Monika Kruse’s talent and dedication has made her one of the world’s most highly-respected DJs and producers, who has inspired many in her 25 years long career. She started Terminal M label back in 2000, and it remains one of the most consistently outstanding techno labels. The techno legend with the biggest heart in dance music continues amassing fans across all corners of the globe. The Clubber got a chance to chat with Monika Kruse before her higly expected gig in Belgrade, Serbia and she spoke about her label, No Historical Backspin benefit gigs, her music and many more. Enjoy the read!
Hi Monika, I would like to thank you for your time! For starters, I want to ask you how are you feeling at the moment and where are you playing these days or weeks?
Hello! I just came back from China and Australia, which was very intense and great. It is always nice to explore new cultures and people, I had a good time! End of the year I will travel to Argentina and Brasil, very happy to go there as well.
You are one of the world’s most highly-respected DJs and producers, with a career spanning 25 years, so can you compare the scene back then and now? What changed for better and what became worse?
Definitely the sound systems are much better now which is great! And DJs and the audience were not only wearing black clothing back then as well. There were much more experiments – set wise and dress wise. But of course there are good changes as well. The scene nowadays is so widespread and techno brought us together.
How are you satisfied with the work of your label Terminal M and could you recommend some upcoming releases that we shouldn’t miss?
I am very thankful that my label is still doing good. Right now there is a remix from Victor Ruiz of Felix Kröcher out, which hit the Beatport’s overall top ten chart. This past week I released a new EP from the talented Metodi Hristov. I am a big fan of his and this EP shows his variety in his productions. Watch out for Drunken Kong in January – their track ‘Chanted’ is a big one. I played it at Boiler Room and got so many request of the track ID.
We know that you’re always on the road, recently you’ve been in Australia, so is it hard to find time for studio? Are you working on some new tracks?
I will start now to work on new tracks. In the hectic times of summer I don’t have the time to go the studio. But now I will go back.
How do you see music? What does it represent to you?
Music was my first love. It just makes me happy. I cannot think about a life without music. There is always a tune that cheers me up and will remind me on some very special moments. I think everybody knows that feeling when you hear a special song or track, and suddenly you remember that time or moment of a first kiss, a nice holiday or an amazing night.
Do you have any vision or personal predictions about music evolving in the future and that its position in the world?
Music will always be important. But I don’t know which new styles will come up. This is the excitement about music. You never know where it goes and how it will evolve.
You are very dedicated to charity you founded back in 2000, No Historical Backspin benefit gigs. Please, tell our audience something more about it.
No Historical Backspin is a charity that raises money to give direct assistance to people who suffer from racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant discrimination. I started it in the year 2000 when there were a lot of racist and homophobic attacks happened in Germany and even some of my colleagues and gay friends were attacked. No one should be discriminated against, hindered or hurt because of their background, race, gender, belief, physical challenges or sexual orientation – in Germany or elsewhere. I like to celebrate society’s diversity through music, joy and togetherness and set an example for tolerance for a mutual, peaceful future, that is why I started the charity parties. I worked with several organisations, where I donated the money I made with my charity parties, which took place all over Germany.
Are there any tracks that you played in your sets at the beginning of your career that you are still playing now?
I started my career playing hip hop, funk and soul and some deep house stuff from Frankie Knuckles and Mr. Fingers. Yes I’m still playing some of these tracks, but only on very special occasions.
In your long-standing career, is there something you still haven’t done and you want to do?
Of course there are still countries or cities I want to visit!
What do you like the most about throwing parties in unusual places back in the 90s?
When I was organizing the illegal parties at these time, I chose strange locations. Like a world war two bunker, empty houses, trams… it was always special and a big adventure. We experienced a lot of funny moments. Once when we were cruising on a tram through Munich, we got stopped by the police, because they thought the tram was burning, but is was only the smoke machine, which did a great job in the tram 😉
We will have the opportunity to hear you in Belgrade, Serbia after a decade, the party is highly anticipated, and so what are your expectations?
I am very happy and excited to go to Belgrade! Can’t wait to meet the people and feel the energy of the crowd!
And lastly, which advice would you give to young DJs and producers who are trying to make it in the techno industry?
Don’t try to copy another DJ with your style or look of fashion. Be unique, be yourself. Let the music speak from your heart.
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