Danish DJ and producer Christian Nielsen is a rare commodity in the world of House and Techno. While other producers might pander to the masses, Nielsen, never opts for a novelty approach, instead carving his own successful niche in a constant jostle for dance floor play. He showcases this beautifully with his contribution to our podcast series, delivering a high octane journey through a wealth of sub genres, from house to disco to acid.
Thanks for taking the time to record a mix for our podcast series, was there any special concept behind your mix, or tracks played from your own releases?
Thanks for having me! Well yes and no 😊 So the selection is based on how I play and produce. In both settings I don’t stick to one sound. I love house music and everything that goes with it, and all genres that surround it. I started out DJing before producing, and used to play 8-10 hour sets, so it has always been normal for me to mix it all together. From techno to disco.
Where did you record the mix, and what equipment did you use?
Unfortunately I don’t have decks in my small apartment in Copenhagen yet, so had to do it on my trusted Macbook 2012! #retro???
What is your thought process when picking out tracks for a podcast, do you pre-select the tracks, or just pick out the first couple and freestyle it from there?
For me I try to mix it all up with new tracks I get from promos, tracks I find from Beatport and tracks that I consider classics in my sets. And if it fits, some of my own tracks.
How do you compare playing in a club to recording a podcast, is there much of a change in your mixing style and track selections?
Mixing style is waaaaaay different. Podcasts for me are all about selection whereas DJ sets are track selection but also mixing style and intensity.
What stores or other places do you normally look for new music… is it all sourced online, or do you also pick up the odd bit of vinyl?
Today it’s mostly online stores like Beatport and Traxsource. I’m also trying to get the most out of promos and trying to listen to every promo I get, but it’s just so time consuming. But sometimes you really do find gold. To be honest I really hate when DJs complain about too many promos. It really is a slap in the face to all the amazing producers out there creating what they like. Just be happy that someone wants to send you their music for free. Spoiled brats if you ask me!
Could you tell us a bit about your most memorable DJ experience?
I think my first gig outside of Denmark at Watergate, Berlin with Jesse Rose and Oliver Dollar still makes me smile. I was so nervous, and when I had to go on after Jesse and Ollies b2b set I was sweating like a madman. Closing Watergate really was a amazing and I learned so much that night.
What other projects do you have lined up, do you have any new releases or forthcoming gigs we should be watching out for?
So I just released “Talking To Myself” which got loads of support from Annie Mac on BBC. I have an upcoming EP coming out on Exploited Ghetto. And EP on Of Unsound Mind that includes a collab with Skream which I’m really looking forward to. Also have a remix coming out soon for 303lovers for John Acquaviva. So lots of stuff coming out soon!!! Summer 2018 here I come 😊
Buy Talking To Myself HERE.
Follow Christian Nielsen on SOUNDCLOUD & BEATPORT.
