Not another me-too artist
Patrice Bäumel is an artist as we like it – versatile, honest and true.
His releases on labels like Get Physical, Diynamic or Kompakt have gained him respect from music lovers all over the globe, and his productions as his DJ sets are of the finest you can dance to.
Patrice, pleasure to welcome you in dub Ibiza network, for those amongst our readers that do not know you, where do you come from?
I was born in Germany and moved to Amsterdam almost 19 years ago. That is where my home is until today. There’s a great scene with lots of artists, clubs and festivals. What I like most about it is the friendly and tolerant vibe. At the same time, it is super international and right in heart of Europe, which makes my job as a travelling DJ easy.
What are your musical roots?
With my dad being a music journalist, there was music playing all day long. From Frank Zappa to The Doors, free jazz or The Cure – we had a huge record collection. Depeche Mode holds a special place in my heart, that’s probably something I share with a lot of Germans. I went through a lot of styles in my youth, from Metallica to Dr. Dre to Smashing Pumpkins. So there is a lot of listening experience to draw from.
How did you come to electronic music?
I really got into it through going out. First time I accidently stumbled into an illegal techno party, I was sold. Beats, strobes, anonymity, I loved how much more hypnotic and physical that music was compared to the stuff they were playing at more commercial discotheques. It was like a parallel universe, a secret you shared with a small group of people, where the majority had no clue that these parties even existed. Today’s clubs are much more for everybody, House and Techno is the dominant sound of this generation.
What was the very first record you bought?
“Greatest Hits” by Paul Young. I must have been like 7, so my musical taste wasn’t all that.
You are also involved in musical journeys crossing borders such as your ‘Yellow Lounge’ residency at the ‘Trouw’ – tell us more about it please.
I do these crossover projects to keep things fresh for myself. Yellow Lounge was all about combining classical and electronic music. I had to start from scratch and work myself into a new genre. I was particularly interested in minimalist classical music like Steve Reich or Philip Glass as that music really carries the same DNA as Techno – it is stripped down, repetitive and hypnotic.
I read the term ‘Techno music for grown-ups’ describing your music – is that accurate?
I try to keep a certain degree of sophistication and maturity in my sound and not resort to a middle-of-the-road kind of sound you hear everywhere. But the most important thing is still for people to have a blast, to go crazy, I’m definitely not afraid to throw down and pull out the big guns. I just don’t want to cater to the lowest common denominator but also play for people who have been in the scene for years and know their shit.
Producing music nowadays requires a lot of idealism as it is harder than ever to make a living from music, what advice would you give a rookie to make it through?
Know exactly where you want to go. Do you want to make a living? Produce something that speaks to a lot of people. There is always a market for bangers that make the room explode or for records that go for the big emotions, music that people have no problem remembering the next day. Get good at making that sort of music and you will always be able to put dinner on the table. Don’t worry about underground credibility, it’s a bullshit concept that holds too many producers and DJs back from truly making brave and significant art. The result is that most music sounds similar to what is already out there. Don’t be another me-too artist. Instead, embrace your own sound. Also, be prepared to dj or play live, that is the major source of income for most artists in the scene. It takes years to get good, practice. Lots! Find music that nobody else plays, break rules and be brave. Think of the dancefloor first, yourself second. Be generous to people dancing, give lots, make them scream and go crazy – those are without exception the best nights out. Confidence in yourself is super-important, show it but be nice, nobody likes to work with an asshole or a diva and in a small scene the word spreads quickly.
New productions in the pipeline?
A new remix for the lovely Blond:ish girls is just out on Kompakt. There’s a new remix coming for The 2 Bears, the project of Joe Goddard from Hot Chip. Also another remix for German newcomer Someone Outside is hitting the stores in the next few days. And towards the end of the year a new single on Jennifer Cardini’s Correspondant label. And who knows, I am constantly busy with new material.
Talking about Ibiza, do you know our island?
It sounds strange, but Space on August 22nd will be my first time on the island. Not the worst introduction I guess. I wish I could spend more time there and take things in for a few days, but due to a busy weekend it will be in and out. But I am really, really looking forward to it.
How do you see the position of Ibiza as the Mecca of Electronic Music during the summer?
I have no first-hand experience to really give an accurate judgement. I think for Ibiza it is really important to protect its core assets – beautiful nature, great parties and inspiring people. People come from all over the world for that Ibiza magic. Focussing on quality, not quantity, is probably the way forward. Ibiza has to think long-term and resist the quick money as it could potentially harm the future of the island.
How does your perfect day look like?
Making love to my wife in the morning, then have breakfast outside the house, seeing an amazing art exhibition followed a healthy lunch and a siesta, going for a sunset surf and then have a wonderful dinner and home party with friends until the sun comes up again, that would be my idea of a great day.
Definitely sounds like a perfect day. We are very much looking forward to your first gig on the island, and we are pretty sure it won’t be the last one as artists like you are what Ibiza needs.
