Since 1994, Time Warp has been more than just a festival—it’s been the epicenter of electronic music’s most refined and powerful acts. A true institution in the techno world, the event has built a legendary status as a destination for those who live and breathe electronic music.
What started in Germany has become a global phenomenon, with editions hosted around the world—from New York to Santiago. And now, its next major step: São Paulo, Brazil on May 2–3, 2025.
But first, we arrived to Mannheim, the home base of Time Warp. The journey from Berlin was as easy few hours travel. We boarded a train, laptops open, ideas flowing, and excitement quietly building with each passing station. A few hours later, we arrived, mentally charged and ready to dive into the curated chaos of one of the most celebrated electronic music festivals on the planet.
A Familiar Ritual Begins
Our base for the weekend was the Dorint Hotel, a known gathering point for artists, crews, and close friends of the festival. There’s always a buzz in the air – pre-show energy, last-minute planning, and spontaneous reunions. Running into old friends is part of the magic. We had a quick yet meaningful chat with Joseph Capriati about the beauty of connections and how Time Warp remains a rare place where the global scene comes together and many artists & people are returning with a big excitement.
Podcast with Joseph Capriati:
Just down the hall, Hector Oaks, ever vibrant and full of fire, spoke to us about his set prep, afterparty plans, and his ever-growing vinyl collection. We also reflected on recently gifted item to him – our recent collaboration with Richie Hawtin, releasing a limited-edition 7” vinyl exclusively with KEYI Magazine – a collector’s item that continues to bridge the visual and musical culture we’re passionate about.
Read our cover story with Hector Oaks:
A quick chat with Anfisa Letyago after her set turned into an unexpected burst of energy that sent us straight back to the dancefloor. Still glowing from her performance, she greeted us with that signature warm smile.
A Production Like No Other
From the moment you step into the venue, the sensory overload begins: world-class sound systems, intricate and intelligent lighting, visual installations, and stage designs that feel like stepping into another dimension.
And of course, the lineup was stacked as always – both legends and new-school leaders side by side. We caught Amelie Lens delivering a relentless, high-energy set.
Even on Time Warp’s massive stages, there’s an intimacy that’s hard to describe – one you can only feel when you’re in the middle of it all. After watching from the booth, we had to jump into the crowd ourselves to truly feel the force of the bass and the collective energy.
The unusual closing set from Berlin techno legend Ben Klock took everyone by surprise. Known for his deep, driving sound and tightly curated sets at Berghain, Klock delivered something different this time: a set that was both unexpectedly playful and intensely powerful. From hypnotic grooves to raw industrial energy, he guided the crowd through a late-night journey that felt deeply personal.
As the lights subtly shifted and the energy in the room reached its final peak, we found ourselves unable to leave the dancefloor. Each drop hit with precision, and every transition kept the momentum going.
Our last glimpse of the Dorint Hotel before heading out was with none other than Indira Paganotto – her signature style and magnetic energy. Even after a long weekend of performances and social buzz, she looked effortlessly fresh, perfectly styled as always, blending that distinct mix of rave edge and high fashion.
There’s something about Indira’s presence that’s instantly uplifting. A quick smile, a few words exchanged in the hotel lobby, and you’re reminded why she’s become such a beloved figure in the global scene – not just for her explosive sets, but for the positive, radiant vibe she brings wherever she goes.
Dancefloors Without Distractions
One thing we particularly admired was the absence of phones on the dancefloor. Inspired by Berlin’s underground ethos, Time Warp has cultivated a culture of presence over performance. Instead of screens, we saw faces – fully engaged, dancing, raving, connecting. When Sven Väth dropped a track during his legendary set, the crowd didn’t reach for their phones – they lost themselves in the music. It was a rare and refreshing reminder of what rave culture is really about.
A Fusion of Generations
There’s something powerful about seeing multiple generations come together on the dancefloor. From long-time fans who’ve been part of the movement since the ’90s, to first-timers wide-eyed with discovery, Time Warp bridges eras. With five different stages offering an array of musical journeys, there was something for every kind of listener. Standout back-to-back sets like Hector Oaks b2b Daria Kolosova and Adiel b2b Quest offered rare sonic pairings which actually this festival is known already.
Time Warp continues to raise the bar – not just with its top-notch production or legendary lineups – but in how it creates space for community, creativity, and timeless memories via many generations. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a newcomer finding your rhythm, there’s a place for you here.
And with Brazil next on the map, the journey is far from over.
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Our next event : Else x KEYI Magazine – 29.05.2025 -> more info here
