Daryn Steytler: Uncovering South Africa's Techno Scene

Daryn Steytler is a young techno producer from Stellenbosch/Cape Town. His underground sound of production has seen this young talent play various stages across the country. Coming from a drummer’s background, he uses interesting drum rhythms with raw ambiances, modular sequences, and tight percussion. Daryn Steytler is also the founder and director of LINKED, which is an event company that feeds into the ever-growing techno scene in Cape Town. He also runs his own independent imprint/label called KONCEPT, which strives on underground culture and RAW/Deep/Hypnotic/Modular/Dub production, inspired by LINKED events and the sound that the event portrays.

Leading up to his performance at Future Frequency Festival, we caught up with Daryn Steytler to give us a better understanding of South Africa's thriving techno community.

Check out Daryn Steytler on Beatport here.

Learn more about Future Frequency Festival here.

How has the techno scene in South Africa evolved over the years, and who are some key players/promoters/labels/clubs who have helped move the needle in a positive direction?

I've witnessed remarkable growth in the local techno scene, which is continually evolving as it draws inspiration from global trends while embracing our own unique sounds and rhythms. The audience has become more diverse which is great to witness, uniting under the powerful influence of music. It's good to see that most promoters and brands operate independently, each contributing its distinct value to the scene. Key brands like TOYTOY, VAULT, UNDERGROUND AFRICA, KILLER ROBOT, FUTURE FREQUENCY, SMALL TOWN BEAT, STEREOCULTURE, and my own brand, LINKED, truly are the backbone of our vibrant community today. Despite limited venues in South Africa, standout clubs like AND club in Johannesburg and Mødular in Cape Town play an important role in growing the techno scene in South Africa.

For those who have not been, tell us about what kind of vibe people can expect from Future Frequency Festival and how it has helped nurture South Africa’s techno scene.

The Future Frequency Festival has firmly established itself as the cornerstone of outdoor techno festivals in South Africa, consistently pushing the boundaries of sound and venue selection. Their carefully curated locations enhance the festival experience and perfectly complement their impressive line-ups. They also do a good job with educating young audiences about the sound and the culture.

You hail from Cape Town and play in JHB often. How would you describe the techno scene and the musical exchange between the two cities?

Both cities showcase vibrant atmospheres, with Cape Town more known for its open-air parties and Johannesburg known for its industrial and urban settings. Promoters from both cities collaborate to bring international artists to South Africa, sharing expenses and enriching the local cultural scene.

Name an essential South African techno track.

I’d say an essential track that I love to play in my sets is a track from Cullen Enslin and I called "Tocsin," it is released with BCCO. The word Tocsin literally means alarm bell, this word perfectly encompasses what the track is containing two punchy, uneasy-sounding leads that put the listener into a hypnotic flow. Complimenting these sounds in the track is a powerful low-end bassline and snappy highs that bring that true hypnotic groove sound that we love.

Now that 2024 is coming to a close, how would you describe your year, and what are some exciting things you have planned for 2025?

This year has been a positive shift in my career, particularly in music production and releases. In the coming year, I plan to dedicate more time to my own music projects and events, collaborating closely with my agency to ensure selective bookings that align with my vision and sound. Additionally, I'm excited to be launching my own creative space in Stellenbosch, aimed fully towards our sound while providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to thrive and develop their brands.