Sometimes we think we already know everything about our reality, going around in circles. But has anyone ever thought to connect two different kinds of music like techno and metal? Well, meet the inventors and pioneers of this groundbreaking fusion and progressive approach. They both share the same vision and have performed on many club and festival stages around the world, gathering thousands of people. HEX is a global techno movement, a force fueled by freedom, love, and inclusivity.
Born in 2014 from the vision of Lorenzo Raganzini and Paolo Ferrara, HEX has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, curating electrifying techno events that unite the underground clubbing and rave scenes across the world.
Beyond the dancefloor, HEX manifests as a cutting-edge label, HEX Recordings, crafting both vinyl and digital soundscapes. It also pushes boundaries through HEX Clothing, blending fashion with the raw energy of the movement.
This is more than music – this is a revolution. Join the movement.
Hey! It’s great to have you here! Please tell us more about yourself and your journey. Who are Paolo Ferrara and Lorenzo Raganzini?
Paolo: Hi everyone, it’s a pleasure to be here with you! Who am I? I’m nobody, really 🙂 In this physical dimension, I embody duality, representing both chaos and order. I lead the Techno Movement HEX alongside Lorenzo, and we created the new music genre, TechnoMetal. My journey began 10 years ago when I left university, rebelled against the system, and dived into the unknown. It’s an incredible ride, with performances at the world’s biggest festivals like Tomorrowland, two Boiler Room sets, and the creation of a new music genre. Our drive comes from the energy and intensity of both metal and techno, and we aim to create something that resonates with both communities. HEX is about uniting people through music, art, and fashion, creating a safe space for expression and connection.
Lorenzo: Hey, thanks for having us! I’m Lorenzo, a perfectionist obsessed with creating beautiful things, whether it’s music production, an event, or a brand like HEX. My journey started early with electronic music at 12, then I became a hacker and IT programmer, and rediscovered music at 22. Meeting Paolo was a game-changer. We created HEX to bring our vision to life, turning it from an underground local event into a global brand. It’s been an emotional ride, filled with energy and passion.
I thrive on connecting with our community, making every event and music release a shared experience. HEX is more than music; it’s a family, a movement that welcomes everyone. We believe in the power of music to unite and inspire. Now, I’m touring, meeting amazing people around the world, and enjoying the adventure more than ever. Together, we’re pushing boundaries, breaking norms, and creating a space where everyone can feel free and connected.
From the beginning, you’ve been inspired by the raw intensity of metal music, and this passion led you to create TechnoMetal. Can you delve deeper into what this genre means to you?
Lorenzo: During the pandemic, we were stuck at home, full of energy but without an outlet to express it, so we channeled it into music. We experimented with distorted screams, metal guitars, and suddenly, we were amazed by the next-level energy. It’s about pushing boundaries and creating a sound that’s powerful and immersive. For us, it’s a way to express intense emotions that traditional genres might not fully capture.
Paolo:Exactly. It’s more than a genre; it’s a way of life. It embodies rebellion, freedom, and the raw spirit of various music scenes. We’re blending the best of both worlds to create something unique and impactful. We created this genre to fully express ourselves, and for me, it means liberation, intensity, power, and distortion.
Both of you are strong supporters of new talents and the freedom of musical expression. How do you choose the artists to collaborate with and include in your journey?
Paolo and Lorenzo: Our label, HEX Recordings, serves both as a talent scout and as a channel to push out music from artists we connect with. From the start, we’ve always included a wide variety of artists, from early days with Nico Moreno, Rebekah and Alignment to current collaborations with Oguz, AnD, Luciid and Vendex. We look for artists who share our passion and vision. It’s about finding those who bring something unique and have a genuine love for what they do. We want to work with people who aren’t afraid to experiment and push boundaries. We’re also developing strong relationships with talented artists like Denis Dekay, Arytmia, and Angy Kore through co-productions and remixes. The union of our visions is really exciting, so be prepared for what’s next. Authenticity is key; it’s not just about skill but the energy and vibe they bring. We want collaborators who are as passionate about music as we are and who can contribute to the HEX ethos of freedom and creativity.
We see fashion and music blending more than ever these days. How do you integrate fashion into your artistic projects, and what inspired you to connect these two elements in such a unique way?
Paolo: It’s about creating a complete experience. Our events are not just about music; they’re about the whole atmosphere, and fashion plays a big part in that. We want our audience to feel immersed in the HEX world, whether they’re listening to our tracks or wearing our clothes. It’s all a language of expression that we love to fully utilize to showcase our vision.
Lorenzo:The old-fashioned black-only dress code was part of the early days of HEX. It was amazing to meet on the dance floor with hundreds of people all wearing black, harnesses, and chains, feeling like part of a tribe. Our clothing brand, HEX Clothing, reflects the dark, edgy aesthetic of the brand. It’s more focused on merchandise now, but back in the day, we also organized some catwalks and designed handcrafted shirts, pants, and bags from scratch. It was a lot of work!
Speaking about your label HEX, could you share how it all started? As you celebrate its 10th anniversary, can you tell us about the breakthrough moments in your career? What inspires each of your releases, and could you share insights into your daily workflow?
Lorenzo: HEX started in 2014 as a way to bring our musical vision to life. We wanted to create a platform that supported not just our music but also the broader community of like-minded artists. Launching TechnoMetal was a turning point; it marked a new era for us. From then on, we carved our own path, running parallel to other musical trends, writing our own story while staying inspired by the evolving scene.
Paolo: Our releases are characterized by their intensity and unique blend of sounds, each inspired by our experiences and emotions. Our daily workflow is a mix of studio sessions, managing the label, and planning events. It’s about staying true to our roots while constantly evolving. Nowadays, our label represents our taste, and it’s fulfilling to have such a strong channel to express it! This is TechnoMetal, and we don’t give a fuck!
As global promoters working with numerous festivals, how do you perceive the constant changes in the music industry? What are your thoughts on the overwhelming volume of music being released in such a short period?
Paolo: I personally love the changes and evolution. It’s not about what was better; ‘’it’s about how fast you can adapt to survive, like in all of existence’’. Nowadays, we can release a track within a couple of months from its creation, which gives a sense of freedom and immediacy. There’s more opportunity for exposure, but also more competition. We focus on staying authentic and connecting with our audience on a deeper level to navigate these changes.
Lorenzo: The industry is always evolving and moving faster. Trends come and go quickly, and the challenge is to stay balanced and true to ourselves while navigating them. There’s more competition but also more opportunities, which is highly stimulating for constant improvement and innovation. If you follow trends, you’ll always be late; it’s better to create your own path. I always say, “Life is a video game; you’re the designer, the player, and the played. Play it well.”
Lately, you’ve been working on new covers. How do you feel about this? What motivates you to refresh existing tracks instead of creating new ones? Which process do you find more satisfying, and why?
Lorenzo: Covers allow us to explore and experiment within the framework of an existing track that’s already loved by people. It’s about finding that balance between respecting the original and adding our unique twist. We listen to rock and metal all day at home, so we’re heavily influenced by it. Including it in our journey was a natural step.
Paolo:Covers are my way of giving new life to tracks that made musical history and with which I grew up. They allow me to evoke emotions both in myself and in the crowd who share my connection to the original track, creating a magical experience. It’s sexy to bring these anthems into a techno club or festival with my unique touch. Both creating new music and making covers are satisfying in their own ways, but creating new music is our primary passion.
Reflecting on your career, you’ve had the opportunity to play at some phenomenal venues. Are there any particular highlights that stand out to you? What elements make a venue special, in your opinion?
Lorenzo: There are so many memorable moments. I recall crazy nights in Germany, Spain, Georgia, and South America. The energy and connection with the crowd in these countries are insane. I also loved playing in Kiev. What a vibe! Everyone was saying “it’s the new Berlin,” and I could see the resemblance with its unique vibe based on freedom and long-hour parties. I hope Kiev will rave again soon. I’ll be there, either supporting from the front line or, even better, behind the decks.
Paolo: I agree. The vibe, the sound system, and the crowd’s energy are key elements. It’s about creating a space where people can lose themselves in the music and feel a part of something bigger. Some milestones for us include our two Boiler Room sets at HEX, massive festivals like Hive, Verknipt, Rotterdam Rave, Mayday, Nature One, DGTL, and huge venues like Spazio900, Cocorico, Khidi, Fabrik Madrid, and Amnesia Ibiza.
What does the future look like for both of you?
Paolo:The future is NOW, and it’s fucking electrifying! We’re driven to push boundaries and connect with
people on a deeper level. Imagine music as an emotional journey that touches your soul. We’re here to create unforgettable moments that inspire and unite. This isn’t just our career; it’s our passion and mission. We’re ready to embrace the unknown and bring our vision to life with unstoppable energy. The future is our canvas, and we’re painting it with the colors of our dreams. Let’s make it extraordinary together! MUCH LOVE, XXX!!
Lorenzo: MAMMA MIA!! The future I envision is an emotional rocket going to the moon. I’m working on a lot of music and projects while also taking care of my health so I can keep traveling and performing at my best. Brand-wise, our focus is on expanding the HEX movement and continuing to push the boundaries of TechnoMetal, but most of all… “WE DON’T GIVE A FUCK! THIS IS TECHNOMETAL!!!” Rock on!!!
Interview: Grzegorz Bacinski
Pictures & Styling : Grzegorz Baciński & Izabella Chrobok
KEYI STUDIO www.keyi.eu
Hair & Make up: Yuka Sudo & Alessandra Atypi
Styling assitant: Elena Bi
Brands/designers: Rave More Berlin, Bondage Factory, Marlon Ferry, Arcus Paris, David William
