem,” forcing individuals to constantly be vigilant about their surroundings and personal safety. This includes monitoring drinks, being aware of exits and developing unspoken cues for assistance.
The issue, as highlighted by Lens and other artists, isn’t limited to strangers. The concern extends to individuals within one’s social circle – those with whom trust has been established. “It is the man with whom you have shared a drink, the one with whom you laughed while he was ‘misbehaving’,” Lens stated.
Festivals Respond: Cancellations and Investigations
The recent surge in accusations has prompted action from several European dance festivals. Following allegations shared on social media, a number of DJs in the hard techno scene have been removed from festival lineups while investigations are underway. Artists including Shlømo, Basswell, Carv, and Odymel are among those facing scrutiny, with accusations ranging from sexual advances towards minors to assault and infidelity.
These cancellations follow the sharing of screenshots of private conversations and accounts from alleged victims, initially circulated by a former booker. This demonstrates a shift towards greater accountability and a willingness to address misconduct within the industry.
The Weight of Trauma and the Call for Change
Amelie Lens shared a personal experience of being threatened and subsequently finding no support from law enforcement. This underscores the challenges faced by victims seeking justice and highlights the need for more robust support systems within the music community. Lens expressed reluctance to revisit her own trauma simply to prompt others to address problematic behavior, stating, “Just make sure they stop.”
Other prominent female techno DJs, such as SPFDJ and Biianco, have echoed Lens’s sentiments, emphasizing that What we have is a long-standing, structural problem. SPFDJ, in an Instagram video, noted that many men in the techno world still consider themselves “the good guys” and often prioritize self-preservation over empathy when allegations surface.
The Future of Safety in Electronic Music
The current reckoning within the techno scene signals a potential turning point. The calls for change extend beyond simply removing alleged perpetrators. There’s a growing demand for a fundamental shift in culture, prioritizing safety, respect, and accountability at all levels.
Creating Safer Spaces
The conversation is evolving towards proactive measures, including establishing clear codes of conduct for festivals and clubs, providing bystander intervention training, and creating confidential reporting mechanisms. A collective statement from numerous female DJs calls for the exclusion of accused individuals from festivals pending investigation and a broader commitment to fostering a safe environment for everyone.
The Role of the Industry
The responsibility for creating change doesn’t solely rest with artists and festival organizers. Record labels, booking agencies, and media outlets also have a role to play in promoting ethical behavior and amplifying the voices of those advocating for a safer, more inclusive scene.
FAQ
Q: What is being done to address the allegations?
A: Festivals are removing accused DJs from lineups pending investigation, and artists are speaking out to raise awareness and demand systemic change.
Q: Is this issue specific to the techno scene?
A: While the recent focus is on techno, issues of sexual misconduct and unsafe environments are prevalent across various genres within the electronic music industry.
Q: What can individuals do to contribute to a safer environment?
A: Individuals can support artists who advocate for change, report misconduct, and actively challenge problematic behavior when they witness it.
Q: Where can I find more information about this issue?
A: Follow Amelie Lens on Instagram and explore news coverage from reputable sources like NOS Nieuws.
Did you know? Amelie Lens is described as a “techno powerhouse” by DJ Mag and has millions of followers on social media, giving her a significant platform to advocate for change.
Pro Tip: If you experience or witness harassment at a music event, document the incident and report it to festival security or local authorities.
What are your thoughts on the changes happening in the techno scene? Share your perspective in the comments below and continue the conversation.