In the heart of western Germany, the polycentric and post-industrial Ruhr region has long been recognized for its authenticity, solidarity, and deep sense of community—values forged over time by the workers of its coal mines and steel plants. Today, with the mines closed and the skies finally clear, the area has become a model of transformation and regeneration. What remains unchanged is the desire to honour the legacy of those who built its foundations and a commitment to preserving the traditions that continue to shape its identity. Likewise, electronic music has been shaped by resilient figures: producers, label founders, and collectives who, through unwavering dedication, have built a global scene rooted in connection, experimentation, and innovation. Since its debut in 2022, Stone Techno Festival has sought to highlight these cultural parallels. The 2025 edition aims to deepen this commitment to the spirit and structure of contemporary electronic music culture.

The upcoming edition will take place at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zollverein in Essen. Over the course of three days, the festival will present a wide-ranging artistic program across four integrated stages, offering a unique sonic experience that brings together legends of electronic music and rising voices. As in past editions, ARTE Concert and a curated team of photographers and videographers will document the event for an international audience. Stone and minerals remain central to the project’s identity. Under the scientific guidance of geologist Achim Reisdorf, the festival continues its geological research linked to the legacy of the Ruhr basin. The rocks that once powered the region’s industrial growth now gain new significance through a multidisciplinary approach involving exhibitions, academic collaborations, and public science initiatives that bridge past and future. Several new floor hosts have been announced for the 2025 edition, featuring some of the most influential names in the international electronic music scene.

On July 11, the Salzlager floor will be curated by the high-impact techno label Mutual Rytm, bringing powerful, fast-paced sounds that perfectly match the industrial architecture of Zollverein. That same evening, a collaboration with Madrid’s Laster Club will bring the uncompromising energy of Spain’s underground techno scene to Essen. Also on July 11, Berlin-based WSNWG will make its debut with an eight-hour improvised musical marathon led by five key artists from the label founded by Rødhåd.