TH;EN & DAMEN unleash “XTC” - a strong salute to the raw roots of rave culture
An underground anthem combining 90s nostalgia, dark vocal stabs, and explosive bass-driven energy
- Electronic music powerhouses TH;EN and DAMEN join forces for their electrifying new single “XTC” on 1001 Recordings. Blending raw 90s rave influences with futuristic production, their new track delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride built on metallic rave hits, aggressive leads, and a thunderous low-end.
"XTC" is out now on all platforms.
With “XTC” TH;EN and DAMEN channel the rebellious energy of early rave but reimagine it with cutting‑edge production. Dark vocal stabs, rave‑infused synth hits and a dominant contemporary bass foundation give the track its unmistakable identity. Created for maximum tension and release, its metallic rave elements blend seamlessly with a weighty bass foundation that instantly transports listeners into a 90s‑meets‑now rave moment.
"XTC channels the raw spirit of 90s rave, reinvented as a modern set weapon driven by standout dark vocal stabs, rave-tinged synth hits, and a heavy, contemporary low-end built for peak-time floors." - TH;EN
"XTC is a super bass heavy track which is in your face and that always makes it special to play live. Everybody on the dance floor loses their minds when they hear the drops and synths." - DAMEN
The collaboration took shape when TH;EN approached DAMEN with the initial concept. The idea quickly evolved through months of creative exchange, leading to a seamless fusion of their individual sound signatures.
About TH;EN
Constantly evolving, creating, and above all, learning TH;EN is a German-born project with no limits in sight. With consistent support from top-tier artists like Solomun, Pete Tong, Adriatique, Anyma, Tale of Us, and Massano, to name just a few, his growing success across leading dance music labels feels like just the beginning. Releases on renowned imprints such as Tomorrowland, Simulate, and NOW showcase a deep sonic journey, spanning from melodic techno to progressive house and everything in between. Each THEN production brings something fresh-designed to move hearts, lift spirits, and inspire deeper connections. So, let the music play. And TH;EN we danced.
About DAMEN
South African-born DJ and producer DAMEN, is quickly carving out a name for himself with his distinctive underground synths, grungey drums, and emotive melodies, DAMEN brings a bold, authentic sound to every production as he crafts each track with a strong artistic identity.
At just 21, the fast-rising talent has already earned support from some of the industry’s biggest names, including John Summit, Tiesto, Anyma, Korolova, Chris Avantgarde, Mathame, and more. His music has resonated across iconic stages worldwide, from Afterlife and Zamna to Ultra Music Festival & Tomorrowland, Hï Ibiza, UNVRS, Ushuaïa, EDC and more.
DAMEN’s journey began with a standout debut on Tomorrowland Records, a powerful collaboration with Korolova that marked the start of international recognition. With a clear vision and growing global momentum, DAMEN is poised to take his sound to dance floors around the world.
About 1001 Recordings
Two of the most influential forces in electronic music - 1001Tracklists and Tomorrowland - have joined forces to launch 1001 Recordings, a groundbreaking new record label with the dancefloor at its heart.
This joint venture aims to elevate a new generation of dance music by championing music from the global electronic music culture and the 1001Tracklists community. Whether they rise from the underground or break through on the mainstage, every release will be dancefloor-ready, built to make an impact at both festivals and nightclubs worldwide.
With 1001Tracklists’ data-driven insights and Tomorrowland’s global acclaim, 1001 Recordings is uniquely positioned to bring together the best from both of their worlds—music fueled by the community, and destined for the biggest stages on the planet. This is a label built for the moments that music fans live for on the dancefloor.
Debby Wilmsen
Jill Mols