One name that constantly delivers the goods on the Techno scene is Dominik Vaillant. Dominik, a true modern Techno pioneer, continues to turn heads with his stellar production and performance skills as well as a very impressive output on his own Analogue Audio label. We check in with the Berlin resident as he gets ready to drop his cracking new single ‘Skyscraper’ on Lauter Unfug.
Interview by Ratha Guud
Hi Dominik, where are you in the world right now?
Making a campfire in my pool in the backyard of my studio.
What was the first piece of music you heard today?
The sound of my little daughter singing.
How would you describe your sound?
Warm Analog Techno grooves.
What first turned you on to Techno?
Nature One 1999.
Your powerful new Skyscraper single is dropping soon on Lauter Unfug, tell us a little about the track?
It was Inspired by the lauter Unfug party, I just came up with this track in the hotel room and it was clear that it had to be released on that same label that inspired the whole track in the first place.
There’s also remixes from Boy Next Door and Chris Hartwig, are they part of your musical crew? Tell us about the mixes?
Yeah I am very happy with the remixes, from start to peak time there is something for everyone on that release, it’s really cool.
Your own label Analogue Audio is now in it’s 7th year, tell us a bit more about it and the artists you’ve signed.
AA has been my baby has from the early beginning and we carefully choose artists to be released on the label. They all are selected by hand and include Broombeck, Pierre Deutschmann, Raphael Dincsoy, Joseph Disco, Ryan Pharell, Sisko, Smilla, Dominic Banone, Daniel Cuminale, Bjorn Torwellen, Jeff Rushkin, Mike Wall and many others. It’s basically just the music we like and what we like to play as well. It’s like a family.
You also release on lots of other labels, why as an artist is it important to do so when you already have your own imprint?
I like produce different styles, so I choose different labels to release my tracks on. Most of my releases on the neighbours labels are remixes or co-productions.
Have you got a personal favourite release of your own?
I don’t wanna toot my own horn here, but right now My fav’ track is one of my own. It’s called ‘Friday 13th’ and is coming in October on vinyl on Analogue Audio and it includes some big remixes too. You can check out the preview on my Soundcloud page soon.
What are your thoughts on the current Techno / Tech House scene?
We are in thrilling times right now, there are lots of new vibes and great new young artists.
What are your top 5 tracks of the moment?
1 Alignment – Mirage
2 Clio – No Shame
3 Daniel Cuminale – Last Night (Fred M remix)
4 Smilla – Option
5 Peter Berg – Dancy
Who are your biggest influencers?
Alexander Kowalski, Cari Lekebusch, Foo Fighters, Refused and Yello.
Where’s your favourite places to dance in Berlin?
Berghain and Sisyphos.
Who was the last DJ you danced to?
Ben Klock
Who would you most like to make a collaboration with?
DVS1
Name a record that makes you say “damn, I wish I made that!”
Thriller – Michael Jackson ?
What’s your guilty pleasure record?
David Hasselhoff – I’ve Been Looking For Freedom ?
What’s been the best moment of your career so far?
There have been a lots of great moments so far, yet I enjoy each and every moment with my label homies, we having a lot of fun.
What’s your favourite piece of studio kit?
The Jomox999 and some Moog filters
What events/festivals are you most looking forward to this Summer?
Awakenings, Ruhr In Love, Nature One for 2016.
Finally what’s coming next from Dominik Vaillant?
There are coming out some really cool tracks in the coming weeks, including ,any remixes for my artists on Analogue Audio. There is Owen Offset, Daniel Cuminale & Sven Sousing, Israel Toledo, Twist3d and Smilla. There is also a full release called Outcast EP with my buddy Sebastian Schroeder coming out too on Analogue Audio too. And last but not least, a remix for my Italian buddy Sisko Electrofanatik and his imprint Gain Recordings, coming out next month. ? So the next months are full of new great tracks by myself and my crew.
Dominik Vaillant ‘Skyscraper’ will be released on July 22nd on Lauter Unfug Music
