MANTRUM

Introducing Mantrum, an artist from Ghent whose musical journey began in 2005. His sets defy easy categorization, blending a range of genres from acidhouse to acidcore, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Drawn to tracks that carry a hint of bittersweetness, Mantrum balances this with a strong rhythmic pulse, adapting his style to suit each performance. Whether raw and stripped-down or melodic and expansive, his goal is always to resonate with the audience on both an emotional and physical level.

Mantrum's fascination with acidcore started in his late teens upon hearing the hypnotic sounds of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer. This led to the creation of a series of events in Ghent around 2004 with like-minded friends. His early exposure to vinyl records through his older brother's collection also played a significant role in shaping his musical path, inspiring him to explore the rich, physical sound of vinyl.

Throughout his career, Mantrum has been influenced by the acidcore scene of the 90s, particularly Lasse Steen, and later by local hero Mr. Gasmask. His past setup included multiple drum machines and synthesizers, with the cherished Roland TB-303 at the heart of his sound. Despite taking a break from active production in 2020, his passion for music remains strong, evident in his vinyl and digital DJ sets.

Mantrum has released multiple tracks and remixes between 2014 and 2020 and has been involved in running various vinyl labels, such as Narcosis, Kromatones, White Noiz, and Y. For him, making music is a vital escape from the everyday, a way to recharge and reconnect, allowing him to return to daily life with renewed energy and inspiration.