CHINESE NOISE • VOICES FROM THE SCENE 018
VON BIKRAV
01 Introduction
Von Bikrav represents a new generation of hardcore artists inspired by the pioneers who came before him. As the founder of the French label 20CONTRE1, he has built a platform that pays tribute to hardcore’s roots while giving a new generation of artists a place to grow.
This July, he makes his debut on the HKV Stage at Dominator Festival 2026. It will also be his first time playing at the world’s biggest hardcore festival.
02 Finding HKV
Von Bikrav’s connection with HKV started through his own label.
"When I booked Akira & Bruhze for a 20CONTRE1 label night in Lille in January 2025."
As the founder of a new hardcore label, he wanted to pay tribute to the artists who inspired him.
"As a new hardcore label, I always like to pay tribute to the OGs and invite them to my parties."
That night left a strong impression.
"It was a crazy sold out night and I remember how I was impressed by the symbiosis between father and son when they were playing back to back!"
03 My Favorite HKV Track
Although one Akira release immediately comes to mind, it wasn’t released on HKV.
"It’s not really a HKV track, but it’s close. It’s Akira – Syncopation, released on Underground Industry."
The connection is personal.
"I really connect to this track because sampling French rap is part of my DNA. He sampled Fonky Family and NTM in the same track!"
If he had to pick an actual HKV release, the choice is clear.
Hellfish & Drokz – Here to Destroy
04 Playing The HKV Stage at Dominator
For Von Bikrav, this booking carries real weight.
"It feels awesome. It’s my first time at Dominator and being invited by HKV feels like I’ve been recognized by people I love!"
It also marks a personal milestone.
"As a French new generation hardcore producer, I’ve never played at a big Dutch festival. So it will be a premiere!"
05 Learning From The Generations Before
Looking at hardcore across generations, Von Bikrav believes the older heads passed on something essential.
"I feel like the older heads passed on the freedom and the sound before algorithms and big industries."
He hopes the new generation can find the right balance.
"I hope the new generation will combine the roots and craziness of the old school with challenging new sounds and styles."
Social media is now part of the reality.
"We can’t exist without social networks, so I think we have to deal with it. But it shouldn’t take more room than music itself."
06 What HKV Means To Me
For Von Bikrav, HKV has always been about family.
"There’s this big family feeling. I think Akira & Bruhze personify this. A family with different generations and the need to keep it real!"
07 Favorite HKV Merch
"The 20CONTRE1 × HKV T-shirt, for sure!!!"
08 One Word
If Von Bikrav had to describe HKV in one word?
ROUGHNESS
09 A Message To HKV
"HBD HKV and long live!!!!"
"Casual Gabberz 4 Ever."
10 Follow The Project
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Chinese Noise is a growing archive documenting stories, memories and voices connected to Hong Kong Violence.
Chinese Noise is a collaboration between SinoHaven and Hong Kong Violence.
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End of Archive Entry 018 • Status: Ongoing 🖤