Interview: 5 minutes with Sascha Braemer

Image by Calvin Leander

Over the past few decades, German tech-house producer Sascha Braemer has pretty much had a hand in the shaping of the current global house music scene. His large number of releases have set the precedent for the sound of his genre, and his laidback beats are often coupled with suspenseful elements that give his music a kinetic tension. This dance floor ready discography has seen Braemer travel the world, playing club gigs and festival sets to thousands. This month sees the Hoito label-head gear up for the release of his new EP, Who Died And Made You King which will be available via Systematic. The three-track offering features two new and characteristically lush tech-house cuts and includes a remix by former Agents Of Time member, Fedele. We caught up with the producer to find out more about his process, and what we can expect from him in the coming few months. 

Set the tone for us. Why music? 

Because this is what I love the most. I couldn’t think about not doing music anymore at some point, that’s also why I am extremely grateful to still be in the position to even answer this question.

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”? 

This was in Bunker Berlin at the beginning of the 90’s where I was a guest and got inspired to create the same kind of music. It was the start of everything, and I do remember this moment very well. I always wanted to be a producer and I am happy that everything developed that way.

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea? 

I basically start spontaneously and see where the flow is going. Of course sometimes you have an idea but as most of my fellow producer colleagues can verify, it will never end up with the idea you had when you started a new project.

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound? 

I do have specific techniques and modules that I use regularly (for my) signature sound which you can hear in my latest tracks. This is the only thing that is actually happening over and over again when I am in the studio.

How have you refined your sound since you entered the industry? 

I would say that my sound has changed over the last few years. I am much more melodic right now, especially on this latest EP. But in the end, I just do what I love in terms of sound.

What gets your creative juices flowing? 

I think the juice flows if you always reinvent yourself with sound and techniques while producing. This keeps me going and makes it all super interesting and exciting.

Take us through a day in the recording studio.

My studio is actually at home so I can start and end whenever I like. Sometimes in the middle of the night, or sometimes during the day. During the whole Covid time it was pretty hard to get anything done since the kids were around all the time, but I am super happy that I took the time to finalize my album which is coming out later this year.

Does your material feature any collaborations? 

I am currently working with a singer called Dom Fricot. He is also the voice of my latest Who Died And Made You King single coming out on Systematic. He will also be featured on some other upcoming singles via Anjunadeep and my own label Hoito. The single on Systematic also features a remix by Fedele who was part of Agents Of Time before and is now focusing on solo stuff. Really happy to have him on board.

What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set? 

I do wear my special USB stick as a chain before the set, and the funny thing is that my tour manager has an exact copy of the stick and also wears it as a chain. Better be safe than to be sorry, I would say.

Any emerging artists on your radar?

I am really happy to currently be working with a few artists who have been on my radar. For example, Echonomist did a remix some time ago on my label Hoito. Same as EdOne who did a remix for my upcoming Hoito track, Tension. Then also I got Dodi Palese to remix my friend Night Talk and I am really happy with Fedele’s remix on Who Died And Made You King. He is definitely one to watch out for.

What can we expect from you this year? 

Coming up next is the single on Systematic with the amazing Fedele remix. Then another track will come out via Anjunadeep and also another on my own label Hoito. I also did some exciting remixes for Deutsche Grammophon and the Family Piknik in France. I’ll also be teasing the new album. 

Famous last words?

Stay relaxed, life is too short to get upset (I speak from my own experience).

Pre-order Who Died And Made You King here. 

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