Few artists embody musical freedom like Colin Benders. A classically trained musician turned modular-synth visionary, he is known for his electrifying techno sets created entirely in the moment. His reputation, built almost entirely through his spellbinding performances, has led to a loyal following with attendees trusting in Colin’s virtuoso abilities, rather than expecting a series of well-known “hits”. It’s a beautifully mutual dynamic that lies at the foundation of his craft. With a flow of gigs across Europe and the rest of the world, Colin is in a constant process of refinement, working to deliver his very best every time. Devoted to exploring and deepening his connection to his modular machines, and the people who attend his performances, Colin Benders’ unique artistry continues to grow and evolve…

Originally known as Kyteman, he first came to prominence leading The Kyteman Orchestra, an ambitious project that fused rap, jazz and classical instrumentation. Its success established him as a fearless creative mind. Over time, as his curiosity deepened, so did his need for reinvention. The modular synthesiser became his outlet of choice, a limitless electronic ecosystem where improvisation and emotional expression merge in beautiful synergy.

Today, immersed in a maze of cables and blinking LEDs, Colin cultivates dancefloor hypnosis from scratch. Every performance is unique: unplanned, unsequenced and entirely alive with wild energy. “The point isn’t to watch me patch cables,” he says. “The point is to dance.” For him, technology is never the spectacle, it’s a conduit for pure human connection. It may look complicated but the result is powerfully simple and speaks to the primitive parts of us.

Over the last few years, Colin has shifted decisively into embracing techno, harnessing the power of repetition and rhythm. His sets have become leaner, harder and more primal. Raw percussion, stripped-back grooves and deep, monolithic kicks replacing melody and prettiness. “It doesn’t feel like the time for pretty music,” he explains, citing the current climate in the world as a key influence on his output. “Right now it’s about urgency and release.”

Spontaneity is at the foundation of his craft. Each show unfolds like a symbiotic conversation between instinct and circuitry, decisions are made in real time, guided entirely by feeling, moment by moment. Colin likens it to surfing or skating, catching a line, riding it until it collapses, then finding the next one. When it works, he says, time itself bends. It’s awe-inspiring and captivating, not only visually arresting, but physically contagious – from Colin’s own seemingly out of body connection to the modular machines and the power of the beats he creates.

That ephemeral nature is part of the appeal. He rarely releases studio music, just a handful of albums and singles, preferring the intensity and aliveness of the improvised moment. There are no track IDs, no rehearsed patterns, no recordings to take home. “The music only exists when you’re there,” he says. “When you leave, it’s gone. That’s the beauty of it.” This temporary nature adds to the experience. No two performances will ever be the same, there are no anthems and less expectations. A Colin Benders set rests on a degree of collective trust and open-mindedness. Where the journey takes everyone, including Colin himself, is never certain.

Colin approaches the creation of sound as emotional code – “cryptography for feelings,” as he puts it – where every modulation carries something wordless but deeply human. He distills emotion into sound that can be felt, deeply, facilitating catharsis, release and abandon. Despite the technical complexity of his performances, his relationship with music is visceral, even animalistic. Less spiritual or cerebral, more primal. “It’s not a choice,” he says. “It’s just what I do.”

Looking ahead, he’s rebuilding his entire modular system from the ground up – a symbolic and creative reset. He’s entering a new phase in life, becoming a dad, and navigating the transition into parenthood. On the road, he is expanding his global reach, with new shows across South America, South Africa and beyond. Every step of the way, his goal is simple, to refine, evolve and keep working towards that moment when everything aligns.

Raw, fearless and impossible to imitate, Colin Benders stands as one of electronic music’s most unique performers – proof that true improvisation still has the power to move bodies, elicit deep emotions and tap directly into the essence of what’s real and human.