In the ever-expanding universe of melodic techno, where emotion, atmosphere and club energy collide, a new name is carving out a distinctly cinematic path.
Francesco Bondanese, better known as Maynd, is part of a new generation of Italian producers translating inner worlds into immersive dancefloor experiences. With the release of “Insane” on 9 January 2026 via Animarum Recordings, Maynd delivers not just another track, but a statement of intent – one that confirms his rapid rise and growing international relevance.
Born in 2000 in Bari, in the heart of Puglia, Francesco Bondanese still lives in the region that first shaped his artistic sensitivity. Puglia has long been a fertile ground for DJs and producers who dominate the global house and techno circuit, and Maynd’s sound carries that heritage while pushing it into deeply emotional territory. His project is rooted in pure melodic techno, enriched by ambient and orchestral influences and anchored by a strong club-oriented foundation. The result is a sound that feels emotional, cinematic and immersive, equally suited to introspective listening and peak-time moments.
Growing up surrounded by a diverse musical environment, Maynd developed a broad cultural foundation that goes far beyond electronic music. Rock, pop, new wave and jazz – absorbed through family influences and a constant curiosity for new sonic languages – have all left their mark. This eclectic background gives his productions a narrative depth and musicality that stand out in a genre often driven purely by functional club dynamics.
A key influence on Maynd’s artistic identity comes from the aesthetics of Afterlife Recordings. The label’s iconic releases and visual philosophy played a major role in shaping his sensibility, particularly in terms of atmosphere, tension and emotional storytelling. However, while echoes of this influence are present, Maynd’s sound remains original and authentic, guided by his own vision rather than imitation.
His recording journey began in 2024 with the release of his debut track, “New Horizons”, on Blessed Cross Records. The release marked the first step of a carefully evolving project, hinting at the emotional landscapes and melodic structures that would later define his work. In 2025, his momentum accelerated with two significant releases: “A New Life” on Animarum Black and “We Are Free” on the parent label, Animarum Recordings. These releases not only expanded his audience but also cemented an ongoing collaboration with the Animarum family – one that continues to shape his artistic development.
That collaboration reaches a new peak in 2026 with “Insane”, Maynd’s third official release on Animarum Recordings. The track is a refined expression of his artistic identity. “Insane” unfolds as a melodic techno journey, balancing emotional depth with a pulsating, enveloping groove. It opens with warm harmonics and evocative textures, slowly building tension and suspense before exploding into an intense and driving rhythmic progression. Spatial sound design, ascending melodic lines and cerebral details create a seamless fusion of ambient immersion and club energy, perfectly embodying the cosmic and cinematic aesthetic that defines the Maynd project.
The impact of “Insane” was immediate. Within just one day of release, the track entered the Top 10 Hype Melodic Techno on Beatport, while also reaching the Top 50 of the overall melodic techno chart. On Spotify, it quickly attracted the attention of major genre-focused playlists boasting thousands of followers, further amplifying its reach and positioning Maynd among the most promising emerging names in the scene.
Influenced by artists such as Tale Of Us, Stephan Bodzin, Agents Of Time, Paul Kalkbrenner, Adam Beyer, Enrico Sangiuliano, Sam Paganini, Matador, Boris Brejcha, Ilja Djokovic, Chris Avantgarde and Kevin De Vries, Maynd draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of melodic and techno-driven artists. Yet his sound remains personal, recognisable and narrative-driven, guided by the idea of taking listeners on a journey rather than delivering isolated tracks.
That journey lies at the core of the Maynd project. His music is designed as an experience – a temporary escape from the chaos of everyday life. Through suspended melodies, cosmic atmospheres and carefully crafted emotional tension, Maynd invites the listener to float between inner space and the dancefloor, blurring the line between introspection and collective movement.
After performing at several local events across Puglia, February 2026 marks a defining milestone in his career: his first international performance at Berlin’s Void Club, where he will play an official Animarum Recordings showcase. For an artist still early in his journey, this moment represents both recognition and promise.
With “Insane,” Maynd proves that his ascent is no coincidence. It is the result of vision, patience and a clear artistic purpose—one that suggests his journey through melodic techno is only just beginning.
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