The Creative Process of Early Filipino Techno DJs and Producers in the Philippines

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Exploring the Beat: Episode 2

Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of the Philippines' vibrant musical identity? Prepare to be surprised. Beyond the well-trodden paths of pop and cultural anthems, a thrilling and innovative world of techno and electronic music is flourishing. We're taking you on a journey into this electrifying underground, spotlighting the artists who are shaping its sound: the captivating Samantha Nicole, the intense Abdel Aziz, the genre-bending Badkiss, the pioneering Joey Santos, the melodic Daisu, and the energetic Jemina Ty. Discover how these sonic innovators are fusing local flavor with futuristic beats, crafting a uniquely Filipino electronic experience.

Photo by GMN

Samantha Nicole

Photo by SamanthaNicoleFBPage


Samantha Nicole is a key figure in Manila’s underground scene and a resident DJ at Today x Future (RIP) and UNKNWN. Her sets often include techno, house, and experimental club tracks, blending them with flawless mixing and a sense of narrative. As a writer and advocate for safer, more inclusive nightlife, she brings both passion and intellect to the decks. Her mixes are often layered with deep grooves and hypnotic rhythms, catering to dancefloors that crave complexity.

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Madz Abubakar (Abdel-Aziz) 


Photo by Abdel-AzizFBpage

Abdel Aziz is one of the newer faces in the Manila techno scene, but he’s already making a mark with his dark, industrial sound and precise mixing. A regular performer at venues like XX XX and events like UNKNWN, Abdel’s DJ sets are intense and immersive. He is also beginning to explore music production, bringing his taste for deep, moody techno into the studio environment.

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Badkiss (Christina Baertschi)

Photo by BadKiss

Christina Baertschi, aka Badkiss, is a staple in the Filipino electronic community. Known for her eclectic style and love of vinyl, she transitions smoothly between house, techno, and funk. While she began as a hip-hop and soul DJ, her current sets are filled with pulsating techno and sophisticated layering. Her productions also reflect this blend of genres, making her a standout multi-genre producer and selector. According to her artist profile on Resident Advisor, she includes techno in her repertoire along with house, disco, and hip-hop. Though she is not strictly a techno-only DJ, her involvement in techno-focused events and sets validates her place in this list.

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Joey Santos


Photo by JoeySantosFBpage

Joey Santos' influence extends beyond his well-known POP DJ persona. He performs under the alias "mermaids" (more details at [https://www.mermaidsdj.com]), where he explores these genres deeply. As mermaids, Joey integrates drum machines and samplers into his DJ set-up for improvisational sets. His love for house music is showcased through his "House From Home" mixshow, a deep and lofi selection born from pandemic-era creativity. He's also a music educator formerly of Digital DJ Tips, the founder of subMNL, and the the editor of SEAlectors – a site that documents South East Asian DJs.

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DaiSu Takemura


Photo by DaiSuFBPage

Daisu, a Manila-based Japanese DJ and producer, is known for his melodic techno and progressive sets. A fixture in Manila’s nightlife, he performs at events by Elephant and Deeper Manila. His productions feature clean sound design, sweeping pads, and intricate builds. Daisu also promotes underground events, spotlighting local and international artists, contributing to the scene’s growth.

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Migi de Belen

Photo by DaiSuFBPage

Daisu, a Manila-based Japanese DJ and producer, is known for his melodic techno and progressive sets. A fixture in Manila’s nightlife, he performs at events by Elephant and Deeper Manila. His productions feature clean sound design, sweeping pads, and intricate builds. Daisu also promotes underground events, spotlighting local and international artists, contributing to the scene’s growth.

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Jemina Ty

Photo by TikTokFBpage

Jemina Ty, known online as @jeminaty, is a rising hard techno DJ and content creator based in the Philippines. Through her energetic mixes and engaging social media presence, she’s quickly becoming a standout figure in the local electronic music scene. Jemina’s DJ sets are characterized by high-BPM, industrial-inspired hard techno infused with her playful and relatable personality. She shares her journey as a beginner DJ through humorous and authentic TikTok videos, resonating with a growing audience of techno enthusiasts. Her content often showcases her passion for hard techno, as seen in videos like "Hard Techno DJ in the Philippines" and "Hard Techno Christmas Music for Family Gatherings".

Jemina has begun performing live, with upcoming appearances at events like TRANSIT 5915 on April 26, 2025 . Her transition from online content to live DJ sets demonstrates her commitment to growing as an artist and contributing to the local techno community.

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Conclusion

As we've journeyed through the sounds and stories of just a handful of the vibrant techno and electronic artists shaping the Philippines, it's clear that a powerful undercurrent is indeed transforming the nation's musical identity. From the foundational work of pioneers like Joey Santos, who laid early groundwork for the scene, to the captivating narratives woven by Samantha Nicole, the intense sonic explorations of Abdel Aziz, the genre-bending artistry of Badkiss, the melodic journeys of Daisu, and the rising hard techno energy of Jemina Ty, each artist brings a unique flavor and unwavering passion to the underground. This is more than just a collection of individual talents; it's a burgeoning community pushing creative boundaries, fusing global sounds with local spirit, and building a future where the beat of Filipino techno resonates far beyond its shores. 

The artists featured here are just the beginning of a thrilling sonic exploration, promising an electrifying evolution for the Philippine music landscape. Stay tuned, because the rhythm is just getting started.



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