Survey Interview: Releasing on Protect Audio, the German D&B scene, and drinking high quality beer
Congratulations on your Protect Audio release, both tunes are deep and dark – tell us how they came about.
Thanks, we’re very happy about the release and think that the tunes found a nice home.
Both tunes were written around christmas, so in the middle of winter. You can hear that probably. “Grid Sheet” came along pretty fast. It was one of those tunes, that just happen like that. It only took us a couple of hours to outline the basic idea and do the arrangement. “All In All” was a whole different story, we had to put a lot of effort in getting the flow and the atmosphere right. But it was definitely worth it.
What’s the German D&B scene like, does it extend throughout the country or is it focused on Berlin?
We both love Leipzig and Berlin for the people and the scene, but it’s spread all over Germany, especially in Mannheim D&B has very strong roots. Meanwhile there’s a scene in almost every city, there’s forums, magazines and raves etc and the people are very well connected. In Berlin the scene got very big, with many quality nights, but you can’t say here’s the focus. Actually, there is no real focus at all, everywhere heads represent their city and try to push their idea of the music and parties.
How long have you been producing D&B? Did you start producing other genres and make a transition into Drum & Bass?
We’ve been producing for 6 – 7 years now, everybody on his own at first, experimenting with different styles. But we focused on D&B right away.
It takes a while we think to acquire the technique and the experience to translate your ideas into a piece of music and to find your workflow. For us it seems that now we’re at that point where tunes develop smoothly. But it’s still an ongoing process you just have to go along with.
What’s the secret to your success? You seem to have a relatively small online footprint, yet you’re producing great tunes and playing out at top nights.
Up until now we didn’t really care about the online appearance, since we wanted a proper output first, that represents us well. When it comes to playing sets, both of us were Djs for a long time now, playing all over Germany and partly Europe. Besides producing, Djing is a very important part of our lives, and we always tried to push the quality of the sets and make a name for ourselves. We’re also involved in a series of parties called “Out Of Mind” (initiated by DJ Upzet) with several imprints like “Infected” and “Lucid Dreaming” at Magdalena in Berlin.
When you’re not producing quality tunes, how do you spend your time?
Drinking quality beer…
Well, we both share a love for good films (especially in the grey Berlin winter), hanging out with friends, having BBQs with friends at the Spree, getting out of the city and into the nature. Plus, we go out a lot, enjoying the nightlife, checking out new music. Of course, we have to work too.
What have you got lined up for the coming year ahead? I know you’ve been playing over in Germany, any plans to come over here to play a few sets?
Right now we’re working on the releases that are about to come in the near future. Besides the two tunes coming out on Protect Audio, we have another release at the end of march on Dissonace Imprint (new sublabel of Icarus Audio), We did one track for the “Return LP” sampler on BIOS Recordings, followed by an EP from us. Plus, another tune will come out on Protect later this year.
There are a number of stereotypes associated with being German, are any of them based on truth? Like are you ridiculously efficient in everything you do, and always waking up early to get your towels on the sunbeds on holiday? Or is it just rumor?
Everything you heard about Germans is true. They’re always on time, they work all the time, they can drink a lot of beer, eat a lot of bratwurst, wear lederhosen and applaud the pilot after the plain landed. 
Of course, stereotypes are mostly not based on actual behaviour, but in case of the Germans it’s even worse, haha.
Top three tracks:
Any closing words?
First, thanks for having us. Also, big thanks to Pete from Protect for the great work he’s doing and shouts to Mörny Wörny.
Everybody who’s in Berlin on the 29th of march, come down to Magdalena for the next “Infected” feat. Amoss, Survey, Cyrilla and Upzet.
Survey
About the author
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Pete Mannox Drum & Bass enthusiast, interviewer extraordinaire and supporter of free music. He also likes things fried in butter. |
