The beautifully constructed, melodic and leftfield sounds of elusive Berlin based producer and Neptune Records boss, Algorythm, are already turning heads across the underground scene. To celebrate his widely acclaimed release on Planet X recordings, we welcomed him to take the reins for the latest instalment of our podcast series.
Thanks for taking the time to record a mix for our podcast series, was there any special concept behind your mix, or tracks played form your own releases?
Thanks for the opportunity. I’m happy to be a part of your podcast series and had a lot of fun recording the mix. Since this comes out around the same time as my Marrakech release I included a couple of tracks from the EP and used that as a starting point when I made the initial track selection. I always try to mix different energies when recording a set, from deeper sounds to more uplifting and back again. I also want to include something a bit unexpected to get an element of surprise if it fits with the rest of the mix.
Where did you record the mix, and what equipment did you use?
I recorded the mix in my studio in Berlin on my Rane XP2016 rotary mixer, using digital files through two CDJs and a couple of vinyls on one of my 1210s. That’s my ”go to” setup for mixes and has been for a long time, even though I like to do mixes in the box I feel more in control with a hands-on approach. Where I get to use my ears more than my eyes watching a screen.
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?
I usually have a start, middle and end in mind with a couple of preselected tracks and then try to spontaneously work my way through what fits together. So sometimes I can end up changing my mind a lot until I finally select the next track while doing the live mix. I prefer this approach to having everything ”programmed” since it’s similar to how I get in to the flow in the studio when I’m making music.
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?
The big difference is the interaction and feedback from the crowd. But otherwise I try to keep a similar approach in both my sets when playing out and recording in the studio or at home. I might have a rough idea that I want to try out or notice a certain style that works particularly well. But it also depends on the set time, sometimes in Berlin I end up playing very long sets so then I have time to explore different styles more.
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?
I do enjoy one of the perks of being based in a city where there are loads of great record stores. I try to go at least once a month to buy some vinyl. My favourite stores in Berlin are Oye, Hardwax and Spacehall. But I also order regularly from Phonica, Decks and Juno. For a good selection of new digital releases I usually head over to whatpeopleplay.com. They have a great selection and I always find interesting stuff through their site.
Could you tell us a bit about your most memorable DJ experience?
Hard to choose one, but last year I had a really memorable gig at Sisyphos in Berlin where the crowd was very receptive and it felt like 4 hours went by in the blink of an eye. It’s a great place to get lost for a couple of hours and end up listening and dancing to some new djs that I recently discovered. Really great people involved behind the scenes too. Definitely one of my favorite spots to play!
What other projects do you have lined up, do you have any new releases or forthcoming gigs we should be watching out for?
To follow up from my Marrakech EP I’ve got a new vinyl release on Neptune Records called Hunter. Also a four track EP that will be available via clone.nl from February, plus a single on UK imprint Constant Circles. I have a lot of rough ideas recorded, so I look forward to getting back in the studio and finishing more music. Very excited about the future!
Algorythm had a stellar 2018, releasing his Monodular EP in January on Curle Recordings, home to Agents Of Time, Efdemin and Tobias. The production wizard also heads up his own Neptune Records imprint, home to much of his output. As well as this, Algorythm, together with the Berlin collective that he is part of, has created a brand new label- Planet X Recordings. Named after the mysterious Planet X, the collective have new releases planned for next year with each one featuring a collaboration with different photographers that will culminate in an exhibition next summer.
You can buy his latest release on Planet X HERE.
Follow Algorythm on SOUNDCLOUD and SPOTIFY.