Blitzcast 025 : Rosa Red

Rosa Red, the former Münchner Kindl now based in Berlin, has become a cherished regular at Blitz in recent years, captivating us with her dynamic blend of powerful House infused with touches of Rave and Breakbeat. For all the right reasons! We’re thrilled to present Blitzcast 025, showcasing Rosa Red’s euphoric musical style ahead of her upcoming performance alongside Gerd Janson and nd_baumecker on Friday, December 13th, at Blitz Club.
To accompany her all-vinyl Blitzcast, we caught up with Rosa to delve into her highly creative journey so far.

And find out more about the euphoric celebration ahead this Friday with Rosa Red, Gerd Janson and nd_baumecker right here!
www.blitz.club/program/20241213/

And make sure to follow Rosa Red on the web:
INSTAGRAM or SOUNDCLOUD

  • Tell us about the mix: How did it come together, and what inspired its creation?
    This one is all vinyl. I dug these gems over the last few months and really love them: 90s & some early 00 house, lots of raw drums, sassy & sexy vocals, deep organs…

  • This Friday, December 13th, you’ll be playing at Blitz alongside Gerd Janson and nd_baumecker. What can we look forward to from your set?
    Always depends on the vibe I take in, but definitely will bring some of the sassy records I played in the mix!

  • You started as a live musician in shoegaze and psych-rock bands, later DJed similar styles in Munich, and now play in many of the continent’s most discerning clubs. What were the key moments in your musical journey? How do live performance and DJing compare? Are there aspects of the live music scene you miss, or elements of the dance scene you particularly enjoy?
    My first club gig was a key moment –– shortly after the pandemic, for Ritual Digital at Harry Klein. Before that I mostly played in bars – and there music was more of a background element. Being in charge of a filled dance floor felt really powerful and hooked me!
Also, my first Blitz gig was a key moment; I was so incredibly nervous! I warmed up for Job Jobse, and the crowd was amazing.
    What I love about DJing is that I can adapt quickly to a situation and to the vibe in the room. I am highly sensitive and always try to catch the mood of the dancers. Playing live, in a band, there is often a fixed setlist and you often can’t adapt spontaneously.
If you compare shoegaze and the rave scene, they might be similar in the desire of the dancers to get lost in the music!
    I miss playing really loud and noisy bass and the feeling of playing live and dynamic. Still looking for a band to play bass in Berlin.

  • You’re also a graphic designer. Do your design work and music influence one another creatively?
    When I am working on new tracks, I often have a visual idea in my head pretty early on, so that influences each other.
    Sometimes, working parallel on design and music stuff feels a bit overwhelming as it’s too much creative stimulation. Then I need to take a break either on the music or the design side.

  • Your productions and mixes stand out for their bright, colorful sound. Do you see parallels between this aesthetic and your work as a designer?
    I like to spread good vibes!

  • All of your releases so far have been with Munich-based Permanent Vacation. How did this collaboration come about?
    I met Benji from Permanent Vacation in Munich. In the pandemic, I started to produce music and sent him my very first (very crappy!) tracks. He must have seen something in there and motivated and supported me since. Shortly after that, one of these first tracks was released on a PV compilation and I am super thankful I got so much support from the label over the years! EP 4 is in the works and will be out soon.

  • You’ve relocated from Munich to Berlin. How has this move shaped your approach to dance music?
    Being in Berlin gets you a bit back down to earth – there are so many crazy talented people in this city, which is scary but also inspiring! I miss the Munich familiarity though!

  • Your productions lean toward House. How has Munich’s dance music history, particularly its Disco legacy, influenced your sound?
    Before I started to DJ electronic music, I played records (didn’t DJ, selected them). I made a journey through so many genres! Started with the 70s and 80s records of my dad, then played 70s psychedelic music and rock, punk, then early electronic music. I was always interested in the Munich dance history, as I was interested in the overall music history.

  • You’ve played several memorable gigs at Blitz since 2022. Is there one moment that stands out? Any particularly funny or unique experiences?
    I had the honor to support so many legends at Blitz and am so thankful for that! Jeff Mills, Laurent Garnier, Honey Dijon … So many moments that stand out!
    A particularly funny story: I played the warm-up for a well-known DJ. I finished my set, was really happy, and had quite some shots and drinks with my girls.
The DJ finished exactly at his agreed playtime and wanted to leave immediately after that – although the crowd was still in a great party mood.
Muallem searched me and found me partying somewhere in the crowd. He asked if I wanted to play another slot!
I was a bit tipsy and scared, but I did it, though. I played 2 more hours, and it was the most amazing night!

  • Our classic closing question: Beyond your own work, what music has been exciting you lately? A track, album, or mix—anything goes!
    I can’t stop listening to Equinox (Heavenly Club Mix) by Danny Tenaglia at the moment. Such an amazing, deep, hypnotic track.

Blitzcast 024 : Alessio Barletta

Alessio Barletta, the Munich-based DJ and co-founder of the Discontinuous imprint alongside Lavandonia and Alles Andere, is a cherished figure in our Blitz orbit. Now, he’s back with a new Blitzcast!

Here’s what Alessio Barletta has to share about the mix:

>I believe this mix significantly reflects my personal musical journey. In the first part, I wanted to highlight a more minimalistic and house style, mainly from the 2000s, which embodies my roots and initial influences. It then evolves into more electric and dynamic sounds and melodies that blend electro and tech-house, reflecting the styles I love to explore and play. This transition not only represents my growth as an artist but also my desire to explore new emotions and musical atmospheres, creating a sonic journey that engages the listener. I aimed to add a unique touch by including some of my unreleased and edited tracks, leaving my signature on this mix, just as I do in my sets.<

Be sure to follow Alessio Barletta on socials and SoundCloud:


https://soundcloud.com/alessio_barletta
https://www.instagram.com/alessio___barletta/

Blitzcast 023 : Inox Traxx

Blitzcast 023 showcases the talents of the hotly-tipped, Berlin-based Inox Traxx, who will make her Blitz debut alongside DJ Rush, ZISKO, and Kareem El Morr on Saturday, 23 November 2024.

We won’t say too much about this: here are the grooving goods to get you excited for her debut this Saturday! Here comes the sizzling hot Blitzcast 023 : Inox Traxx!

Find out more about Saturday the 23rd’s intriguing programme right here:
https://www.blitz.club/program/20241123/

And make sure to keep up to date with Inox Traxx on the socials, too:
https://www.instagram.com/inox_traxx/

BLITZ LIVE – VICTOR – 06.09.2024

Blitz Club regular Victor has graced our decks in numerous formats and lineups, showcasing a sonic identity that’s distinctly fluid. Yet, no matter where his musical journey takes him, one thing is certain: Victor is a guarantee for classy, refined sets and skilled mixing.

We’re happy to present another Blitz Live mix, a live recording of his opening set from Friday, the 6th of September alongside Marie Montexier & Roman Flügel.

Get a glimpse of the multifaceted selector’s stunning skills with this mix but make sure to catch the up-and coming artist this Saturday 09/11 at our lustful Cruise celebration!

Don’t forget to follow Victor on the socials:

https://www.instagram.com/victor_magicpower/ / https://soundcloud.com/victormgcpwr

We’ve sent Victor a few questions concerning the mix, experiences at Blitz and much more!

  • Let’s start with an easy question: Do you remember your first gig at Blitz? How did it go? And do you recall the track you opened with?”

I think it was in 2018. I don’t remember what I opened with, but I do remember closing the set with a tempo change and Jonny L’s “I Want You,” which was a move that could have gone either way but fortunately was well received.

  • The mix was recorded live at Blitz in early September 2024—how do you feel about it looking back?

Pretty good! It’s from what has somehow become my favorite slot at the club: opening the more house-oriented Friday night. I feel like this particular mix represents how comfortable I am now in that booth, because after playing there more often over the past few years, I feel like I can truly experiment and push the boundaries of the set’s theme. For example, in this recording, I’m playing some old Karenn and British Murder Boys, but the tracks still work within a house context, in my opinion.

  • What can we expect from your set at the upcoming Cruise?

Definitely a higher pace and a harder, much more techno-oriented sound, trying to fit in with the Cruise vibe! BUT, having played the exact same slot a year ago, I noticed that slipping in some housier, lighter moments can work for sure. I’m really looking forward to it!

  • You’re often described as a ‘sonic shapeshifter’ and an extraordinarily adaptable DJ, able to fit a variety of musical settings and back-to-back partners. How do you see this description? What’s at the core of your musical style?

I’m honestly proud of it because that’s what I’d read about my favorite DJs growing up, thinking, “One day I’d like to be like that…”

All jokes aside, I have thought a lot about why I can never stick to a style for a whole set, and it might just have to do with who I am as a person and how my brain works. Sometimes, it’s all over the place. I’ll see a DJ ride a groove for ages, locking in the crowd like crazy, and think, “Damn, you’ll never achieve that.” But then again, I have to remind myself not to be too hard on myself about it.
Playing back-to-back has just naturally evolved from a love of sharing music with my friends and exploring personal relationships. I’ve been very lucky to have had some memorable B2Bs at Blitz with some of my favorite DJs, like Verraco, Solid Blake, mad miran, Stenny, and more!

You also run the Magic Power label—could you tell us more about the idea behind it, the music you release, and the people involved?

The original plan was to put out music by my friends because no one else would, and I wanted people to listen. That was in 2016. We’re now six EPs in, and I’m really enjoying the work. The pandemic forced a bit of a hiatus, but the label is now operating again.
We’ve already released three EPs this year, and I’m currently working on a slightly bigger project that should come out next year. I’m very excited about it!

What’s the most curious and the most memorable experience you’ve had at Blitz?

Playing the closing set at the November Cruise last year was a very memorable experience for me. I was playing vinyl and accidentally let the record run out! I didn’t expect it to happen in that moment and got very, very mad at myself for messing up that hard, but the crowd started cheering and made me feel better about it.
Meeting one of the owners for the first time, who came to the booth while I was playing, was incredibly funny looking back—he cracked a joke that left me totally scrambled at first.

Finally, our classic closing question: Besides self-promotion and networking, what music have you been really into lately? (Track, album, mix—anything goes!)

I’m currently listening to the album Worm by Ozoyo, a wonderful record of ambient and trip-hop with a very unique sonic fingerprint. I can’t wait to be back playing an opening at Blitz so I can play some of this on the system!
Thanks for continuously having me at the club and for supporting me with mixes here. Blitz’s support means a lot to me and has really changed my outlook on Munich as a whole.

BLITZCAST 022 : Yamour

Berlin-based DJ Yamour is an artist on the rise, with a trail of successful gigs at Blitz, numerous Giegling parties, and more and more appearances at Europe’s most discerning clubs and festivals. It’s the perfect time to get to know this exciting selector, who will be gracing the decks at Blitz even more frequently in the future!

We recently sat down with Yamour, who spent years refining her musical knowledge at the iconic Hard Wax store in Berlin. Rooted in American House & Techno, Yamour’s sets are all about the groove. In our Blitzcast 022 and the accompanying interview, she shares insights into her stunning selection and what’s currently on her mind. Blitzcast 022 is a beautifully lush and dubby, yet decidedly funky and grooving affair, inspired by our BLITZ Floor: a great start to dive into the weekend!

Catch her in action this weekend at Cruise and our Sunday daytime party, > Who Let Them Cook? < ! Don’t miss out.

Find out more about Cruise and Who Let Them Cook here:
CRUISE 14/09 / Who Let Them Cook? 15/09

And make sure to keep up to date with all of Yamour’s future plans:
https://www.instagram.com/yamour_/

Can you share what inspired your latest mix? What was your thought process while crafting it?

For my Blitzcast, I was inspired by the club’s iconic wooden dancefloor and the punchy, warm, and dynamic Void sound system. The acoustics of the space are organic yet powerful, inviting dubby, funky, rich tunes. During last summer, I played a lot of silky tech house grooves, which definitely influenced the direction of this mix as well.

How did you first get into DJing, and what motivates you to keep going? Do you follow a specific approach when creating sets?

It actually took me a long time to admit to myself that I wanted to be a DJ. There are so many DJs in my hometown of Berlin that it kinda felt silly to pursue that path myself. But then it just happened organically. And I’m really glad that it did. I’d say I approach my sets with a mixture of intuition, my current mood, and the sound I’m into at the moment. As someone who only plays vinyl records, doing my homework before a gig is essential. Understanding the vibe of the event, my place in the running order, and other important details that will influence the sound and energy.

Besides DJing, you’re involved in curating the Good2U Festival in Görlitz, Eastern Germany. What drives you to organize such an event, and what do you hope to achieve with it? Will there be another edition in 2025, and what can we expect from it?

Good2U has a very special place in my heart. We have created an intimate festival that is truly one in a million. It was clear from the start that we wanted to curate interesting lineups defined by our own concepts, rather than just following Instagram algorithms. There are so many amazing artists out there who are skilled, whether it’s storytelling DJs or live performers. The location is a former GDR warehouse in the woods, which provides a unique mix of festival and club atmosphere, as well as an overall comfortable festival experience. The feedback we have received so far from guests, artists, and volunteers has been really overwhelming and is the biggest motivation for us to continue following our vision. It just shows how much the scene craves authentic and passion-driven projects. Good2U will definitely be back in 2025 with all the usual good vibes. I’m happy to see our festival blossoming and the Good2U community growing.

Do you remember your first gig at Blitz? How did you feel, and how did it go?

I owe my first gig at Blitz to Freddy K, who invited me to his KEY Vinyl showcase. A big shoutout to Alessio! It was a really special night for me. Blitz Club had been on my bucket list for a long time, not only as a DJ but also as a raver. As I walked in, I knew that Blitz was the real deal. A proper club with a great sound system, good lineups, and a lovely, dedicated team. It just clicked

What has been the most curious or memorable thing that happened to you at Blitz?

Playing the closing set after Ben Klock on the Blitz floor with a freshly torn ligament and a swollen, bruised ankle. The only way I survived this was thanks to my Crocs and lots of painkillers. I couldn’t walk properly, but I managed to drag myself to Munich and back to Berlin with two record bags. Definitely not the wisest decision I’ve ever made, but it was worth it

What can we expect from your sets at Blitz this weekend, for both Saturday’s Cruise party and Sunday’s Who Let Them Cook event?

I will have the pleasure of sharing the decks with Muallem for two B2Bs this weekend. The first one is a techno closing at Cruise, right after groove queen Ogazón. This will be followed by an 8-hour B2B at the restaurant where we will be serving up delicious after-hour house tunes. I’m mad excited for this intense B2B marathon with Muallem, who is not only a great DJ and the heart and soul of Blitz Club, but who has also become a very dear friend of mine.

Groove On: Save Groove magazine

As much as dance and club culture is about music, dancing and community, we need people and platforms to reflect and debate upon its values, up-and-coming artists and their output as well as upon all the joys and dangers surrounding the current dynamics of its ongoing changes. As German magazine and publication GROOVE puts it: > We have to talk. <

GROOVE has been one of electronic dance music’s essential tastemakers and a central platform for German-speaking discourse on the music scene and club world. It goes without saying that we’re avid readers of their work. Launched in 1989, it’s one of the world’s longest-running dance music magazines. However, its former publishing house has given up on the publication. Now, a large group of (former) contributors are striving to go independent, but GROOVE needs your help. To survive, the newly founded community-based collective called > Verein für Technojournalismus < requires your support in the form of at least 500 memberships.

Find out more and support the campaign to save GROOVE right here: GROOVE ON!

BLITZCAST 021 : Sumi

Our 21st Blitzcast features Vienna-based selector Sumi, a key member of our friends from the Lighthouse Festival crew. He’ll be handling the closing set with the infamous LHF squad, alongside our resident vince and Felix Rupprecht, guiding the Unchained crowd into the early Monday morning hours!

We’re delighted to present Blitzcast 021 just in time for our extensive, 32hours Unchained party!

Listen to Sumi‘s set and find out more about his inspiration, his thoughts on Unchained and about some of his funniest moments at Blitz.

And don’t miss the chance to get a hold of one of the last Unchained festival tickets RIGHT HERE, starting Saturday 10/08 18:00!

What were you thinking, what inspired you for Blitzcast 021?

This is actually my first “deliberately” recorded mix in about 10 years!
I recorded it in Vienna at Club PRST, where I used to do the booking with Leo. I was inspired by mixes that aren’t consistently “peaky” but also dial things back a bit.

I also didn’t want to mix too many styles, so I thought I’d make a mix with what I do best: playing House! In all its facets!

It’s a one-take mix: the result may not be “perfect” or 100% what I had initially envisioned, but I’m satisfied with what happened during the mix. That makes such mixes so exciting to me: One of the biggest motivators was that David Muallem asked me in South Africa three years ago if I’d like to do a Blitzcast for him. So I was, of course, thrilled when he thought the mix was cool! :))
The selection is mostly vinyl, and the range spans from 1995 to today.

You’re playing our Unchained Festival this weekend: what are you most excited about?

I’m incredibly proud of the whole team for trying to establish such an exciting format! The vibe in Munich, especially on Sunday, is truly unique. It’s also simply breathtaking to see the venue in all its glory! Unfortunately, I arrive on Sunday and have tears in my eyes because I’m going to miss the spectacular program on Saturday!

What can people expect from your set?

It fills me with joy every time I get to play music with one of my best friends and go through all kinds of styles. I can’t imagine any better B2B partners (except one other person 😉 ), and I think the guests feel that energy too. At gigs like these, there are no egos. 🙂 In these B2B2Bs, every guest gets their money’s worth!

Your funniest Blitz memory as a DJ?


When I was on my way to my first Blitz gig (about 6 years ago), my MacBook with all my music broke. When we arrived at the soundcheck, it turned out that the USB stick wasn’t working either. I had only 30 minutes left until the gig. Then, I quickly went with my girlfriend to her friend’s place to quickly put “something” on the stick because I didn’t have enough records with me. The taxi driver dropped us off in front of the club, and we actually managed to climb over several fences with my DJ case through a wrong construction site—only to realize that we had walked 360 degrees around the construction site at the Deutsches Museum. The gig was great anyway!

BLITZCAST 020 : Paris Böhm & Jorkes

Blitzcast 020 arrives just in time to get us in the mood for our grand pride celebrations on Saturday and Sunday, the 22nd and 23rd of June! Our good friends Jorkes & Paris Böhm, behind the glittering and decidedly queer Freeride Millennium parties, shows, and releases, have crafted a mix to give us a glimpse of what to expect from their late-night set. Ready to boogie? We are!

Find out more about our joyous Pride party: CSD ZENTRAL – CRUISE XXX-TRA LARGE and its stunning lineup right here:

www.blitz.club/program/csd-zentral/

And make sure to follow Jorkes, Paris Böhm & Freeride Millennium for more grooves!

www.instagram.com/freeridemillenium/
www.instagram.com/jorkes0/
www.instagram.com/danielrajcsanyi/

Freeride Millenium presents > Queer Base vol.2 < charity compilation album!

Our dear friends Jorkes & Paris Böhm, the brains behind Freeride Millenium, have been stirring up the underground scene with their sets, releases, parties, and radio shows. Their imprint and party series recently released a compilation featuring tracks from several good friends from Blitz as well, in support of Queer Base, an organization based in Vienna that aids LGBTQIA*+ refugees in Austria. Queer Base provides assistance ranging from legal and social counseling to much more. We highly recommend checking out the stunning music on the compilation and supporting Queer Base’s cause through either a direct donation or by purchasing the compilation on Bandcamp.

Head over to bandcamp to get the compilation and listen to the tunes RIGHT HERE!

And find out more about Queer Base right here: https://queerbase.at

Alessio Barletta talks Discontinuous and his first EP > BAL <

Blitz fans will recognize the names Alessio Barletta, Lavandonia and Alles Andere. The three Italian, Munich-based DJs are known as enthusiastic selectors and scene members with a penchant for Minimal-orientated shades of Techhouse and Electro. Now the three have teamed up to form their own imprint called > DISCONTINUOUS < and have recently released their first EP > BAL < with infectious four tunes and beats from Alessio Barletta himself.

We wanted to find out more about Discontinuous, the BAL EP and Alessio Barletta’s musical journey.

Check out the preview on soundcloud and don’t forget to shop the record if you dig it, too!


And shop the goods right here:

https://www.hhv.de/shop/en/records/item/alessio-barletta-bal-ep-1108588

Now let’s hear what Alessio has to say!

BLITZ: Hi Alessio, people in Munich have known you as a DJ for a while, now you’re bringing out your first EP on your own label, Discontinuous. Tell us more about it: what can we expect from the music?

Alessio: Certainly something different from what I was doing before my move to Germany. In Rome, I delved into the world of electronic dance music back in 2009 during a period that I consider historical concerning the European and Italian minimal techno scene, a genre that I immediately fell in love with and subsequently pursued and presented as a DJ and producer. Then my work brought me here to Monaco [Munich], where I instantly had the opportunity to broaden my musical horizons by being in contact with a music scene quite different from my usual one, starting to look way closer to techno and electro artists. This experience significantly contributed to my new way of seeing, listening, selecting, and producing my music. With the BAL EP, I want to transfer my concept and idea of making music directly aimed for the dance floor at this part of my life and creative path; 4 tunes made to move dancers in different situations.



BLITZ: How would you describe the music to someone who doesn’t know anything about dance music?

Alessio: If you don’t know much about dance music, I would suggest starting listening from the basics. However, instead of recommending some popular hits, if I were to provide this kind of “explanation,” I would simply play one of the records that, for me, was the beginning of everything: a tune from 2005 by Villalobos titled ‘Chromosul.’ In my case, it opened up the world of what dance music is, or at least let’s say, the type of dance music I wanted to explore and follow. Of course, then I would play another one (the whole story must be told); more actual speaking about my taste, so why not directly the BAL EP; perfect combo in order to highlight the two different visions of music flows.


BLITZ: Tell us more about Discontinuous. When did you start thinking about it? What’s the aim behind Discontinuous?

Alessio: I spent a really long period experimenting with new things, collecting records different from what I would usually pack into my DJ bag, with the aim to find the right balance between my musical background and what I currently enjoy selecting. For a couple of years now, I’ve been focusing on my productions again, pushed by my big friend Mike (Bakked). Initially, my plan was to print some promotional copies to give to the artists I felt most in line with my style, something that I was already doing with Mike. The aim was to find a way to get in touch with selected artists and interest them for my music, but we were far away from calling it a “label”. Discontinuous truly began when it became a three-player game.


BLITZ: You’ve formed Discontinuous together with Lavandonia and Alles Andere – two more, Munich-based Italian DJs. How did you get to know each other? And tell us more about how you worked on the label and release together!

Alessio: Basically, it all started when one day I randomly met Jessica and Alessandro, two guys from Verona who had just moved here. They were talking about music, about a particular record—a record I was crazy about at that time. Enough to fill an entire evening talking as perfect strangers and then to begin a friendship entirely based on music, due to our very similar tastes and paths but different experiences. We met then regularly, with nice nights fully dedicated only to playing records. One morning, I played some tunes I had just finished; one of these was the A2-Roger (track dedicated to my cat) and they convinced me that it was the right time to release them, for real, on vinyl, just as we like it. They were exactly what I needed, the people encouraging me to take the next step, so we merged plans and ideas and we gave life to what is now Discontinuous. That’s it.


BLITZ: Where do you see Discontinuous sit in Munich’s music landscape?

Alessio: We believe that the music experiences gained in Italy can increasingly find space even here – quite simply.


Interviewer: What are your next steps?

Alessio: We are having a lot of fun at the moment and we already have a second release planned. It will be from various artists, formed by artist friends that are part of Italian collectives, well connected to us and that we cherish a lot.

Interviewer: How have your experiences as a DJ shaped the production? Is it your very first production?


Alessio: I’ve already released tracks under a different artist name, as I said with a much more minimal and experimental musical approach, in line with the Italian electronic music movement I was immersed in. Being extremely curious and passionate about electronics and technology, I was eaver to find out more about what happens on a musical level (on a production level) before a track is being finished and ultimately played by a DJ. So I would start work on tracks from scratch. And then it became my immediate parallel passion alongside DJing itself. However, the first thing I do now as part of my artistic process is to dedicate myself to production. Then, I follow it up with the search for new music based on what I enjoyed producing and I try to align the two aspects.


Interviewer: For the gear and production nerds among our readers: do you want to share some insights on the production process and the gear you used?


Alessio: Right now my hardware setup is fairly basic and is represented by the machines I know the best so far and I love to work with since the beginning. It consists of an analog polyphonic and drum synthesizers, drum machine, and a sampler, all with a dedicated sequencer. I program music but I don’t play keyboard. The sound and rhythmic programming of these three machines together is almost always the initial part of the creative process. From then I move to the computer, recording vintage synths and drum machine emulators until arrangement and mixing phase.

BLITZ: When is the next time we can see you and members of the Discontinuous gang play live?

Alessio: We are about to announce our first label night here in Munich and really can’t wait to play together, all three of us!


BLITZ: And now to our final question, that we ask every interview. Aside from personal connections and self-promotion, networking, etc. – what piece of music is on your personal heavy rotation right now? Tell us more about what you adore about it, too.

Alessio:

There’s not a particular > new < one at the moment, as I’m fully focused on production and the rest of time I’m selecting new music; but I want to tell you about one that marked a significant moment in my life, since I moved I moved to Munich. 

With > Tactic of Bass <, I want to thank all the people and friends that constantly support me and Blitz Club, that made me feel at home from the the very first night.

Interview: DIFFERENT TIMES talk their label and parties, inspirations and plans ahead of their PLUS Floor takeover on SUN 31/03

In an era where music is consumed at breakneck speed, predominantly as digital files, and exciting releases flood playlists and airwaves, there will always be musicians, labels, and fans who revel in the opposite – physical releases on vinyl. Music on vinyl, especially in club culture, offers a unique approach. It’s less about individual songs and playlists, and more about the continuous, immersive experience of music. Vinyl gains a timeless exclusivity and longevity through its physical format.

Munich-based label Different Times embodies this ethos. They navigate the space between Techno, House, and Minimal with releases and parties that boast quality music and a charismatic, back-to-basics approach in terms of sound, design, promotion, and more. They prove that the peak time isn’t confined to a specific timeframe; it’s an all-night affair, every minute of the night, when played right.

They’ve graced our PLUS floor with smart and sleek curations more than once, and we’re happy to have them return on Sunday, the 31st of March with Even Baggs and David Hornung, alongside Ben Klock, Fireground, Yamour & Zenker Brothers on the BLITZ Floor.

We sat down with the Different Times crew, consisting of David, Javier, Gregor and Fridor, to delve into their approach, motivation, and inspirations. And, of course, to learn more about their upcoming party at Blitz!

In the meantime, check out their Bandcamp page here and don’t forget to follow then on Instagram, too!

https://differenttimesmunich.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.instagram.com/differenttimes_/

And their Soundcloud page with previews and mixes here!

Let’s start with an easy question. What is Different Times all about? Who are you? What does the name stand for?

The concept behind Different Times is pretty straightforward. It’s essentially a combination of a record label and a series of parties. As the name suggests, we aim to be both musically and temporally flexible. We’re all about capturing a certain vibe without being confined to any particular music genre. Different Times also serves as a counterpoint to the current trend of overexposure while striving to promote musical and social understanding between people.

How would you describe the sound of DT to someone who doesn’t know about dance music?

Once again, we can directly connect to the philosophy behind the label here.

We’re all about delivering high-quality output that feels natural. We collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, yet there’s always a distinct signature to our releases. It’s a back-to-basics sound infused with that extra touch of love for detail. We encourage artists to explore different directions, focusing on what fits the label best rather than chasing current trends. Our tracks have their own unique aesthetics, which are further accentuated by the medium of vinyl. They possess a blend of mechanical and organic elements, each telling its own story.

Different Times is a vinyl label, strictly. Why? Going back to vinyl remains a viable option for many dance music labels, tell us more about your own perspective on it, though.

In the end, it all started with our love for spinning records, which laid the foundation for Different Times. We understand that by sticking to vinyl-only releases, we may limit our audience. However, we don’t see ourselves as catering exclusively to beginners. Our aim is to take people on a journey of discovering new music and experiences. Our records are crafted by DJs for DJs, and that’s why vinyl holds such significance for us. Buying a record is a more deliberate decision compared to downloading a track. We view our EPs not as individual tracks but as complete works of art by the artists. Often, there are hidden gems on our releases that people discover and cherish over time after initially purchasing the record.”

How about our hometown Munich – where do DT’s ideas interact with our town, which challenges does DT face in Munich? Are there any musical influences from Munich on DT itself? Or is it the lack of influences in Munich that inspire DT? Where does DT align in Munich’s timeline of dance music history?

Munich boasts a rich history of disco, house, and techno since the early 90s, with clubs like Ultraschall leading the way. When we conceived Different Times, the gap between house and techno in the current scene was a significant inspiration for us. It prompted us to create our own events and offer fresh experiences for club music enthusiasts. While we draw inspiration from sounds in cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Amsterdam, where the tech-house and minimal scenes thrive, Munich has remained relatively quiet. The scene here tends to be introverted and lacks outward presentation, particularly through social media. This poses a challenge in promoting events and artists in Munich.

However, it’s gratifying to see that despite these challenges – and partly due to our residency at Blitz – we’ve managed to build a community that trusts us and our line-ups. We’ve made significant strides in putting Munich back on the map, but there’s still much work to be done. Our focus remains on quality over quantity!

What can we expect from the upcoming DT party with Evan Baggs & David Hornung on our PLUS floor?

We’re thrilled to bring one of the scene’s pioneers to Munich and Blitz. Evan Baggs epitomizes the essence of Different Times like few others. He’s made a name for himself solely through his music, devoid of any social media hype. His releases speak volumes about his less-is-more approach, characterized by subtle hypnotism and refined arrangements. We’re in for a treat!

Where do you feel Blitz & Different Times meet culturally? Why do you feel the DT takeovers of our PLUS floor are a good match?

Our first experiences in organizing parties go back a while. Most of the time, we rented an old hall or something similar in the countryside and threw private parties. We didn’t have a large budget available; nevertheless, we always set priorities and made sure to have a very good sound system and a good basic setup consisting of a mixer and two turntables. These, in our opinion, are the essential prerequisites for a good party – the rest arises from community and mindfulness.

We find these prerequisites on the Plus Floor. It also offers the space to get lost in the music, allowing guests to really dive into the night. This often creates a subtle and non-verbal connection between the dancers, which is not based on big drops, but rather builds up over the night.

You’ve done many more parties in Munich at other venues, too. Tell us more about how the different parties work.

In addition to our label nights at Blitz, we also organize other events in suitable locations, such as Zirka or Kunstlabor. These events have emerged from the concept of Different Times:  we aim to disrupt the Munich’s club scene and schedule as we know it! Often, the parties take place during the day and seamlessly transition into the night, totalling about 18 hours of celebration. Different Times indeed! For these events, we collaborate with our friends from Naiv Studio to craft a unique experience while staying true to our musical philosophy. We strive to blend international bookings with the local scene and maintain a focus on quality, both in terms of sound system and stage design, with a sense of sleek understatement. The next party is scheduled for April 13th at Zirka, followed by a special event on May 25th. This event will kick off in the afternoon at Kunstlabor and continue at the PLUS Floor from midnight onwards.

David recently mentioned your graphics are inspired by the Olympic Games in Munich. Tell us more about the inspiration behind the graphics!

We were all amazed by the visual and design identity of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. That was our main inspiration. Gerardo Corizzo, our art director and graphic designer, did the rest, paving the way for our identity with a wonderful concept.

Your whole aesthetic is stripped down and understated. There’s no flashy gimmicks, fast-paced video edits. It’s charismatic and about the music, but it’s not easy to promote music and parties like this nowadays. How do you do it, anyway? What’s your approach?

The idea was to depart from the common aesthetic approach of the current underground scene. Gerry’s goal was to offer the audience something unique, a creative direction diverging from the prevailing trends. We entrusted him with the freedom of expression, enabling him to accentuate the core values of the label and establish a distinctive, recognizable identity.”

David, many people who know you associate you with the Riviera Records store and Different Times in Munich. Can you point out how the two interact with each other?

At this point, it’s important for me to differentiate between both projects and underscore their similarities. Both projects are fueled by a great deal of passion, and the most obvious connection is, of course, the medium of vinyl. Moreover, they have motivated me to establish a communal space that may not have existed in Munich before. I’d da that Different Times represents my own musical style and vision more specifically, whereas Riviera Records is a shared idea and community space and platform for developing and exchanging ideas. Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that both projects are interconnected and mutually influential.”

David, as you’re playing the next DT takeover: how have the work with Different Times or your past gigging experiences at Blitz influenced your musical approach?

Speaking about my upcoming performance at the DT takeover, I can only talk about my own journey. Blitz has been a huge inspiration for me over the past few years, broadening my horizons in unexpected ways. The club experience there is just something else, and I love going as a guest too. I feel like my style has evolved, leaning more towards techno now compared to five years back. It’s been a journey of experimentation, honing my own sound along the way. Engaging with the crowd is always a thrill; it’s a challenge that drives me every time. I’m definitely looking forward to opening the Plus floor next Sunday!

Final question: aside from personal connections and self promotion, networking, etc – what piece of music is on your personal heavy rotation right now?

Regarding the final question: To be honest, I try to prepare myself from gig to gig. This Sunday, I’ll be playing the warm-up for Evan Baggs, so I’ll completely restock my record bag. However, I have a homage to Munich with the appropriate motto for the Plus floor ready:

Foto Credit Different Times crew: Tobias Friedauer / https://www.instagram.com/tobiasfriedauer