Hard Techno Scene Under Fire: Shlømo, Basswell, Fantasm, and CARV Face Serious Allegations of Misconduct

The global hard techno scene, which has seen an unprecedented meteoric rise in popularity over the last two years, is currently facing a massive internal reckoning. A series of serious allegations involving sexual abuse, grooming, and physical assault have surfaced against several of the genre’s biggest stars, including Shlømo, Basswell, Fantasm, and CARV.

The reports, which have been detailed by Change Underground, DJ Mag Germany, and various international outlets, have sent shockwaves through the community, leading to cancelled tour dates, severed agency ties, and a heated debate regarding safety in nightlife.

The Allegations

The controversy gained public momentum following the circulation of a digital document and various social media testimonies. These accounts, shared by multiple victims, describe a pattern of predatory behavior within the “industrial” and “hard techno” circuits.

The most vocal catalyst for this recent story traces back to a series of Instagram posts from the account @bradnolimit, who describes themselves as a former North American representative or associate of Steer Management. The posts, often referred to in discussions as the “Steer Files,” shared what the account claimed were sensitive behind-the-scenes details, screenshots, testimonies, and allegations involving prominent hard techno figures. These included accusations of inappropriate behavior, sexual misconduct, and in some cases references to interactions involving fans and potentially minors—claims that quickly spread through Reddit threads, Instagram reposts, and other platforms in the electronic music community.

While the specific details vary by individual, the collective outcry points toward a systemic issue of power dynamics being exploited by “superstar” DJs against fans and younger industry professionals.

Who’s Involved

Shlømo: Perhaps the most prominent name on the list, the French producer and Taapion label boss has been accused of grooming and non-consensual sexual acts. As one of the faces of the modern hard techno movement, the allegations against him have hit the community particularly hard.

CARV: The artist is facing grave accusations involving physical and sexual assault. Reports suggest that these incidents occurred during tours and after-party events.

Basswell & Fantasm: Both artists have also been named in the testimonies, with allegations ranging from inappropriate sexual conduct to harassment.

Odymel: The source claims that Odymel is also involved in these same behaviors.

Fallout

The industry’s reaction has been swift as agencies and promoters scramble to distance themselves from the accused.

• Agency Terminations: Reports indicate that major booking agencies, including Booking United, have moved to terminate their representation of the artists named in the scandal.
• Event Cancellations: Prominent festivals and clubs have begun scrubbing the accused artists from their upcoming lineups. Organizers have cited a “zero-tolerance policy” for harassment and a commitment to creating safe spaces for their attendees.
• The “Me Too” Moment: DJ Mag Germany described the situation as a “Zerreißprobe” (acid test) for the scene, questioning whether the hard techno community can effectively police its own and protect its most vulnerable members.

The incident has fueled debate in the fast-growing hard techno scene about safety, power dynamics, and accountability as the genre moves further into the mainstream. Steer acted quickly to sever ties, but major promoters have so far remained largely silent.

No formal charges or independent verifications have been confirmed publicly, and the claims remain allegations. The community awaits further developments as potential legal proceedings loom.

Several artists have spoken out about the whole situation with one of the most prominent being Joyhauser.