CHINESE NOISE VOICES FROM THE SCENE 005

OTM

From the HKV Stage Crowd to Dominator Festival 2026

01 Introduction

This article is part of Chinese Noise, a living archive exploring Chinese identity, underground music and cultural memory through 25 years of Hong Kong Violence.

For this edition, we sat down with Maarten from OTM. What started with a visit to the HKV stage at Dominator eventually grew into releases, friendships and performances alongside the HKV crew.

On July 18, OTM joins the HKV Stage at Dominator Festival 2026.

02 Finding HKV

OTM’s first introduction to HKV came through Dominator Festival.

A friend took him to the HKV stage and what he found there felt completely different from anything else at the festival.

"It seemed like every artist at that stage just brought something different and unique."

The experience left a lasting impression.

"I’ve followed the label and brand ever since."

Years later, a member of the HKV crew introduced him to Kin.

"Right from the start, it felt like being part of a family. We share the same vision about music and life in general."

03 My Favorite HKV Track

Bryan Fury - 10K Nukes

When asked which HKV track means the most to him, OTM doesn’t hesitate.

"Man, I remember hearing this track for the first time. So raw, unusual patterns and heavy industrial kicks."

Afterwards, he spent months trying to find it.

"I searched for it but never found it."

Then a friend sent him a preview of an upcoming HKV release.

"I finally found the track and I still love it to this day."

04 First Time On The HKV Stage

For OTM, playing the HKV stage at Dominator feels like a full-circle moment.

The same stage that introduced him to HKV years ago is now the stage he will perform on himself.

"It feels like a full circle moment to play on the HKV stage at Dominator."

Fans can expect new material and a slightly different approach than usual.

"We will bring new tracks and we will play a rawer set than usual."

"Fuck genres."

05 Learning From The Generations Before

According to OTM, one of HKV’s greatest strengths has always been its openness.

"I think Akira created a platform where he picks what he likes and it’s a variety of everything."

For him, there is no formula.

"No rules."

Looking ahead, he hopes the next generation carries that same spirit forward.

"The new generation should bring the same passion as everyone at HKV HQ. The scene needs it."

06 What HKV Means To Me

HKV changed the way Maarten looks at music.

"HKV has changed my perspective on music. There’s no rules."

But the impact goes beyond music alone. What started with visiting Kin’s sets as a fan eventually turned into a friendship that has lasted for years.

"It’s still crazy to me how I’ve listened to and visited Kin’s sets for more than ten years, fanboying, and now he has even met my mother."

The connection eventually became so personal that it extended far beyond music.

"My mother made zuurvlees for Kin and the HKV crew once and they loved it. We might have to bring some more."

According to Maarten, Kin has always been someone who supports artists he genuinely believes in and gives opportunities to people willing to work for them.

"I remember him calling me at 7:30 in the morning. 'Yo, I will give you the chance to play at HKV Germany, but I need an anthem.'"

Beyond music, the connection continues through projects like Cartel+, where the same passion and vision are now being applied outside the studio and behind the decks.

"We are building from passion and vision and I’m looking forward to working together for the next years."

07 Favorite HKV Merch

HKV Prime Relax Crewneck & Joggers

"Ultimate comfort."

08 One Word

If he had to describe HKV using a single word?

FAMILY

09 A Message To HKV

After twenty-five years, OTM believes HKV is still as important as ever.

"We need another 25 years guys."

For him, HKV has always represented a home for people who choose their own path.

"Thanks for everything you did for everyone who doesn’t follow the mainstream."

And finally, a message for the people working behind the scenes.

"A special shoutout to the HKV crew behind the scenes. A lot of people only see the artists and the events, but there’s a lot of unseen work that keeps everything moving forward."

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