OGUZ Releases New Mixtape, 'Dam Square Dance Trax LV.1'

Dam Square Dance Trax LV.1 sees OGUZ venture into fresh musical realms and elevate his sound to new heights across its 11 tracks.

As the sounds of hard techno, neo-rave, and more continue to captivate the masses, artists from all over the planet have revved their engines to deliver releases to satiate the cravings of the hungry masses. One DJ and producer who has captivated many lately is OGUZ, and he’s been a driving force behind innovation in the scene. His sounds have found their way onto labels like Hex Recordings, Barong Family, Phase 2 Records, and more in recent years, but in 2024, the Dutch artist set for stun by releasing his debut album, Enter My Simulation, on his 808 Studios imprint.

Enter My Simulation was well-received by fans and tastemakers alike in the hard techno community, which was only bolstered by OGUZ’s 808 Studios showcase during ADE this month. Now, he’s taking everything to the next level by releasing his latest mixtape, Dam Square Dance Trax LV. 1.

If you love high-tempo techno tunes that drive forward relentlessly, leaving you breathless along the way, this is the release for you. OGUZ kicks everything into gear from the jump with the mixtape’s sole solo tune that pairs an upbeat atmosphere with a rave-ready melody and vocal sample to create an infectious soundscape you’ll find yourself returning for a repeat listen.

The thumping bassline of “Toxic” beckons you soon after as OGUZ teams up with Dj Mad Dog for the first of their two outings. The darker tones on this one play in contrast to the lighter, trance-like synths and pounding kicks found in their second collaboration, “Simulation Level 5,” but both are brilliant.

There’s a certain sinister nature that comes with the subterranean hard techno grooves, and OGUZ puts this on display throughout multiple tunes. This includes “Devil Never Leaves” with Aida Arko, “Vampire Empire” with 6EJOU, and “PARAMOGUZ” with Paramod, all of which are perfect fits for any Halloween soiree as you dive into the bowels of hell.

Add in a touch of “Possesed” with Deborah de Luca and another massive collaboration, “Kings Of Tomorrow” with STEYA and Marcel Fenger, and you have all you need to realize why OGUZ is one of the most talked about producers in the scene right now. These two tunes are a testament to the range he brings to his productions, as he packs a punch with classic techno elements but can easily switch it up with rave stabs and kick drums to create a truly chaotic soundscape.

Listen to Dam Square Dance Trax LV.1 on Spotify, grab a copy on Beatport, and follow OGUZ on social media to stay tuned for more.