The Kling Klong boss delivers the remix of the summer and a huge new EP
Interview : Dan Prince
Rainer welcome to DMCWORLD. So much going on in the Weichhold studio this summer, let’s kick off with your new EP, ‘Secret Kickoff’ which has been absolutely hammered by the likes of Claude VanStroke, Richie Hawtin and Marco Carola…talk us the through the history of the release…
“Yeah, I’m really happy to see so much support on my new release. Especially as it’s rather different to what guys like Hawtin and Carola usually play. Never expected them to put their hands on it.”
“Rising from a phoenix from the Ibiza underground!” – massive words from Pete Tong on Radio One about your amazing remix of ‘Finder’ by Ninetoes. The tune has been everywhere on the white isle this summer, did you expect such a reaction?
“Well we originally released ‘Finder’ on my label Kling Klong in April and it only had the full climax later in summer. So that’s definitely a track you call ‘slow builder’ as it got more and more attention the more the sun came out until it became something like THE track of the summer 2013. When I first got the demo version of ‘Finder’ last October from this newcomer from Stuttgart called NINETOES it was obvious we had an outstanding track with an infectious melody in our hands. And it was clear that we should wait for spring to release it and not try to break such a summer track in winter. And obviously we made something right as it was immediately played by the likes of Davide Squillace, Kevin Saunderson, Matthias Tanzmann, Supernova, Nice7, DJ Koze, Doctor Dru, Jesse Rose, Oliver Koletzki….and when I saw Carl Cox, Nic Fanciulli, Luciano, Loco Dice all started hammering it in Ibiza, we knew it was gonna be big. Next week we will release some more remixes by my partner Martin Eyerer and by Dutch disco heroes Kraver. And later in Autumn Sony Music will make a full release including a video clip and also a vocal version which we are now working on non stop.”
When you sit back and view some of the comments from such superstar DJs, whose names have especially stood out that has made you proud you did so good?
“Getting good DJ feedback is of course always nice to have but more important is to see those DJs actually playing it in their club or radio sets. But even better is to see a track selling well and climbing the sales chart on Beatport. Only then you can see you have a big track as good DJ reactions don’t mean it will become a good seller. Nearly 5 months after release the original ‘Finder’ track is still top 20 in Beatport’s deep house charts. That’s where you can see it’s huge.”
Tell us about your studio relationship with Dimitri Andreas, how did all this begin?
“I got to know Belgian Dimitri Andreas in early 2012 when I signed two of his tracks for my other label Gold Records. Obviously this guy was an incredible studio talent so I took one day off after a Dj gig in Belgium to spend time with him in his studio. There I brought up that drums idea and it only took us 6 hours to finish the track. After I tested it several times at my gigs, I thought this must be the ideal track for Claude VonStroke’s label dirtybird – so I sent it to him. Unfortunately he was busy finishing his own album so he didn’t check any demos and after 3 months of waiting we decided to release it on our label Kling Klong by ourselves. Once the vinyl was pressed I got Claude’s email saying he loved it and want to put it out on dirtybird but it was already too late…”
Who excels where in the studio, who is better at what parts of your production?
“In fact I am no engineer and have no clue of how it works technically. But I come up with ideas like samples, melodies, vocals and sit beside my partner to put him in the right direction. Most of my tracks I do with my close friend Namito in Berlin where we just finished our second EP on legendary German label Kompakt Records.”
So let’s rewind a little, you once studied at The University of Applied Sciences in Augsburg – what was your game plan career wise back then?
“Since I was a teenager I spent all my money on vinyl and had an impressive record collection. Listening to music was my big passion so I though why not make my living with my hobby. Once I finished at university I want to a big freelance promotion company in Hamburg called DJ Propaganda where I became head of the club music section. In 2004 I moved back to Bavaria and started working for Great Stuff Records as A&R and label manager where I left 2 years ago. Now I look after my own labels Kling klong and Gold Rcrds and also manage Terminal M (for Monika Kruse), bouq (for Butch), Skryptöm (for Electric Rescue) and Electric Ballroom (for Thomas Schumacher). Managing labels is my true love these days besides being behind the decks every weekend and in the studio with friends every other month.”
Augsburg is also famous for being the birthplace of golfer Barnard Langer, have you ever bumped into this world famous dude in your home town’s bars?!?
“Of course everybody knows about this legend over here but I never saw him in person. Though Daniel Bortz is also from Augsburg and a good friend and he even was my hairdresser since 2 years ago.”
Who were the recording artists that first got you interested in electronic music?
“I can clearly state I don’t like Kraftwerk nor like that cold and dark techno from Detroit or Germany back in the day. I was always rather a funk/soul/hip hop lover and a friend from France (Alex From Tokyo) showed me in 1993 that there’s also a soulful version of electronic music called house, mainly from NY and Chicago.”
First clubs and DJs that you enjoyed back in the day?
“When I was in Hamburg it was clearly Boris Dlugosch who had the most effect on me and also the whole city. He was the god of house music with amazing DJ skills and always the hottest new Strictly Rhythm promos.”
Last great single non dance music you heard?
“I just saw Despicable Me 2 with my wife and daughter and couldn’t believe my ears when I heard Pharrell Williams’ fantastic soundtrack. This guy is just as hot as ever.”
You put a shout at to Daft Punk back in July saying please release your new album on vinyl. What is the most important piece of vinyl in your collection?
“In fact a guy from Canada had 2 vinyls and sent me one copy. That was really nice as I love this album so much. Now it’s in my collection where I also have some nice classic test pressing for example from Armand van Helden’s Witch Doctor and other Strictly Rhythm classics. Will never sell those.”
Everyone has one, what is the big record you secretly love but shouldn’t? Your guilty record tune…?
“Always and forever: Michael Jackson – ‘Rock With You’. But it’s not so secret as I often play it as my last song…”
Best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Tonight you can come home as late as you like…”
And finally, what is coming out next release wise from the Weichhold studio?
“My next release with be the second EP for Kompakt Records due this November together with Namito. And some remixes now and then.”
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