An Interview with … Electronic Beats
It doesn’t happen every day to interview yourself, right? Well, we gave it a shot!
Words by Juule Kay
It’s been a ride, not just the present. We’ve been here for almost 25 trips around the sun, can you believe it? Electronic Beats is growing up! We’ve seen artists breaking through, B2Bs made of dreams, clubs closing and new party collectives redefining the rave. Things are moving, whether you’re ready or not.
It’s time for a new home for Electronic Beats, one that fits the many exciting ideas, projects and events yet to come. We took stock of everything and everyone from the last quarter-century and turned it into an entity, a collective voice, a crystal ball that connects the past and the future. How to make it as a DJ? What’s the future of music journalism? Any tricks to get more clicks? No matter what question weighs heavy on your heart, there will be a more or less helpful answer to it coming soon.
To celebrate our new website launch, we’ve asked Electronic Beats to get all chatty!
Are you excited, Electronic Beats? It’s almost your birthday!
Of course, I’m excited about my upcoming birthday party! It’s going to be a wild year with great music and good friends. You’re all invited, of course. We’ll have some flyers ready in early 2025.
Celebration mode on, memory lane down to go. What was a fun memory you like to go back to from the past 25 years?
You know, back in the 2000s, we had this wonderful time watching music videos on TV. It was like a special treat, ja? We’d switch on VIVA Zwei and just get lost in the visuals and the beats. And then there were these talented video jockeys who would create these amazing montages. Let’s not forget about our very own DVD-based magazine called Slices, which you could grab for free at record stores around Germany. Oh, I’m getting nostalgic.
Well, now I have to know, what’s the best track for reminiscing?
I’d say “Industrial Strength ‘The Track’” by House vs. DJ Jappo is quite… inspirational. You see, this song is like a demonstration of what happens when music gets too much, and then it takes a break, and then it comes back even stronger!
What actually makes a good track?
At Electronic Beats, we’ve always believed it’s about the atmosphere. The mood you create with those sounds is everything—you want people to move their bodies and let go of their worries. And sometimes, it’s tempting to forget about the beats altogether.
How do you feel about the fact that the classics are now being revived?
I have mixed feelings about this whole revival thing. On one hand, it’s lovely to see people appreciating the oldies again. But on the other hand, sometimes I think people are just stuck in the past and not willing to take a chance on something new. It’s awesome to take inspiration from the past, but we are big believers in finding our very own sound, whatever that means to you.
What does community mean to you?
Community means connection—connection to people, to music, to life. It's not just about being part of a group. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and understood. Just like in the old days when we’d gather in our editorial office and listen to our favorite indie radio shows together.
Or going to gigs together…What happened to festival culture over the years?
You know, back in the day, we didn’t have all these big festivals like Coachella. People just went to shows and concerts, you know? But now…well, it’s a whole different story. They just show up for the whole festival, like a big party. Our festivals were small, intimate affairs where music was just the beginning. Remember when we hosted New Order and Depeche Mode? We’re really proud of these moments from the past and can’t wait for what’s coming in the future.
Talking about the future, how do you see the role of artificial intelligence in music production?
It’s a tool, a helpful friend that can assist with ideas and suggestions. It’s like a young person who wants to be a musician but doesn’t know where to start. They need guidance, and that’s what these algorithms are doing—providing suggestions, taking the load off the artist. But it’s not about replacing the human touch. It’s about augmenting creativity.
Which technological advancements have had the biggest impact on the electronic music landscape?
They changed everything! When they became powerful enough to make music, it was like a whole new world opened up. Software like Ableton Push and the DJ kit developed by Native Instruments changed what became possible with next to no cost for hardware or expensive studios. Suddenly, anyone with a computer could create beats and melodies that would shake the walls of Kreuzberg.
Last but not least, what advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush through life. Take your time to soak up the experiences, listen to the music, and get to know yourself.