 | Actuel Member / Co-Funder of U96 / Producer Activ : 2027 Function : Producer and DJ |
Dirk Wershofen is a German DJ and music producer whose career has taken a rather unusual path. He discovered the techno scene during his teenage years, stepped away from music for several decades, and eventually made a remarkable comeback around 2019–2020 under the stage name D72.
His story is that of an electronic music enthusiast who rediscovered his artistic passion later in life and managed to establish himself within the international trance and techno scene.
1. The early years: The techno scene of the 1980s and 1990s
Dirk Wershofen was born in 1972 in Bad Neuenahr, Germany.
- At around 15, he began developing a serious interest in electronic music and DJing.
- He discovered the early developments of German techno, which was emerging rapidly at the time.
- He started DJing and producing music within the techno scene of the early 1990s.
However, in 1991, while still very young, he decided to put his musical ambitions on hold.
He subsequently stepped away from the music scene for a long period.
2. His return to music: 2019–2020
After almost thirty years away, Dirk eventually found his way back into the studio.
He gradually resumed music production and adopted the stage name D72, directly inspired by his year of birth.
His comeback coincided with a period of major transformation in electronic music.
His sound evolved into a combination of several influences:
- Progressive and melodic trance.
- Modern techno.
- Acid techno, with its distinctive electronic sounds.
- Future Rave, with its powerful, festival-oriented energy.
One of his first notable releases in the international scene was Without You, released on Coldharbour Recordings, the label founded by Markus Schulz.
Markus Schulz particularly appreciated the production and added it to his label's catalogue.
3. International recognition: 2021–2023
It was from 2021 onwards that D72 began gaining significant visibility among trance enthusiasts.
Several productions and collaborations marked this period.
In My Heart (2021)
Featuring O.B.M Notion and That Girl. A melodic and emotional trance production.
Turn Me Down – D72 Remix (2021)
A remix of Markus Schulz's track that helped strengthen his reputation within the trance community.
This Is Acid! (2023)
A track highlighting his taste for powerful basslines and acid sounds.
Utopian Dawn (2024)
A production that perfectly illustrates his desire to bring techno and trance closer together.
He began receiving support from several major figures in electronic music:
- Armin van Buuren.
- Paul van Dyk.
- Markus Schulz.
- Aly & Fila.
- Solarstone.
He also worked with renowned labels such as Armada Music and Black Hole Recordings.
4. A major breakthrough: 2024
2024 was probably one of the most important years in his career.
Three of his tracks were played by Belgian DJ Amber Broos on the Mainstage at Tomorrowland in Belgium and Brazil.
He was subsequently invited to perform a guest mix on Tomorrowland One World Radio.
This was a particularly significant achievement: his productions were now being featured in one of the most visible environments in the international electronic music scene.
At the same time, he released several tracks on Black Hole Recordings:
- Here We Go
- Oblivion
- Enjoy The Night
These releases confirmed his direction towards energetic, melodic techno designed for large festival stages.
He also performed at Nature One, one of Germany's major electronic music festivals.
5. 2025–2026: Continuing his musical journey
D72 continues to release music and collaborate with other artists.
Among the tracks listed in 2025 are:
- Ritmo De La Noche, featuring U96 and Mystic.
- Short Dick Man.
- Other productions and collaborations within the techno and trance genres.
He has also explored reinterpretations of electronic music classics, notably with his remix of Das Boot (V2) by the German electronic music project U96.
6. Labels and artists associated with D72
Here are some of the key names connected to his career:
| Label / Artist | Connection with D72 |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Armada Music | Several releases and collaborations |
| Black Hole Recordings | One of the main labels releasing his productions |
| Coldharbour Recordings | Release of Without You |
| Markus Schulz | Support and remix of Turn Me Down |
| O.B.M Notion | Trance collaborations |
| U96 | Collaboration involving Das Boot |
7. What is his musical style?
I would distinguish three main aspects of his musical identity:
- Melodic trance: emotional melodies, atmospheric pads and progressive build-ups.
- Techno and Acid: powerful basslines, repetitive sequences and acid-inspired sounds.
- Future Rave: a more modern, energetic approach designed for large festival stages.
What makes his music interesting is that he has not simply tried to recreate the techno sound of his early years. Instead, he has incorporated modern electronic music production techniques while retaining influences from the 1990s scene.
8. Recommended tracks to discover his musical evolution
I would suggest listening to these tracks in the following order:
Without You
His beginnings in the modern trance scene
In My Heart
His melodic and emotional side
This Is Acid!
His techno and acid direction
Oblivion
His modern melodic techno identity
Das Boot (V2) – D72 Remix
His connection with German techno classics
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