With a deep-rooted commitment to political and queer activism, Yonti channels the power of music as a force for unity and resistance. Extending his influence beyond the DJ booth, he views the dance floor as a space for personal empowerment and respite. His music, charged with intensity, drive and textures, strikes a chord with those yearning for escape and belonging. For Yonti, activism and electronic music are inseparable. The dimly lit, sweaty dance floors became his playground, offering a space for raw escapism and cohesion. This experience led
Yonti to start DJing, honing his skills during countless afternoons at a local club in his hometown, supported by an owner eager to nurture local queer talent. Yonti pursues a contemporary and propulsive style of techno, giving nods to the Birmingham sound and Berlin’s concrete vibe. His sets are unpretentious and raw, featuring alluring loops and crispy layers that create a brooding, hard-to-escape intensity. Tension builds and releases, never losing grip on a steady, driving momentum, leaving the crowd drenched in sweat and melancholic euphoria. This untamed, visceral sound quickly resonated, securing him various residencies in his hometown. Beyond playing, Yonti curated events pulsing with that wild and inclusive energy that captivated him from his early days in the techno scene. Berlin, a significant source of inspiration, later naturally became Yonti’s new home where he further developed as a DJ. He debuted at the inimitable SNAX party at Berghain at the age of 23. His sound and vision aligned perfectly with the club’s relentless atmosphere, so he soon became a regular at the institution. Likewise, his undeniable talent and dedication have earned him gigs at iconic and sought-after venues and festivals worldwide, such as K41, De School, Basement, and even Glastonbury Festival.
Experiencing Yonti is an intense and liberating experience, emphasizing the dance floor as a source of resistance and possibility, providing much-needed sanity in turbulent times.
Text: Theresa Baeumel