Two heavyweights from the electronic music scene are joining forces to launch LYRA, a new artist management agency fully dedicated to nurturing emerging talent in the fastest-growing segment of the dance industry: Hard Techno and Hard Dance.
Hard Dance has long been a popular and influential genre within the global dance music industry. In recent years, it has evolved from a niche movement into an international phenomenon with strong commercial success. The explosive growth of festivals and the worldwide popularity of artists highlight how Hard Techno in particular has firmly rooted itself both domestically and internationally.
Mano Meijer, founder of This Is My House, brings over twenty years of experience in the scene. He currently manages Maddix, Winson, Mr. Polska, Nifra, Marie Vaunt, Stan Christ, Sacha Harland, IOSIO, and The Rocketman, and has played a pivotal role in the careers of many other major names. Known for his keen eye for talent and a proven track record in strategic artist development, Meijer has made a lasting impact across multiple generations of electronic music.
Mitchell Kerkhof, founder of Odysseys, has in recent years built impressive careers for Fantasm, Klofama, and Karah. He has been instrumental in shaping strategic decisions that elevated artist profiles in terms of both branding and positioning. In addition, he has delivered large-scale shows and events that not only left a mark but also resonated with a generation of artists and fans who engage with the industry in their own unique way.
With LYRA, Meijer and Kerkhof combine their experience, networks, and vision to create a specialized platform. LYRA aims to build the next generation of Hard Dance stars through a long-term strategic approach, personalized guidance, and international positioning. By merging their combined expertise with a fresh perspective on the new generation, they form a powerful combination of knowledge and innovation.
“With LYRA, we want to create a space where talent is not only represented and supported in day-to-day operations,” says Meijer, “but also where artists are trained and guided on how to strategically leverage their own DNA to steer their careers in the right direction.”
Kerkhof adds: “The industry has changed incredibly fast over the past five years. Today’s artists think differently, work differently, and communicate differently. If you don’t adapt to that, you’ll be left behind.”
The current LYRA roster includes FANTASM, KLOFAMA, WINSON, STAN CHRIST AND KARAH, a selection of artists with strong momentum and a clear vision for the future. The roster will continue to expand in the coming months.