Torsten Kanzler is a German DJ and producer who’s been ruling the techno scene for years now. His tracks and sets used to be fast, explosive and dark; at some point he slowed down the rhythm but the explosion part stayed with him. We talked to Torsten because of his album “Analog System”, but we also talked about the world of techno and some future projects. You can read the full interview below. Enjoy!
Let’s begin with your latest album. Was it the case that you wanted to release an album and tried to produce one, or was it just that you had the material and it fitted into an album?
Since the beginning of last year it was clear to me that I want to produce a new album. I’ve changed and developed my sound throughout the past years and wanted to show that to the world. So I sat down and focused on the album, meaning that I didn’t accept any remix-jobs to putt he maximum of energy into the album production.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration during my gigs and on the dance floors of the clubs and festivals I’m playing. Sometimes while other acts are playing or even during my live set when a good combination worked on the machine 😉 Usually I sit at the airport or in the plane trying to reconstruct everything. That gives me a good basis fort he upcoming week in the studio.
You have a pretty big influence on the techno scene in Germany in general. What do you think of the course it is taking?
I have the feeling that it’s not about the music anymore. The last years, electronic music has become a product making billions of dollars and euros. Most of the time it’s about making lots of money in a short period of time and to dominate the market. Act A won’t work with Act B ‚cause he already played with Act C and so on. They have built huge fences around their playgrounds and only those willing to adapt or who have the right contacts, are allowed to come play. Where this is leading? I really don’t know.
How do you feel about collaborations at all? Anything planned here in the near future?
I have never been a lone fighter. Going into the studio and creating something new together is totally inspiring and super funny. Since all my colleagues don’t live close by, it’s not always easy to coordinate a session but with Sven and Klaudia it’s happening from time to time. Stay curious! 😉
It seems like there is a amount of technology involved in your setup. And your DJ sets are famously clean and stomping. How important is technology to you?
I value my technology and the sound it is producing a lot. I want my music to sound clean and powerful, so that you can feel every element, dance to it and lose yourself in it. There’s nothing worse than a loud, compressed Mix because of bad equipment or over amplified mixers or even worse: ‚cause of ripped 98k youtube mp3’s.
What do you think is the essential ingredient for good techno?
A good groove and a lush kick.
Branding and visual side of music becomes more and more important. Do you think this is a blessing or a curse for the techno scene?
Unfortunately yes! As I said previously I think it’s a curse because the focus is taken from the music.
You have been touring many parts of the world. What do you love most about performing?
I enjoy soaking up the happiness and euphoria of the crowd on the dance floor. It really love to make others happy with my music and to see their gratitude when smiling, whistling or screaming throughout my set or afterwards during the photo sessions.
Which record is currently on repeat at your home in Berlin next to your upcoming single at your own label TKR?
At the moment it’s the Frankyeffe Album on Riot. I like his melos and arrangements. Even though I am playing just one track of it, I think it’s the album of the year.
May you can tell us some upcoming highlights of your road map in 2015/2016?
I have been very productive in the studio this summer, so there will be a few new releases the next months. Besides my single, coming November 9th on TKR, there will be releases on Driving Forces, Silent Storm UK, Dollma Rec and favor. As well as remixes for PoyPoy, Distale or Joy Fagnani, to name a few. This winter is going to be hot!
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