With their first joint single, Marc van Linden & Ewelina Koll – artistic duo and life partners – translate passion, critical thinking and emotional depth into a sound that connects, tells stories and recharges the scene. The track is born out of feeling and moment, out of closeness in the studio and the desire to make techno not only danceable, but meaningful: as a space for community, expression and creative responsibility. ‘Nobody But You’ marks the beginning of a new phase together – personal, courageous and open to dialogue between past and future, underground and global platform.

The track will be released on Rave The Planet on 13 February 2026. We talk to Marc and Ewelina about how creative and personal connection becomes a sound that wants more than just to be heard.

“Techno is not an end in itself.”

RTP: Marc, you became a resident DJ at 16 and signed your first record deal under the name FRAMIC in 1996. Looking back today, what early experiences really shaped your artistic compass?

Marc: I actually started out in music production. The resident DJ job at 16 was the real starting point. DJing regularly from a very early age gave me a deep understanding of dramaturgy, energy and audience. At the same time, it helped me to better understand music in the studio. My formative influences came from the raves and clubs of the early 90s – artists like Kid Paul, Cosmic Baby, Humate and Dr. Motte had a strong influence on me.

RTP: This connection between club, studio and scene continues to permeate your work today. Many see techno as something archaic, as a ritual, as a collective experience. Do you also feel a cultural responsibility in this?

Marc: Absolutely. Rhythm, repetition and trance states are deeply rooted in human nature. Techno can create community, beyond language, origin or ideology. This automatically results in a responsibility: to create spaces that are inclusive, respectful and free. Techno is not an end in itself. It conveys values, even if they are not always explicitly stated.

RTP: Your catalogue ranges from “Sturm der Nacht” and “The Last Unicorn” to club classics such as “Forbidden Love” and “AM 2 PM”. How has your signature style changed over the years?

Marc: It has evolved from melodic, song-oriented tracks to club-oriented classics. I’ve learned to consciously use space and tension, to condense tracks and still remain emotional. For me, it’s always a balancing act between danceable energy and the expression of feelings, and that’s exactly what connects all my releases.

From club classics to global perspectives

RTP: Was founding your own label, Midway Records, in 2004 the logical conclusion, or why was having your own platform for other artists so important to you?

Marc: I wanted to be independent. Not only to release my own music, but also to give others a stage. For me, Midway symbolises a transition between styles, generations and perspectives.

RTP: Let’s talk about your album “My Way”. It was released in 2007 on Midway and took you on a worldwide tour. How did this global experience affect you, both as an artist and as a person?

Marc: It broadened my horizons and expanded my personality enormously. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, L.A. … different club cultures everywhere, but the same passion for music. It showed me how universal electronic music is. And how important it is to remain open and listen. That grounded me a lot.

Berlin, Dr. Motte and the idea of the future

RTP: You have deep ties to Berlin and the scene there. The city was your home for eight years. How do you view Berlin as a cultural reference point today?

Marc: Berlin was my starting point. It was here that I experienced clubs, raves and a community that shaped me. Today, I see the city as a historical centre and global meeting place, a city that sets trends and provides inspiration for the whole world.

RTP: And together with Dr. Motte, you created just such an inspiration, namely the 2025 parade anthem ‘Our Future Is Now’. What does this collaboration mean to you personally?

Marc: It’s like a part of my own history meeting the person who inspired me early on. The track is a statement: techno can unite people, take responsibility and give hope.

RTP: Historically, Dr. Motte is often mentioned in the context of the Love Parade. How did you incorporate this history into an anthem for the present?

Marc: It’s about showing respect for history without copying it. The Love Parade stood for freedom, solidarity and euphoria. We carry these values forward. At the same time, music lives in the present: melodies convey nostalgia, rhythms move the body, sounds reflect the current club aesthetic. Our work builds a bridge between memory and the present, tradition and innovation.

Ewelina, creative closeness and a shared sound

RTP: Ewelina, you work together not only as artists, but also as a couple. How does this closeness change your creative process?

Ewelina: It makes the process more honest and direct. We often sense each other’s moods, thoughts and emotions before they are expressed. This allows us to create music not only technically, but above all emotionally.

Marc: As a couple, we automatically bring a deeper level to our work. We listen more intently, pay more attention to details and are willing to break new ground. This openness leads to a sound that is more personal, bolder and more vibrant. That’s exactly what you hear in ‘Nobody But You’.

RTP: The track is your first joint single. What is your vision for this collaboration?

Marc: “Nobody But You” is the start of an intense phase. Further releases on Rave The Planet, Cosmic Future, OFF Recordings and other platforms are planned. Our goal is to develop a shared sound that combines fresh and classic elements.

Between underground and global stage

RTP: Marc, you play in small clubs and at big festivals. How do you stay authentic between your underground attitude and global visibility?

Marc: By taking the music seriously – no matter how big the stage is. For me, underground means feeling the moment and taking the audience with you. Visibility can even reinforce that, as long as you maintain your attitude.

RTP: With your recent collaborations, such as “Loops Of Infinity”, “Beautiful Life” and “Indicode”, you have embarked on a cross-generational journey. Is this a conscious concept?

Marc: Yes. Electronic music thrives on dialogue. I’m particularly proud of my collaboration with Cosmic Baby, who influenced me in my early days. It feels like a circle coming full circle.

RTP: With so many projects, the question of artistic identity inevitably arises between production, DJing, label work and scene involvement. How do you manage that?

Marc: I consciously take time for music – producing, experimenting, listening. DJing, label work and scene involvement are part of the whole, but they mustn’t determine who I am as an artist. I preserve my signature style and remain open to new influences. This balance keeps me alert.

RTP: Keyword: inspiration. Which artists and labels are particularly inspiring to you at the moment?

Marc: Those who remain true to their style, are recognisable and still manage to surprise. Anfisa Letyago and Nina Kraviz, for example. As a producer, Cirkle in particular at the moment.

RTP: And how do you view today’s generation of producers and DJs?

Marc: I see a lot of talent, courage and fresh ideas – but also arbitrariness. The most exciting ones are those who take their vision seriously, take risks and still maintain a connection with their audience.

Studio, flow and personality

RTP: How do you start a track?

Marc: Usually with a mood or a feeling. From there, the groove, sound design and structure develop. The track grows as I experiment.

RTP: Many of your tracks balance emotional depth with club-ready directness. What principles guide you in your arrangements and mixdowns?

Marc: Kick and bass ensure club readiness, while pads, layers and melodies provide emotional depth. Contrasts and deliberate reduction are important to me. I play around with loops and sounds until everything clicks and the feeling becomes audible.

RTP: And what about your workflow? What is your ideal setup?

Marc: A fast setup that doesn’t interrupt the flow. Ableton Live for session view and arrangement. Hardware synths for character, software for precision. And above all: routine. Go to the studio regularly, listen, take breaks, don’t chase every trend.

RTP: Do you master your own tracks or do you work with external studios?

Marc: I leave the mastering to the professionals. Some of my tracks are mastered by my long-time partner Gorden, others by Perla Audio.

RTP: Do you have any important advice for young producers?

Marc: Patience. Find your own sound. Accept mistakes. And always ask yourself: Does this track reflect my personality?

Future, responsibility and community

RTP: Berlin techno is now part of intangible cultural heritage. How do you view this milestone?

Marc: This recognition honours not only the music, but also the attitude, creativity and community. It’s an incentive for future generations to carry these values forward.

RTP: When we imagine these future generations and their developments, what would be your biggest dream for electronic music in the next ten years?

Marc: Musically: more courage, less formula, more personality. Culturally: clubs as places of encounter, education and protection. Socially: electronic music as a bridge between generations and cultures.

RTP: Thank you for talking to us!