Alive and Kicking
Andre, tell us about growing up in Marl, a relatively small town in a northern industrial area of Germany. You are now known as one of the biggest producer’s and DJs in the electronic scene, back in the 80s though it was ska and punk rock that was blaring out of your bedroom stereo. What made you change camp into our dance world?
“When I grew up I was into skateboarding, the music and the lifestlye just picked me. I found the same revolutionary freshness and energy at techno parties in Dusseldorf at the same time. From this point I was hooked.
When did you become aware of the noise Kraftwerk had been making up the road in Dusseldorf?
“My sister listened to Kraftwerk and DAF albums when I was young and didn´t have an interest in music yet, so I wasn´t really aware of it. Years later at a party in Dusseldorf with Josh Wink I finished my set with Kraftwerk – ‘Computerliebe’, one of the best songs they have made in my opinion, so maybe it influenced me in a subliminal way, who knows?”
When did you decide to take up the moniker of DJ Moguai?
“Many years ago, my older sister had an architecture project in Barcelona. The project was to create a club in this fantastic city. She called the project ‘Moguai”. I liked the name so much, that my artist name was born!”
What were the infamous Ruhr raves like back in the day – what were the big records making you jump around?
“It was all about the music in those days, the whole community was like a family, and we danced our ass off to to tracks like CJ Bolland – ‘Camargue’, Ken Ishi – ‘Extra’, The Rising Sons – ‘Afghan Acid’ or Cybordelics – ‘Nighthorse’. Nice memories.”
So a new album just out, ‘WE AR LYVE’. And what a story. The album was snapped up by Galactico label Mau5trap, the only artist besides Imprint boss and global phenomenon Deadmau5 to do so. Talk us through the album and your favourite tracks…
“The album has an organic touch, psychedelic influences as well as hard electronic facets. All in all it is a package, telling a story, which just evolved in the making. I don´t want to pick a particular track as a favourite because all of them are part of this story.”
What are the big 10 tunes you are playing at the moment…
TDR – ‘Squelch’ (Koen Groeneveld Remix)
Julian Jeweil – ‘Soho’
MOGUAI – ‘D.S.F.H.’
MOGUAI – ‘Electra’
David West – ‘Gura’ (Inkfish Remix)
Miniminds – ‘Single Vision’
Wally Lopez -‘ Iuvenis’ (Nick & Danny Chatelain Remix)
Louis, Diamond -‘ Leek’ feat. Luciouz (Libex Remix)
MOGUAI – ‘Flex, Rex, Mansion’
MOGUAI – ‘Oyster’
How would you describe your DJing style?
“That´s difficult, I tend to call it ‘World Techno’. An essence of different genres, you´ll find that mixture in my DJ-sets as well as in my productions.
A massive European tour about to kick off to promote the album. Where on the tour are you really looking forward to hit?
“Really looking forward to the three dates at the O2 Brixton Academy. But all dates on this tour are special, it´s the first time I will be playing so many gigs in so many countries in such a short time. The date in Cologne on May 18th is perhaps a bit outstanding, as it´s near to my home town and many friends will come to the show.”
What can we expect from the tour?
“It will be the first time that I perform live. It´s the best way for me to present the album. It was a lot of work, but in the end i think it was worth it.”
What one album would you never sell?
“Demented Are Go – ‘In Sickness and In Health’
What fellow German DJs and Producers do you regard as heroes?
“Sven Väth has to be mentioned for his efforts to German club culture. Always forward thinking.”
What is the best festival you have ever played at?
“So far it’s the ‘Culture Festival’ in Bangkok, I got so many great impressions of people and the country.”
What is the best club you have ever played at?
“Tokyo – ‘Womb’.
Your discography is ridiculous. An astounding career to date young man. So, what in your mind is:
1. Your best ever release?
“My album ‘We Ar Lyve'”
2. Your best ever remix?
“X-Press2 – ‘Lazy’ (Moguai Remix)”
3. Your best ever compilation mix?
“Ministry of Sound ‘Headliners’.
Do you ever go on holiday!?!
“No time for holiday, too much work!”
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
“No matter what you do, do it with fun.”
What do you think of the current state of the electronic scene around the world, where have you visited has shocked you how advanced they are?
“Maybe shocked is the wrong word, but when I played at Womb in Tokyo it was just out of this world. Japanese people seem to have a totally different approach to electronic music, a great experience.”
Which DJ when you first heard him blew you away?
“Laurent Garnier, Mayday Berlin 1992.”
What is coming next from the Moguai studio…?
“There will be another single on mau5trap, and I have signed some fresh tracks for my own label Punx, for which I will do a remix. Much more in the pipeline, so you better watch out…”
