Best known for his string of rich, warm, emotive and often melancholic remixes and solo production Superpitcher has been described as the ‘perfect blend of techno and pop’ and touches everything from bottom heavy beats to schaffel-house, Moroder-esque basslines through to soaring strings – everything from minimal to pop.
He has crossed over to many other genre’s and touched many different music loves in the past few years, with the Michael Mayer remix of Superpitcher’s ‘Happiness’ appearing on compilations as diverse as Damian Lazarus’ ‘Rebel Futurism 2’ through to John Digweed’s Fabric 20, as well as being on high rotation amongst DJ’s across the globe from M.A.N.D.Y to James Holden. It has not stopped there – Superpitcher’s spectacular remix of M83’s ‘Don’t Save us from the Flames’ was given the rarefied honour of closing Sasha’s latest Global Underground offering ‘Fundacion’. His tracks have also appeared on Michael Mayer’s Fabric 13, Ellen Allien’s ‘Weiss Mix’, Ivan Smagghe’s ‘How to Kill the DJ’ and the Nag Nag Nag compilation – in short, he’s one of the most in demand producers and remixers at the moment.
You have been called Kompact Records resident softie! Tell us about your hookup at Kompact and the relationship with Jurgen, Michael and Wolfgange?
Well, first of all, I met Michael Mayer drunk at the bar of Studio 672 and we fell in love. This was the beginning of our deep friendship. I wouldn’t even call it work – it’s like a spirit. A freedom for music; exchange.
Here Comes Love is what has been called ‘techno-electro pop.’ Is that how you would describe it? Tell us about singing on the album and the vibe you wanted to achieve with it.
Generally speaking, I really don’t like to put things in a drawer with a sticker on it, so that’s why I can’t describe it. All i can say is that it’s very personal and it came straight from the heart.
Much of your other work takes inspiration from house music, Latin sounds and minimal beats. Explain why this is the kind of music you seem to be associated with?
That’s easy. There is a lot of beautiful music out there; this is just the type of music I love. I love music!
Then tell us what might be the biggest coup of your career? What is it that you have done that helped you most along the way?
Heroin and I don’t mean the drug!
Tell us about the “Sound of Cologne” and relationships you have with the guys from the region.
For a long time, some people always liked to talk about the sound of Cologne which was not really important to us. It appeared with the minimal techno music which was only the beginning and like you can see today, it is so much more than this – it is not about one city.
Your tracks are all very original. Lots of lush melodies; beautiful rhythms. Tell us a bit about your production process – and the reaction you get when you play a new track.
If I start writing a track or song it is always about creating a special atmosphere in first place. From there on it develops. It’s very important for me to me to feel the music. Without being able to feel it, it means nothing to me. I like to be touched by it. It would be nice if we could wear music, like a pair of shoes or a nice shirt, something comfortable or protecting sometimes. To listen to the tracks in public is always a special experience, especially the first time, and if the people are reacting to it, then it’s definitely a special moment.
And what type of gear are you using?
I use software, some old synths, some tape echoes and an analog mixer. It’s a small setup.
It seems there is a lot of experimentation in your music. Is that the key to your success?
It is important for me to take my time to create. I make errors and start again, I am always searching.
Tell us about your alias Sir Positive. What does it represent and what is the direction you have taken with it?
My first productions I did under this alias, it was dub inspired instrumental music, very slow and doomy. He is a little lazy these days, but from time to time he does some hip hop but the direction is unknown!
You have done a lot of remixes. Is there someone you’d like to work with in future? Is a remix a chance for you to make a track better or different?
I love to do remixes. It is about adding some flavor to give another view on someone else’s idea. It is always very interesting.
Tell us also about the connection between being a DJ and a producer. Which came first for you, which do you prefer and why?
Producing to me is a very personal thing, it s about the drama, all the psychotics in my building. To DJ is the social part, with the people, sharing, madness, nightlife. They are two different things, affecting each other. I started producing first, but right now I need both.
What is on the short and long term horizon for you?
First of all I am coming to Australia, so I am curious to see that. I am also working on some remixes and new Superpitcher music. Other than this, I don’t like to make plans, too much. I will bring my music with me and lots of Love!
Superpitcher plays in Melbourne this Friday 2nd September and at Glitch in Sydney on Saturday 3rd September. Check ITM whatson for more info.
