The Best Of 2012
The Tunes
Kramnik: ‘Viclone’ (Hernan Cattaneo & Martín García remix)
Kramnik: ‘Viclone’ (Ben Sims remix)
Kramnik. ‘Mongolim’ (Timo Maas remix)
I have to mention these three tracks that were part of my ‘Dark Matters’ album remixes Vol 1 and Vol 2. Especially because they are very different. As expected, Ben’s version is more techno and the others are more progressive. The other remixers were Gabriel Ananda, Nick Warren, Hans Bouffmyhre, SQL, Franco Bianco & Mike Wall. We’re now putting together Vol 3 and Vol 4 ‘Dark Matters’ remixes for the early part of 2013 on Kram Records, so stay tuned!
The Festival
The Rotilla Festival in Cuba
I was in Cuba this summer recording bands for some new productions, and it turns out there was a techno festival on the beach! I never thought I would come across something like that in a country where everything is illegal, especially because it turned out to be quite a party
The Club
Morlox in Berlin
Instead of going for a big venue, I’d rather mention Morlox, which is a small underground club in Berlin where I played earlier this year. It’s a pleasure to play for such an educated crowd because that gives you permission to experiment
The Producer
Martin Garcia
I think I have to mention Martín García, who remixed my album track ‘Viclone’ with Hernan Cattaneo. I was very impressed with that Remix, which was part of the Vol 1 ‘Dark Matters’ remixes. I hope we’ll be able to work together in the future
The Hero
The Roland TD-30KV (V-Drums)
I think I really have no choice but to mention my dream studio gadget of a lifetime: the Roland TD-30KV (V-Drums). I’ve had my mind on this little gadget for quite some time because, as well all know, one of the problems with electronic music can be the missing human touch. So I’m hoping that this investment will help in that respect, but it’s too early to tell because I’m still mapping the bloody thing to Maschine (which requires a Phd in cartography). Hopefully it will also help me speed up the production process…
The Breakthrough Artist
Can you mention yourself if your debut album came out in 2012? Future Music just chose ‘Dark Matters’ as Album of the Month (with a 9/10) and said it was “…one of the most distinctive and original albums of the year, with a unique and unaffected sound…. discovering and exploring new and uncharted territory. ‘Dark Matters’ is a highly atmospheric record that bristles with energy, tension and brooding darkness. It builds with a subtle drive that takes the listener from expansive, eerie sound textures to slabs of bassdriven, tough tech. At times it’s pulsating, at others it laments and stews in its own emotions. Trippy, druggy and rich in thick, intoxicating layers, this intense album sucks you deep into Kramnik’s often-twisted world. A truly singular artist, clearly more interested in his output than the fame it could yield, Kramnik could well be bending our minds for years and decades to come.” The album is out on Dec 17 through Kram Records
The Prediction For 2013
The sync button becomes illegal
Kramnik ‘Dark Matters’ VIDEO: www.kramnik.dj/video
Kramnik ‘Dark Matters’ ALBUM: www.kramnik.dj/music
Kramnik ‘Invisible Radio Show’: www.kramnik.dj/radioshow
‘Dark Matters’ Remixes Vol 1: http://www.beatport.com/release/dark-matters-remixes-vol-1/960758
‘Dark Matters’ Remixes Vol 2: http://www.beatport.com/release/dark-matters-remixes-vol-2/980292