Michael Abel-Larsen, professionally known as DJ Banel or Michael Banel, is a Copenhagen-based DJ, producer, and label founder, widely recognized as a driving force in the international electronic music scene. Alongside longtime collaborator Emok, he is the founder and co-owner of the influential labels Iboga Records, IbogaTech, and Sofa Beats.Banel’s DJ interest began in 1988, marking the start of a musical journey that now spans more than three decades. From the formative years of acid house in the late 1980s, through the founding of Iboga Records in the 1990s, to his continued presence at the forefront in the underground electronic music scene, he has consistently helped shape and redefine dancefloor culture worldwide. His sets delivered across countless countries and an extraordinary range of stages, are known for their intensity, precision, and deep understanding of crowd dynamics.Today, Banel moves effortlessly between powerful peak-time techno and driving Psy-Techno. Regardless of style, his performances are defined by expertly crafted DJ sets, transforming each of them into a compelling musical journey toward collective euphoria.As one of the scene’s established tastemakers, Banel’s instinct for quality and emerging sounds has earned him a reputation as a true curator of electronic music, Banel is still performing at major festivals and events such as Boom Festival, Ozora Festival, Own Spirit Festival, Elements Copenhagen and many more. Fueled by an unwavering passion for music and the culture surrounding it, there is no indication of him slowing down.Beyond his solo work, Banel is one half of the duo MVMB (Martin Vice & Michael Banel. Together, they have been behind more than 40 releases, among them, the critically acclaimed full-length album The Sleeper Must Awaken (Iboga Records, 2016) and its follow-up Phase 01 (IbogaTech, 2019).In addition to the extensive release schedule work, especially on Ibogatech and collaborative projects with artists from across the electronic spectrum, Michael Banel curates a dedicated peak-time techno series on Iboga Records. This initiative reflects his current artistic vision and sets the direction for his future DJ sets, collaborations, and productions—continuing his legacy as both an innovator and a guiding figure in electronic music.