DJ and producer Marcel Dettmann has been making waves in Berlin’s contemporary techno scene since the 90’s. Constantly innovating, he has mastered the balance of experimentation and consistency — cultivating a community of fans who eagerly await his every move.

With a strong musical and artistic vision, he has become synonymous with the club scene and the blending of electronic music and art. A curator and producer, he has brought forth a new era of techno with labels MDR (Marcel Dettmann Records) and Bad Manners, providing platforms for emerging talent and continuing his mission.

Most recently, Dettmann performed at Brunch Electronik Festival, an event that turned Barcelona into the epicentre of electronic music and entertainment for a vibrant weekend at the Parc del Forum.

We heard from Dettmann about his origins, the recent rise of electronic music, and playing at Brunch Electronik Festival.

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How did you first find yourself immersed in the DJ world?
It just happened. We had only vinyl records at home — not a single CD. At some point I wanted to mix one of my records into another, so I got a second turntable. I didn’t know anything about mixers or mixing culture at that time but still ended up having two complete setups with two amplifiers, two turntables and two speakers. Later I learned from my music high school teacher that you also need a mixer to properly blend one record into another. From then on, I was a DJ.

How did you begin to shape a following and a sound?
I quickly fell in love with collecting vinyl, so when I realised it was quite an expensive project, I decided to start my own record shop and vinyl mail-order out of my bedroom. As I was playing DJ gigs quite regularly, I met a lot of other musicians who became friends and also started buying records off of me. Having the record shop also brought me in touch with Hardwax, where I started working a bit later.

While I was working there, I met many amazing musicians who inspired me, but mostly I learned from my colleagues, who helped me get better at producing music and developing my own style. Also being at the source of the newest vinyl releases from all over the world every week influenced my taste heavily.

How would you describe your production style?
I write music from my guts. There is an intention which is influenced by everything around me. Rather by feel and not by technical parameters. It is raw, rough and reduced.

You’ve been in the industry a long time, how have you seen the industry change over the years?
I think one of the core elements of electronic music is that it’s evolving constantly in the context of technology itself. Nowadays with all existing technology we have so many advantages that can help with exploring new music and art. It’s an interaction that will evolve forever.

Electronic genres like techno have soared in popularity of the last decade or so, why do you think this is?
For me it’s the soundtrack of the future and that being said it is only natural that more and more people get addicted to this sound.

What can festival goers expect from your upcoming performance at Brunch Electronik?
To each event that I am playing at I adapt my sets and performances on the spot. So I wouldn’t dare to label my upcoming set. It will evolve spontaneously.

What is it about live performance that you love?
It allows me to interact directly with the audience and to share music in an energetic environment.

Where do you want to take your artistry?
Continue to evolve my sound experimenting with new styles and collaborating with other musicians to expand our creative horizons.

What else have you got coming this year?
A lot but nothing to talk about yet.