Apart from being a successful DJ with gigs all over the world, playing in well-known clubs and festivals, you are also a producer. Tell us what you started first (DJing vs. producing) and how you got into each? Was it e.g. learning by doing or did you have help?
I began DJing around 2014, inspired by my close friends who, like me, were deeply involved in Hamburg’s underground DIY techno scene. After a brief practice phase, I was soon invited to my first public gig, which was promoted by friends. My bookings rapidly increased in Hamburg, Berlin, and other cities, and I also began curating and promoting my own parties.
My interest in producing emerged at the end of 2017, and I started with a hardware setup. I recorded tracks without a laptop, using only a sampler, synthesizer, effect pedals, and an analog mixer, and approached the process in a playful manner. My first record was released on vinyl at the end of 2018 through Snork Enterprises, featuring a collaboration track with Lifka, who also helped me build my initial setup.
How do you find your own style when producing? Would you say you have a ‘signature sound’ and if so, what defines it?
You develop your own sound by working hard over many years. Practicing, releasing music, making mistakes, being authentic. Create what truly comes from within, not what mainstream trends dictate, or managers pressure you to do. It involves immersing yourself in the craft, taking your time, and turning off the camera.
Whether I have a signature sound is something others should judge 🙂
Are you a full-time DJ and producer or do you have an additional job?
For the past few years, I’ve been doing this full-time, and reaching this point has been incredible. It was a long journey, but very rewarding and rich in learning experiences. Before that, I worked part-time on the side, which provided the stability I needed for my artistic growth.
Was it your plan to make a career out of music right from the start?
After my first gig, requests began flowing in and continued to increase – I didn’t have to ask around. Back then, there were many collectives and lots of ideas. For me, it was never about profit, only about the music and the bigger picture. I never aimed for a career; it happened because I loved the music and the community.
Are there any tips you can give beginners or anything you would have done differently from today’s perspective?
My advice for beginners: Connect with like-minded people in the scene. Start by DJing at non-profit parties, where you can practice and learn without pressure and experience how large sound systems feel. Consider getting involved yourself – perhaps by joining a collective, even if not as a DJ initially but by contributing in other ways. This approach not only supports your personal growth but also positively impacts the scene and the community.
What would you like to change about the industry/scene? Have you already had to deal with hurdles or unfair situations? What would you criticize?
One issue that unfortunately is rarely discussed is exploitation, hidden emotional abuse and manipulation by people in positions of power in the music industry. This often affects artists, especially those in vulnerable positions.
Another issue is that, in my experience, music labels rarely distribute the revenue shares to producers as agreed. Revenue from streaming platforms, online shops, and other digital sales typically goes to the labels first, who are responsible for paying the artists their due shares. Instead, the labels often withhold these funds for themselves. Especially with digital releases, this can accumulate to significant amounts that are frequently kept from the artists.
A third point I’d like to mention is that often exorbitant fees demanded by some bookers, which might be feasible for huge mainstream festivals but are often too high for clubs, are contributing to the slow decline of our clubs and the scene as a whole.
Tell us your current favorite song (no matter what genre)!
I don’t have a favorite song, but I’ll drop a classic by Moby, an artist whose music has been a significant part of my youth.
“Moby – Porcelain”
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