Dario and Marco Zenker, known collectively as the Zenker Brothers, are notable contributors to Munich’s dance music scene and history, through their own artistry and their renowned label, Ilian Tape. As foundational figures in our programme and regulars at Blitz Club since day one, they now return with a brand-new live set and a stunning live video on Resident Advisor, recorded on our very own Blitz Floor.
We sat down with Marco and Dario to discuss their journey into live performances, their perspective on DJing, and what the future holds for the Zenker Brothers and Ilian Tape.
- You’ve been DJing and producing for quite some time: when did the idea of playing a live set first cross your minds, and when did you finally make it happen?
Actually, our first gig together ever was a live set on New Year’s Eve 2009 at the old Harry Klein in Munich. We had two computers, and at one point, the computers weren’t in sync anymore, and we had to restart one during the set. It was pretty chaotic but a good experience. Since then, we’ve only played live a couple of times—at Unsound Festival in Krakow, Mutek Festival in Barcelona, Fusion Festival, and a few club shows. After many years of not playing live, this year, we felt the urge to do it again, but this time without any computers.
- Ilian Tape as a label has developed a distinct range of dynamics, with EPs and LPs often serving different purposes. Your album productions—whether as Zenker Brothers or as solo artists—tend to take a more explorative, less functional route. Has this explorative mindset influenced your live sets?
Our live set is pretty dancefloor-focused and functional but still explorative in some parts.
- How did your live set come together musically? What was the initial concept? Who brought what ideas to the table? Walk us through the creative process and the techniques or tools you used.
We just wanted to be as flexible as possible while playing live, so it’s basically improvised in terms of transitions, drops, and the whole arrangement. We used a lot of older and new material and made totally different edits out of it to perform. Our setup is very limited: 2 Octatracks + 2 Delays, 2 Stereo Filter Modules, and 1 SSL Mixer. We use mostly hardware to create new music in the studio and load everything into the Octatracks to create the tunes to play live. We also rework these tunes before every show, so we never play the same set, and the whole project is always evolving.
- After years of DJing, how does performing live in a club compare? Is the feeling or interaction with the crowd noticeably different?
It’s very different. During a DJ set, you can react much more and interact with the crowd on another level, while you are more limited when playing live, as it’s only your own music with a certain vibe. We also try to interact with the crowd as much as possible, of course, but we are pretty much in the zone while playing, as we are arranging all the tunes live.
- How do you see the role of live sets in today’s electronic and club music scene? With the high-paced scene, is there a unique value or need for live performances right now?
It really depends on the environment and if the crowd is open to it. Playing live is more personal than DJing and also more compressed in terms of the duration of the set and the possibilities to showcase your own vision of music.
- As residents since Blitz’s opening, how have your DJ sets at the club evolved over the years? Have your experiences at Blitz changed your perspectives on DJing?
We held different residencies in Munich clubs before Blitz already, and opening the nights, of course, has influenced our way of approaching a dancefloor and giving the music and room space to evolve in the best possible way.
- What’s next for the Zenker Brothers and Ilian Tape? Any upcoming projects or milestones you’re excited about?
We keep working on our live show, a new LP eventually, and, of course, piloting the label. We are very grateful to all the artists on the label for constantly sending us dope music. The label turns 18 next year, so we will work on some special birthday nights.
- Reflecting on your long history at Blitz, what are some of the most memorable moments you’ve had? Was there a particularly funny or challenging experience?
Most of the shows we played at Blitz were amazing vibe-wise, but January 1 is usually very special, and so are the Ilian Tape nights, of course. Playing the last set in the morning at a Cruise party this year was also a highlight. Once, during an opening set, the fire alarm went off, and suddenly several ready firefighters were standing next to us.
- And lastly, our classic closing question: besides promoting your own work, what music have you been really into lately? A track, album, mix—anything that’s caught your ear?
We both mostly listen to everything but electronic/club music when we are not producing, getting ready for DJ gigs, or compiling releases for the label. So, we really enjoyed the output from International Anthem Records, The Alchemist, Tyler, the Creator, and Pete Rock this year.