If one man exists who can define a sound it is Sander Kleinenberg. Shaping and pushing the boundaries of house music is his aim, and the shiny new CD and club tour of Australia look set to give him another stepping stone to further promote his sound and productions.
Of course I am talking about one of the hottest DJs on the planet. A DJ who is passionate about his music, a DJ who clearly enjoys his lifestyle, and most importantly a DJ who looks set to achieve a lot more in the future through clever use of sound and music, integrated seamlessly through top notch mixing.
Renaissance are renowned for releasing top quality compilations, so it was of no particular surprise when I learned who had mixed their latest edition. Sander Kleinenberg has put together a sparkling and refreshing CD aimed at everyone regardless of age, gender or race. “In the car, at the after party, before the club just have fun with it”. That was Sander Kleinenberg’s remark when asked to describe the CD. He isn’t wrong either. The internationally acclaimed DJ and producer has compiled a deep, dirty and dubby mix of house music for even the most discerning listener.
The tracklisting is blistering – with tracks on Sanders very own ‘Little Mountain’ imprint making an appearance alongside some of this years biggest tunes like Seelenluft – Manilla, Chable & Bonnici – Ride and Sander’s own production of Repeat To Specify. “I wanted the tracks to showcase my human side yet also express my musical style” said Sander when I asked him how he chose his tracks. The effort and thought is evident on the fantastic CD. Seamlessly mixed and building like a tidal wave it aims to take you, the listener, on a mind-bending, atmospheric and driving journey.
”’The Club’ was made to showcase a different sound – I listen to a lot of hip hop and wanted to get across the film-like sounds in the track”. The track is perfectly selected to integrate with the programming of the CD. A definitive storyboard of music, aiming to please the aural tastebuds and excite the mind.
Sander will be touring Australia taking in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on his travels. The excitement was clear as he spoke of his previous visits and how this time was different from the rest. “I played at large festivals on my last visit – 15,000 people or more”. Now I can play in the clubs and really get intimate with the crowd – something which I believe fits my music style better”
Sander is also known for many, many remarkable and ground breaking remixes and releases. Recent releases include a genre crossing Justin Timberlake remix of Rock Your Body which has received massive acclaim world-wide from all the top jocks. Non stop touring takes its toll on Sanders studio time. Any plans on returning to the mixing desk by the end of the year have been crossed off the list, as Sander wows his crowds across the globe showcasing his sound. “I have just remixed Annie Lennox which will be released in the next few weeks – I have also done a cheeky little Justin Timberlake remix which wont be available on Vinyl but can be listened to on my website “
The arrival of affordable and easy to use technology is something that we are all aware of. In fact most of us have used some of this equipment at some point. Sander and I talked about the future of dance music and in particular what it will have to hold for the future talent. “I reckon that the music will not change too much but we will see a lot more producers entering the scene. This will make it harder to find that elusive record that makes the hairs on your neck stand on end and will result in more Internet usage by DJs after good records”
Sanders production style can only be described as his own! His ‘Little Mountain’ record label only releases the hottest house music from like-minded individuals who share a similar love for the scene. “I’m feeling that house music is going back to the beginning. Songs are songs with no bitching around”
The universal bond of house music across the world inspires Sander to keep on showcasing his unique and emotive style. With hopes for a return trip to Australia set for next year things are certainly looking bright for this talented and versatile DJ. And his message to the Australian followers who have supported him is simple, “Be happy, keep the faith and it will be great to see you on the dancefloor”
Sander’s new CD ‘Everybody’ is available now, distributed locally by Stomp/EQ. To celebrate the release of ‘Everybody’, Sander Kleinenberg will be touring Australia in November:
21st Nov – Perth @ The Globe
22nd Nov – Sydney @ Space (BUY TICKETS)
28th Nov – Melbourne @ Summer Sessions (BUY TICKETS)
Check out ITM whatson for more info.
