Techno, trance and house festival Garnizoen in Beringen (Limburg) has removed Brussels techno DJ Odymel from the line-up after his name was mentioned in testimonies about sexually transgressive behaviour. The so-called “Techno Files” have been turning the techno world upside down for days now. DJ Odymel's performance in Brussels on 14 March has also been cancelled.
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Garnizoen Festival in Beringen cancels DJ Odymel after reports of inappropriate behaviour
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DJ Odymel acknowledges that he may have acted inappropriately towards a sexual partner, but says he has no memory of it due to a form of sleepwalking called sexsomnia.
Despite these statements, the Garnizoen music festival in Beringen has decided to cancel the Brussels DJ's performance. ‘Following recent developments and intensive consultation, Odymel will not be playing at Garnizoen. We have thought long and hard about this and believe it is the best decision,’ the organisers say.
‘When emotions run high, it remains important to look at the facts with an open mind and, where necessary, adjust positions and behaviour,’ Garnizoen says. The festival concludes its statement with an expression of support for the victims.
What about other festivals?
Earlier, it was announced that Odymel's performance in Brussels on 14 March had also been cancelled. Garnizoen confirms that this is the only change due to the so-called “Techno Files” for the time being.
‘No changes are currently planned on our part,’ says Frederik Luyten of the Pukkelpop music festival. One of the DJs named in the files, Fantasm, is still listed on the online programme for Extrema Outdoor in Houthalen-Helchteren. The situation is being monitored closely, but no changes are planned for the time being.
Dance music festival Tomorrowland is also not changing its line-up for the time being, according to spokesperson Debby Wilmsen. ‘Odymel, Shlomo and Carv are currently still booked for the festival. We are in consultation with their respective agents and are monitoring the situation closely. We want to give the ongoing investigation every chance and are taking the time to evaluate this carefully and calmly, in dialogue with all parties involved.’
What are the “Techno Files”?
Accusations of inappropriate behaviour against various hard techno DJs, including Odymel, Shlømo and Fantasm, are circulating on social media.
The accusations come from screenshots on the Instagram account “BradNoLimit”.
Behind that account is a former employee of booking agency STEER, who admits to seeking revenge, leading to criticism that this is a smear campaign without concrete evidence.
Various festivals such as Dour, Hive and Teletech have removed the DJs in question from their line-ups, and booking agency STEER has suspended its collaboration with the accused artists.