Hi Oliver, thank you for answering our questions!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got in touch with Techno? What are
some of the initial influences that shaped your sound?
At that time electronic music was new and came over me like liquid night haha. The first things I
really celebrated were Depeche Mode, The Prodigy then Labels like Communique and Dance Mania
or Plus 8 and so on. I was influenced by everything that was released in 97/98/99, I think. But also
from technology, computers and science, like quantum physics, which fascinates me very much.
How was growing up in Leipzig like from a clubbing perspective and how have things changed in
the last few years?
Growing up in Leipzig wasn’t bad. We had good illegal parties, clubs and events. E.g. of course the
„Distillery” and also the „10/40” But it seems to me that partying used to be more carefree back
then. Without the Internet, for example, and fewer things that could be discussed to the ground.
Back then there were more bubbles, maybe more individuality, because trends took a long time to
get from one place to another. So there were simply several different trends from place to place.
That’s interesting! Today, everything is global, everyone has access to the same trend through the
Internet. As a result, many people do the same thing and many things become boring. For example,
the musical individuality from one city to another. Chicago sound, Detroit sound. I don’t know if there
can still be such differences today. But maybe I’m wrong. Just my idea at the moment when I think
about it. Also of course the internet has advantages, haha.
How do you think your “sound” has evolved over time? Is there a signature that you can attribute
to your productions?
I think my influences have remained noticeable, but of course the quality of the sound has improved.
On the one hand you learn a lot, you gain experience. But at the same time, the tools you have at
your disposal are getting better and better.
Is there anyone out there who helped you grow and learn, or did you pick it up all by yourself?
How do you find working with other producers in the studio? Specifically asking because it seems
you have really found the common ground in production with Pfirter.
I taught myself everything. But that’s because of the way I live. I love exploring things, experimenting
and always finding new ways by my own and perhaps discovering the undiscovered. It’s been that
way since I was a kid, and not just in music. Collaborating with other artists is always very gripping
because it takes things in a different direction. It’s very interesting. With Pfirter, it’s a perfect
direction. I love this collaboration!
We see that your label, – Recorded Things – is mostly a means to release your own music with full
creative control, but we also see some guest appearances – such as Sweden’s Lakej or Spain’s
PWCCA… How did you arrive to the decision with your friend Sebastian to start the label together,
and how do you curate the output?
It’s more of a means to release my own taste in music with full creative control. PWCCA and Lakej are
a very good example of that. I love their music! But stand fully behind every release on the label. All
stuff that I would play in sets as well. Starting a label has always been in my head and with Sebastian
we finally started the adventure.
Is the name of the label a reference to recording tracks live, in one go? Sort-of how for example
Mike Parker has been working, straying away from a more widespread method of production
where tracks are built up in a DAW program?
No with the name i just wanted to express that i don’t want to serve a special genre. it’s my
understanding of techno. And it names the purest form to make music audible for someone else
when it’s not live. You have to record it. And so it’s Recorded Things.
Technokunst is a collective of artists who embrace the tradition of vinyl dj-ing, so we are happy to
see labels like yours still release records. Is it important for you to keep records going, or is it
merely a nod to some DJs and collectors out there? How do you decide on what to press and what
to keep digital?
We definitely wanted to offer vinyl as well. I always really liked having something in my hand. To be
happy to unwrap it, put it on and listen to it. I’m sure this will create a different perception. Recorded
Things will mainly feature the release of the „Season” series on vinyl.
How does your production setup look like? Do you prefer using software, hardware, or a
combination of both? Can you show us your studio and your favourite tools for production?
I use things from both worlds, as I want to explore both. Currently I use the Elektron Digitone, the
SH01a, the Behringer Neutron, the Keystep Pro, the Drumazon 2 as well as the Roland Cloud 909.
Xfer Serum, Massive X and a few more.
You are playing on a Technokunst event on the 21st of October. What are some of the tracks that
have been staple parts of your sets, that those attending can expect to hear?
Yes, that’s right and I’m really looking forward to it. I also like the name „Technokunst”, because
Techno is art and should always be!!!
Right now I’m pretty much always playing Animal Noise by Endplate! A monster track. But I also
always play some personal classics from the 90s from my record collection, which I digitized for this.
But what exactly I play, I can’t say. I never prepare too much. I have my bag packed and I always let
the vibe in the club guide me, from start to finish.
Can you share some of your favourite music, – perhaps not from the realm of Techno – that you
wish readers of this interview heard?
I like many things. One of my own weaknesses is probably to decide for anything. So now after 2
hours of thinking about which song or band to give you, I decided against it. HAHA. I like 90’s hip hop,
the raw and dirty style. Also 60’s / 70’s psychedelic rock. Would have loved to have been at
Woodstock! Also Nirvana (Now I named a band exactly^^), Roots Reggae and Dub Reggae.
OK 3 Songs are maybe George Harrison – Art of Dying,
The War On Drugs – Come To The City
and
Gravediggaz – 2 Cups Of Blood. I just picked them random from my playlists.