Phonk around and find out…
Amsterdam, July 3d — Italian producer Maike Depas swerves into uncharted territory with 'Don’t Phonk With Me', his debut release on Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE Records. Tapping into phonk, hard groove, and hard dance aesthetics, the single flips the script on Depas' techno-driven style without giving up an ounce of impact. ‘Don’t Phonk With Me’ lands today on Indira Paganotto’s brand new Artcore Records VA – Sonar Edition, which can be found on streaming services everywhere.
‘Don’t Phonk With Me’ sets the record straight: Maike Depas is a prodigious musician unrestrained by genre. The new release trades the death-defying kicks at the core of Italian producer's hard techno sound, swapping them for a pulsing bassline and percussive rhythms that, simply put, feel good on the brain. The sharp vocal pushes beyond the concept of hypnotic, engulfing listeners in a loop of tension that's both physical and psychological.
“I’ve been following Indira for years, so getting the chance to release a track on her ARTCORE label is kind of surreal.” Says Maike Depas, “The authentic energy that she brings to everything she does is next level and I think this track fits right in with that vibe. This one's a bit experimental for me but I love that it found a home on a compilation that’s all about pushing boundaries.”
His latest single may stray from Maike Depas' hard techno ethos, but carries the very same blend of precision and chaos that fans have grown to love from the enigmatic producer. While his studio productions set the scene, it's the live sets from Depas that have pushed him to the forefront of the industry, demonstrated by his recent 6AM Guest Mix.
“I’ve been following Indira for years, so getting the chance to release a track on her ARTCORE label is kind of surreal.” Says Maike Depas, “The authentic energy that she brings to everything she does is next level and I think this track fits right in with that vibe. This one's a bit experimental for me but I love that it found a home on a compilation that’s all about pushing boundaries.”
His latest single may stray from Maike Depas' hard techno ethos, but carries the very same blend of precision and chaos that fans have grown to love from the enigmatic producer. While his studio productions set the scene, it's the live sets from Depas that have pushed him to the forefront of the industry, demonstrated by his recent 6AM Guest Mix.
Stream 'Don't Phonk With Me' as part of Artcore Records VA – Sonar Edition, out now.
About Maike Depas
MAIKE DEPAS (Michelangelo De Pasquale) is an Italian hard techno DJ and producer quickly emerging as one of the most exciting talents in the global electronic scene. With over a decade of experience and a sound that fuses 90s rave, hard techno, and psy-trance, he redefined his artistic vision in 2024, earning recognition from DJ Mag Italia, Mixmag Germany, and FAZE.
A classically trained musician who studied composition and piano at the Milan Conservatory, Depas blends technical precision with raw, boundary-pushing energy. His recent audio-visual relaunch has brought his dystopian aesthetic to life, highlighted by a live set at Berlin’s Teufelsberg, a shoot with cyberpunk designer Demobaza, and collaborations with artists like Amstra, Mattia Trani, and Matasism.
In 2024, he released a series of EPs on Mattia Trani’s Pushmaster Discs, including Tokyo Nights and Circle of Life. On December 12, he dropped Sexy Devil Horse, a 10-track release on his own label, The Innovation Studio Records. The project features collaborations with Luca Agnelli, OGUZ, Michael Katana, CHRS, and Gianni Di Bernardo.
In 2025, Maike continues his momentum with a VIP remix of Instead of Drugs alongside David Temessi on DSR Digital and the release of Caribbean Rave on Gomboc Records, blending industrial techno with hardstyle and steel drum elements. He’s also come out with his debut compilation, Hard Never Dies, featuring artists like SCARLETT., Akoriz, WarinD, and Marco Leckbert, solidifying his role as a key figure in the evolution of modern hard techno.
A classically trained musician who studied composition and piano at the Milan Conservatory, Depas blends technical precision with raw, boundary-pushing energy. His recent audio-visual relaunch has brought his dystopian aesthetic to life, highlighted by a live set at Berlin’s Teufelsberg, a shoot with cyberpunk designer Demobaza, and collaborations with artists like Amstra, Mattia Trani, and Matasism.
In 2024, he released a series of EPs on Mattia Trani’s Pushmaster Discs, including Tokyo Nights and Circle of Life. On December 12, he dropped Sexy Devil Horse, a 10-track release on his own label, The Innovation Studio Records. The project features collaborations with Luca Agnelli, OGUZ, Michael Katana, CHRS, and Gianni Di Bernardo.
In 2025, Maike continues his momentum with a VIP remix of Instead of Drugs alongside David Temessi on DSR Digital and the release of Caribbean Rave on Gomboc Records, blending industrial techno with hardstyle and steel drum elements. He’s also come out with his debut compilation, Hard Never Dies, featuring artists like SCARLETT., Akoriz, WarinD, and Marco Leckbert, solidifying his role as a key figure in the evolution of modern hard techno.
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