Rhythmism.comQ&A With Marcel Dettmann @ The Bunker - Friday, August 6th
by rhythmism
Monday, Aug 2nd 2010, 01:41 PM
When any avid follower of true techno music mentions the name Marcel Dettmann there are a few words which immediately spring to mind. Rough, rugged, and raw are some which make up the famed Berghain residents musical attributes, while adventurous, intelligent and improvisational can be used to describe his philosophy. His sets are known to build in tension and momentum using a slew of hi hats, kick drums, and basslines, both grounded in tradition, as well as consciously working outside the comfortable techno box. Whether it is any number of global headlining performances, underground appearances or multi hour Berghain marathons, listeners are sure to hear a slew of styles and influences when Marcel mans the booth. From British bass music to Chicago's jacking house sound, from classic Detroit to modern Berlin, Marcel is able to generate mood and connections with sounds that defy age and class. In the past few years, Marcel has also come into his own as a producer and remixer. Remixing the likes of Ellen Allien, Junior Boys, Loco Dice, and Modeselektor, as well as releasing original material on Berghains Ostgut Ton and his own MDR labels. In the studio as well as behind the decks he incorporates the same adventurous philosophy which has made him one of the most respected and diverse figures in the scene.
This Friday, August 6 Marcel Dettmann brings his talents to the place that he has described as one of his top 5 party spots in the world, Brooklyn's The Bunker. Back in May, The Bunker launched a Berghain and Panorama Bar quarterly residency with Prosumer and Tobias to much acclaim. Now Marcel, and Panorama Bar resident Steffi take to the decks and bring the sounds of two of the world's best clubs to the underground atmosphere of Public Assembly. Be on the look out for tracks off of Marcel's debut artist album Dettmann on Ostgut Ton Records which has been gaining glowing reviews for its fluid and experimental take on modern techno. In anticipation of this one of a kind event, Rhythmism.com talks with Marcel about the new album, why it is so difficult for Eurpoean DJs to get work visas on time, and the state of affairs in Berlin's techno scene.
You will be coming back to New York City in August for another performance at the infamous Bunker party in Brooklyn. You have stated that The Bunker is one of your favorite places in the world to play. What makes it so special to you and how does it fit your particular musical style so well?
I really like the whole concept... the people who run the party, the crowd there & of course the location.
The Bunker has recently begun a Panoramabar/Berghain quarterly residency featuring some of the famed Berlin clubs best representatives. How do you feel the atmosphere of Panoramabar/Berghain can transfer over to the streets of Brooklyn, NYC?
Panoramabar/Berghain is Panoramabar/Berghain. And Bunker is Bunker. Means that we shouldn't try to make a Panoramabar or Berghain out of the Bunker. And neither the other way around. Every club is special in its own way and should last like this.
In previous trips to New York, have you had a chance to explore the city at all or do you mostly have to hop on a plane directly after your set?
Unfortunately I didn't have that much time yet but I saw the Brooklyn Bridge and SOHO ...
Your NYC date will mark your first attempt at playing in America since Movement 2010, where unfortunately you were unable to perform due to visa issues. The same issue also occurred with Ricardo Villalobos. Can you explain the process behind getting a work visa and what are some of the reasons for which they can be denied? Is this a common occurrence?
The process is in general very complicated ... lots of formulas to fill in and money to spend for ;) And I have no clue why it took so long regarding Ricardo's and my visa ...
You have been a scene staple for quite some time; however you have only recently released your debut artist album Dettmann. What made you decide that now was the perfect time to finally release an album?
There was no specific reason for a special time line. I just felt when I was producing that it was the perfect moment to do it.
Were any of your tracks produced with the dancefloor particularly in the forefront of your mind? Do you test any of the tracks on audiences before adding them to the album or is the album constructed using a different philosophy?
I never think about how where and for who my music could work for. It just has to touch my soul. And only than it's authentic and spreads to the people … regardless if they're clubbers or people which are interested in experimental music ...
Each track has a simple one word title; however, each is quite indicative of the track as a whole yet they are open ended enough to provide the listener with the opportunity to make their own assumptions. Was there a method behind the titles of the albums tracks and how they fit together in this particular order?
The titles were just chosen by the feeling of every single track. I didn't want any attention taking away from the music ... no artificial fairy titles just a simple word which express only one feeling. For example "Viscous" sounds really sticky ...
How are you able to separate the two different sides of your musical career? When you spend so much time DJing around the world, how do you find the time and energy to switch into artist mode and work on a project that requires such a different mindset?
To be honest it's a really welcome change of pace. On the weekends I'm a DJ playing all different kind of records all over the world and during the week I'm concentrating in my studio on my own music.
How has your residency at Berghain allowed you to grow as an artist? What is it about the club that makes it so unique?
As an artist inspiration is everything ... So I get influenced by the the Club and the people there. Overall it's a great symbiosis I'm very pleased about it. In my opinion the reason for the uniqueness of Berghain is the way how everything works together: the people, the location, the music … There are no rules, no boundaries, everybody is equal. You have tourists from all over the world, the Berlin people, gays, heteros, younger and older.
We hear a lot of crazy stories about Berghain – what might be the craziest thing you’ve ever seen? (Please shock us!)
The myth of Berghain is a myth because it's always a different journey. So there are no specific stories to talk about because they became replaced every weekend ...
How many years have you been in Berlin? In your opinion, how does the city of Berlin compare today from when you first started there?
I've been living in Berlin since 7 years but I already grow up close to Berlin. Berlin is changing everyday cause of the people living here. There so many interesting artists moving to Berlin from all over the world … painters, fashion people, actors, musicians ... That makes that city very special and inspiring.
With so many accomplishments under your belt, as well as a lengthy period of time being active in the scene, how do you keep everything fresh and exciting? Especially the residency?
It’s all about the music. Sharing music with other people is a great emotion. And every weekend it’s like a present you get and don’t know what’s in it ;) I try to give back what I got from other musicians. That means I want to be the inspiration for other artists to express themselves and make music.
What are some of your musical influences outside of electronic music?
At home we're listening to classical musical ...
Friday, August 6, 2010
Beyond Booking presents
BERGHAIN & PANORAMA BAR AT THE BUNKER
Back Berghain Room
Marcel Dettmann
Spinoza
Front Panorama Bar
Steffi
Eric Cloutier
Public Assembly
70 North 6th Street
Brooklyn, NYC
10pm-6am, 21+
$10 in advance
www.myspace.com/marceldettmann
www.beyondbooking.com
www.berghain.de
This Friday, August 6 Marcel Dettmann brings his talents to the place that he has described as one of his top 5 party spots in the world, Brooklyn's The Bunker. Back in May, The Bunker launched a Berghain and Panorama Bar quarterly residency with Prosumer and Tobias to much acclaim. Now Marcel, and Panorama Bar resident Steffi take to the decks and bring the sounds of two of the world's best clubs to the underground atmosphere of Public Assembly. Be on the look out for tracks off of Marcel's debut artist album Dettmann on Ostgut Ton Records which has been gaining glowing reviews for its fluid and experimental take on modern techno. In anticipation of this one of a kind event, Rhythmism.com talks with Marcel about the new album, why it is so difficult for Eurpoean DJs to get work visas on time, and the state of affairs in Berlin's techno scene.
You will be coming back to New York City in August for another performance at the infamous Bunker party in Brooklyn. You have stated that The Bunker is one of your favorite places in the world to play. What makes it so special to you and how does it fit your particular musical style so well?
I really like the whole concept... the people who run the party, the crowd there & of course the location.
The Bunker has recently begun a Panoramabar/Berghain quarterly residency featuring some of the famed Berlin clubs best representatives. How do you feel the atmosphere of Panoramabar/Berghain can transfer over to the streets of Brooklyn, NYC?
Panoramabar/Berghain is Panoramabar/Berghain. And Bunker is Bunker. Means that we shouldn't try to make a Panoramabar or Berghain out of the Bunker. And neither the other way around. Every club is special in its own way and should last like this.
In previous trips to New York, have you had a chance to explore the city at all or do you mostly have to hop on a plane directly after your set?
Unfortunately I didn't have that much time yet but I saw the Brooklyn Bridge and SOHO ...
Your NYC date will mark your first attempt at playing in America since Movement 2010, where unfortunately you were unable to perform due to visa issues. The same issue also occurred with Ricardo Villalobos. Can you explain the process behind getting a work visa and what are some of the reasons for which they can be denied? Is this a common occurrence?
The process is in general very complicated ... lots of formulas to fill in and money to spend for ;) And I have no clue why it took so long regarding Ricardo's and my visa ...
You have been a scene staple for quite some time; however you have only recently released your debut artist album Dettmann. What made you decide that now was the perfect time to finally release an album?
There was no specific reason for a special time line. I just felt when I was producing that it was the perfect moment to do it.
Were any of your tracks produced with the dancefloor particularly in the forefront of your mind? Do you test any of the tracks on audiences before adding them to the album or is the album constructed using a different philosophy?
I never think about how where and for who my music could work for. It just has to touch my soul. And only than it's authentic and spreads to the people … regardless if they're clubbers or people which are interested in experimental music ...
Each track has a simple one word title; however, each is quite indicative of the track as a whole yet they are open ended enough to provide the listener with the opportunity to make their own assumptions. Was there a method behind the titles of the albums tracks and how they fit together in this particular order?
The titles were just chosen by the feeling of every single track. I didn't want any attention taking away from the music ... no artificial fairy titles just a simple word which express only one feeling. For example "Viscous" sounds really sticky ...
How are you able to separate the two different sides of your musical career? When you spend so much time DJing around the world, how do you find the time and energy to switch into artist mode and work on a project that requires such a different mindset?
To be honest it's a really welcome change of pace. On the weekends I'm a DJ playing all different kind of records all over the world and during the week I'm concentrating in my studio on my own music.
How has your residency at Berghain allowed you to grow as an artist? What is it about the club that makes it so unique?
As an artist inspiration is everything ... So I get influenced by the the Club and the people there. Overall it's a great symbiosis I'm very pleased about it. In my opinion the reason for the uniqueness of Berghain is the way how everything works together: the people, the location, the music … There are no rules, no boundaries, everybody is equal. You have tourists from all over the world, the Berlin people, gays, heteros, younger and older.
We hear a lot of crazy stories about Berghain – what might be the craziest thing you’ve ever seen? (Please shock us!)
The myth of Berghain is a myth because it's always a different journey. So there are no specific stories to talk about because they became replaced every weekend ...
How many years have you been in Berlin? In your opinion, how does the city of Berlin compare today from when you first started there?
I've been living in Berlin since 7 years but I already grow up close to Berlin. Berlin is changing everyday cause of the people living here. There so many interesting artists moving to Berlin from all over the world … painters, fashion people, actors, musicians ... That makes that city very special and inspiring.
With so many accomplishments under your belt, as well as a lengthy period of time being active in the scene, how do you keep everything fresh and exciting? Especially the residency?
It’s all about the music. Sharing music with other people is a great emotion. And every weekend it’s like a present you get and don’t know what’s in it ;) I try to give back what I got from other musicians. That means I want to be the inspiration for other artists to express themselves and make music.
What are some of your musical influences outside of electronic music?
At home we're listening to classical musical ...
Friday, August 6, 2010
Beyond Booking presents
BERGHAIN & PANORAMA BAR AT THE BUNKER
Back Berghain Room
Marcel Dettmann
Spinoza
Front Panorama Bar
Steffi
Eric Cloutier
Public Assembly
70 North 6th Street
Brooklyn, NYC
10pm-6am, 21+
$10 in advance
www.myspace.com/marceldettmann
www.beyondbooking.com
www.berghain.de
