A.R.N.O, also known as Soul Rebel, born in 1985, is an innovating force in the Belgian electronic music scene. His journey and love for music began in 1994 when he first started playing the drums, laying the foundation for his deep connection to rhythm and music. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by old-school hip-hop and the burgeoning sounds of early techno and house. The track "Run DMC vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That" played a pivotal role during his breakdancing years, igniting his passion for DJing in the early 2000s.
A defining moment in Arno's life came in 2003 when he attended the iconic I Love Techno festival. The experience was transformative, solidifying his desire to become a techno DJ. Through DJ Rush, Arno gained invaluable behind-the-scenes exposure at some of the world's most renowned festivals, including I Love Techno, Tomorrowland, and major techno events in Germany and Poland.
In 2004, Arno took his passion to the next level by launching Technopia, a platform dedicated to promoting pure, unadulterated techno. Over the years, he has graced the stages of some of Belgium's most famous events, such as Footworxx, Versuz, and Left Festival, under various aliases, including DJ Artek. His talent and dedication also led him to perform at Germany's Nature One, one of the largest and most prestigious techno festivals in the world.
With years of experience in event organization and a deep understanding of the industry, Arno revived Technopia in 2024 with renewed vigor. The relaunch was marked by a stellar lineup featuring legendary artists like DJ Rush, Misstress Barbara b2b Ken Ishii, Justin Berkovi, Agent Orange DJ b2b Axel Karakasis, Steve Redhead, Zzino, Huma-Noyd, and Murderboy.
Arno's mission is clear: to bring techno back to its roots while infusing it with a modern twist. With Technopia, he's not just hosting events—he's also spearheading a booking agency and record label dedicated to preserving and evolving the essence of techno. As a true pioneer and innovator, A.R.N.O aka Soul Rebel is exactly what the techno scene needs, championing a future where techno remains true to its core while embracing new possibilities.