Berlin based DJ, producer and label owner Len Faki is one of the most outstanding and in-demand artists in techno’s present age. He is an internationally requested dj, whose productions and remixes are played by techno’s most prominent names. Being a resident at Berlin’s prime techno club Berghain since its opening in 2004 keeps him open-minded as both, dj and producer. We are proud to host him for the first time in Belgrade, Serbia. Regarding his first performance in our capital, we spoke with him about Berghain, him music and got to know him a little bit better.
First of all I would like to thank you for your time! How are you? What’s new?
Hey, it´s my pleasure having this interview with you. I´m very good. As we speak I´m having some days off. Actually it´s my first free weekend this year and I decided to spend some days in the sun, with outdoor activities, like some hiking and sports to clear my mind and have a fresh start again. Travelling from here directly to the next weekend with our Figur Nacht at Bloc Barcelona and of course my first night ever in Belgrade on Friday. I´m really curious and exited about this date. Much looking forward to it.
What is the main difference between the scene today and at the time when you were becoming a DJ?
Yes, a lot of things changed over the last years. When I started it was a pretty new scene, everyone was in an atmosphere of departure and some of the today’s well known events or clubs started doing their first parties. In the meantime many things got more organised and structured. The scene is growing and everything seems to move faster. Nowadays there are a lot of events and festivals around the globe. Being part of this is an opportunity I´m very thankful for. One thing that comes with that is, that sometimes it feels like the airport and planes became my second home. But it´s so great to have the chance to connect with so many different cultures, get to know them with every visit a little bit more and feel their warm welcome. That´s absolute priceless for me.
Berghain is the most prestigious destination for clubbers worldwide. What’s the story behind your arrival at Berghain? Can you tell us something about that?
Well, I played a few times at the old Ostgut before it´s closing and this was, what started my connection with the owners of Berghain. Then my apartment in Stuttgard, were I still lived at this time, burned down and I decided it´s about time to move to Berlin. It was more or less at this time the vision and plans for Berghain started and since the guys liked my music and saw potential they asked me if I want to become one of their residences. Back then no one knew, which great success Berghain will be, but I knew the guys and was sure that their and my vision was matching well. So I was more than happy to get this chance and be part of this team.
Why is Berghain the most influential club in the world? What is your opinion?
I believe it was the right people, with the right visions and passion at the right place and at the right time. Back then there were still a lot of possibilities and space in Berlin. Not so many rules yet. They believed in and followed their vision and focused always on great quality. Set new standards also with the no photo policy – long before everyone had a smartphone. No mirrors in the club, to offer a free place where people can enjoy the moment, just like they are in all their diversity and without prejudices. I like this a lot.
How much time are you currently dedicating to production? What is your goal when it comes to making music?
The amount of time I spend in the studio is like an up and down development over the years. Both parts, Djing and producing are always equally important for me. First years when I wasn’t travelling so much I spend more time in the studio of course. Little like a nerd never leaving it or only for a really good reason. Now I don´t have that much time but still spend every minute that I have with my productions. Actually I can´t imagine my life without making music. It´s a must for me to be happy. Djing alone wouldn’t feel right to me. Since the end of 2014 till now I spend so much time in the studio like I haven´t done in a long time. Result is that 2015 is the year with the most output from me in a long time.
Speaking of production, you are making Basement Trax EP for Ostgut Ton. You also remixed Dngls’s “HOOLY”. Where has the inspiration for this came from?
The Ostgut Ton EP came into being after an extensive Klubnacht at Beghain. I left the club still carrying this great energy and atmosphere I experienced during my set with me. It was still there when I woke up the next day and with this feeling I directly went into my studio and it was magical. Like the ideas were bubbling inside of me just need to be released. Was a very special experience to me and the reason why the release sounds like it does. It´s my version of the Berghain that i took home with me. My insides.
I liked the DNGLS Hooly track from the first moment I listened to it. Especially the melody I loved immediately. And so I did something that iI never did before and got in contact with the guys, actually asking if the can imagine a remix EP from me. So the other way around. I´m very happy about this decision and that the whole project turned out that well. Above all, I especially like the Beatless Version. The idea behind was to give this great melody more space. It’s working in the club but just as well for an easy listen outside of it.
What are the things that people usually get wrong about you?
I believe every artist no matter which section is going through a process and constantly development. Within this you should always listen to yourself, even if this means taking different directions and other ways. Being judged therefor from people knowing everything better and with their compartmentalization is pretty needless. It´s never a good idea to put people in a certain section, expecting from then on always the exact same style from them. Discovering new ways and boundaries is an important thing for me.
Tell us, are there things related to techno culture, scene or clubs that you’re not happy about and that upset you?
The positive definitely outweighs and it´s an ongoing development. For me the music, the quality and the productions are the essential things, what it is all about and what should count in the first place. When this is put in the background and gets overlaid by show and glitter than it feels to me like more illusion than reality. Something none needs. And sometimes I think back to the good old days when not everyone had a smartphone in their pocket. I totally understand the need to capture a great night for later. Keeping this memory. But sometime I have the feeling it´s getting too much and people miss the moment and fun they actually came for, but instead only try to capture it for later. I can only suggest all of you to try it again. Make a few photos and the rest of the time get lost in the moment and let us enjoy our time together. You will fell the difference – let´s dance more again 😉
A lot of our people often travel to Berlin, what would you recommend to our readers to visit in Berlin, except Berghain, of course? 🙂 Could you reveal us something that perhaps the tourists don’t know about or haven’t yet found?
Well, honestly I´m not often discovering the city – I like it best to spend my free time in the studio – hahahaha. But of course, sometimes I´m out too and Berlin has a lot to offer beyond clubs. To discover a city I like it most to walk around as much as possible. Not visiting the touristic hot spots but discover the real life in a city. Inhaling the atmosphere, connect with locals. Sit in cafes watching the city. In Berlin, the atmosphere between the east and west part of the city is pretty different and everyone who takes the time to walk around in both parts will feel this and know much more about the city than after going to certain hot spots.
I don’t mean to flatter you, but there are just so big expectations for this party among our clubbers, can you tell us what kind of set can we expect from you?
Hahahaha that´s great to hear and I´m honored. In some way it´s the same for me. It´s my first visit to Belgrade so I´m very keen what is expecting me and what new things i will discover. So the anticipation is equal on both sides and I believe then it´s the best thing to get surprised.
Message for all of us who will wait for you on the dance floor?
Come as you are, peaceful and happy and most important – put your dancing shoes on!
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