Co-founder HEX and now founder a whole new concept called Syrion, Paolo Ferrara is an Italian artist who channels the tension between Order and Chaos into explosive musical journeys. Nicknamed the Heavy Destroyer, he’s known for electrifying sets that fuse raw intensity with deep emotion. Paolo doesn’t just play music—he sculpts sound, pushing genre boundaries to create timeless, high-voltage experiences.
Now he also launched his capsule collection with Nena and he’s about to launch his new visual show called Syrion.
You were born in Italy, can you tell us about the place you grew up and how it shaped your worldview?
I was born in Lucera, a small town of about 30,000 people in southern Italy. It has deep roots in Roman history and used to be one of the biggest towns during the early Roman Empire. That legacy is still visible, but growing up there came with limited opportunities. It taught me to dream beyond the borders of my environment.
Was music a big part of your life growing up? Who or what sparked your passion for sound?
Absolutely. My mom used to go clubbing while she was pregnant with me, so I like to say I was literally born into music. My grandfather once sold vinyl records, and he passed that passion on to me. I still remember the excitement when he gifted me my first Walkman with cassettes and later CDs. That’s how it all started.
What did young Paolo dream of becoming before
discovering techno?
My first dream was to become an F1 pilot. But growing up in a small town made that path feel out of reach. Music, on the other hand, was something I could nurture right in my bedroom and I ran with it.
How would you describe yourself outside of the music scene, who is Paolo Ferrara when the lights and decks are off?
I’m a dual being the embodiment of chaos and order. On one side, I meditate, practice yoga, and do breathwork. On the other, I step onstage to play one of the most intense music genres: Hard Techno. That duality defines me.
Do you think your personality reflects the balance you seek in your music between order and chaos?
Absolutely. My music is a fusion of those two extremes, that’s why I created TechnoMetal. Metal represents chaos, and Techno brings structure and order.
You had an incredibly busy year last year. What have you taken away from being on the road so much, and how has it influenced you?
It’s been a blessing and a challenge. Touring can be intense, especially when you do three gigs in a row while during the week, I live almost the opposite lifestyle: making music, doing yoga, sleeping early. But when I step on stage, the fire comes alive. One of the biggest shifts for me was quitting alcohol. Not consuming extra calories or dealing with hangovers makes my body feel light and sharp, even with just two hours of sleep. That change elevated everything.
Your latest releases continue to blur the lines between raw intensity and emotional depth. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your most recent tracks?
Each track is a snapshot of where I’m at in life. Music is my deepest form of expression. When I go through something intense, I pour it into sound.
How do you approach each new release? Do you start with a concept, a feeling, or a sound?
It usually starts with a feeling something I’m experiencing in the moment. Then I express it through music. That’s how I speak my truth.
Many fans describe your tracks as “sonic odysseys.” What journey do you hope to take listeners on with your music?
That’s exactly what I aim for a journey through chaos and order, through deep emotions and pure energy. My mission is to take people to another galaxy where they can be fully present and remember their own power.
Your music is known for its balance between chaos and order. How do you channel those opposing
forces into a cohesive sound?
Sometimes you need chaos to shake things up to move energy. But then comes structure and orchestration, which bring everything back into harmony. From that chaos, a new awareness is born.
When you’re in the studio, what does a typical Paolo Ferrara session look like?
I’ve been through many studio phases, modular setups, full analog rigs, and even studio sessions in L.A. where top metal bands recorded platinum albums. But today, I like to keep it simple and portable. I mainly work on my laptop so I can create wherever I go, even on a plane.
What role do experimentation and unpredictability play in your creative process?
A huge one. I’m a Gemini, and we’re known for being unpredictable. Maybe you won’t always like what I do, but you’ll never be bored!
Do you have any rituals before going on stage?
Yes, I do breathwork and shaking under the DJ booth. It grounds me, connects me to the bass, and gets me in sync with the energy before it explodes.
Your sets and productions are deeply atmospheric and often feel philosophical. Are there particular messages or emotions you aim to convey through your work?
The message is simple but powerful: Be free. Be fully present. Release what you’re holding. Don’t hold back.
Do you think techno can be a form of storytelling or activism? How does your music reflect the world around you?
Yes, for me techno is the ultimate form of expression. The bass, the groove, it’s wild and powerful. I can insert everything into that beat: metal, trance, punk, epic melodies. It’s my way of telling stories and channeling what I see in the world.
As an Italian, how have Dutch and Italian cultures shaped your sound and artistic identity?
I love how Dutch people live life, they’re both organized and free. It’s very different from Italy. Plus, the Netherlands hosts some of the best festivals, I’ve played Rotterdam Rave and Verknipt, and those shows were unforgettable.
You’re currently collaborating with the Dutch brand NENA on a clothing line. What inspired this new venture into fashion?
I was wearing one of their unique pieces during a shoot, and they reached out afterward. We instantly vibed our vision and aesthetic aligned perfectly. That’s how the visionary capsule collection SYRION was born.
When you’re not producing or performing, how do you recharge? What does a perfect day off look like for you?
I still listen to music to recharge! But I also spend time in nature, do yoga, breathwork, and surround myself with my close circle. That’s my reset.
Do you find inspiration in visual arts, books, or films? If so, what have you been into lately?
Definitely. I go to art exhibitions, audiovisual experiences, concerts, and of course, great films. Inspiration is everywhere. I also draw from other music styles constantly.
How do you maintain a sense of connection with yourself, with others when your life is constantly in motion?
It’s not always easy. Touring and challenges can throw me off, but I have tools to realign. I’m also a yoga teacher, breathwork and Inner Dance facilitator, quantum medicine practitioner, and more. These practices keep me rooted.
How does your music aesthetic translate into the visual and material world of clothing design?
Fashion is another form of expression, it’s art in motion. Clothes are like a second skin; they reflect who we are and can inspire others. It’s all connected.
What can fans expect from this collection with NENA? Will it reflect the same intensity and emotion found in your music?
Absolutely. It’s raw, punk, edgy, bleached, it screams authenticity.
What are you most excited about creatively in the coming year?
My new visual show: SYRION. It’s a full journey brought to life on big screens. You’ll see it all unfold during the live shows.
Are there any collaborations, performances, or releases we should keep an eye out for?
Yes, my final release on HEX, titled Phoenix, drops June 26. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one through fire.
How do you stay grounded while constantly pushing artistic boundaries?
Grounding is everything. We can aim for the stars, but without roots, we risk getting lost in space. Staying grounded allows us to go far.
If you could describe your mission as an artist in one sentence, what would it be?
Be who you truly are, don’t follow trends, create your own.