Hard Techno Scene Under Scrutiny as Allegations Trigger Lineup Removals, and Agency Collapse
The hard techno scene experienced one of its fastest moving public crises after an instagram account began publishing what it called the “Steer Files.” Over a span of several days, the account shared a high volume of Instagram stories containing screenshots and alleged testimonies naming multiple artists associated with Steer Management, including Shlømo, CARV, Odymel, and Basswell.
On February 19, Steer Management issued its first public statement. The agency acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and confirmed that an internal review had begun. Later that same day, Steer announced it was suspending collaborations with the artists described as involved, stating publicly that when allegations multiply and concern artists on its roster, inaction is not an option.
It was too little, too late. As scrutiny intensified, criticism mounted that Steer Management had ignored or failed to act on prior concerns. In the days their entire roster left them and the future of Steer is uncertain at best.
On February 23, both CARV and Odymel published statements. CARV acknowledged engaging in explicit private chats and sending intimate images and admitted to infidelity.While Odymel described a single alleged that he does not remember, referenced a possible medical explanation involving sexsomnia. A legal case is ongoing.
Facing the harshest and most serious of allegations, Shlømo issued a public response denying wrongdoing, describing the situation as a defamation campaign based on false or distorted information and announced that he would temporarily step back from public activity. By that point, however, the professional fallout had already begun, with multiple festivals removing him from lineups, an announced India tour cancelled, and several upcoming performances withdrawn.
With the Instagram stories reportedly generating more than 30 million views per day at the peak of the controversy, the situation quickly became the dominant topic across the hard techno scene, placing intense public pressure on promoters and organizers to respond rapidly.
Verknipt announced that Basswell, CARV, and Shlømo would not perform at upcoming shows. The promoter stated that while it is not a legal authority and cannot confirm the allegations, it acted in the interest of community safety and trust.
A stream of festivals including Open Beatz, Electrisize, Airbeat One, and World Club Dome, also announced the removal of affected acts often without naming specific artists, and acknowledging that the allegations remained unverified while emphasizing consent, safety, and community trust as guiding principles behind their decisions.
So, What’s Next?
As of late February 2026, the situation remains unresolved. The most concrete consequences so far are reputational damage, paused careers, agency collapse, artist departures, and widespread lineup changes across major European events.
Beyond cancellations and public fallout, the moment has forced a wider conversation about safety standards inside the hard techno ecosystem. Promoters, agencies, and artists are now facing pressure to establish clearer reporting channels, stronger backstage conduct policies, and accountability structures that do not rely solely on social media exposure. Many organizers have already emphasized consent training, safer working environments, and support systems for attendees and staff. For the scene to move forward, rebuilding trust will depend on transparency, fair investigation processes, and consistent safeguards that protect both victims and due process while restoring confidence across artists, crews, and audiences.
Those who have experienced misconduct are being encouraged to speak up and seek support through trusted reporting channels. Individuals looking for assistance or guidance can also reach out directly to @metoodjs, an initiative focused on supporting people within the DJ and nightlife community who wish to report or discuss inappropriate behavior safely.
Follow Hard Techno Hub on Instagram for interviews, curated releases, and ongoing hard techno coverage.