Australia has always given a hero’s welcome to Stephan Bodzin, and it should be no different on The Likes Of You tour this July. The Bremen whiz is bringing his new ‘re_lived’ show to our clubs, armed with more techno gadgetry than ever before. We spoke to the man about his unending mission to go “more live”.

You came to the techno scene back in 2004-2005. Since then, a lot has been done; remixing work from a variety of artists, such as Depeche Mode and Booka Shade, working with other artists, such as your close friend Oliver Huntemann and Marc Romboy, as well as producing monster originals, which have remained in crates of many DJs. What influences did you have to make this type of music?
Well if I go back to the start, I grew up with electronic stuff, like old analogue synths and Moogs. My father had a big studio, which had contributed to my liking of music in general. After I was fed up with all the trance stuff I did in the ‘90s, I was searching for about two years to find my way, basically the stuff I love, and found my way into basic analogue instruments, which is huge push to who I am today.

Your tracks tend to favour rhythm and not so much vocals, with the exception of a few remixes. What is your view on vocals forming techno tracks?
When I am in the studio, I can’t really find the right vocalist, so I tend to go for no vocals. I did remix a Depeche Mode track, but for a track like that, how could you leave out the vocal? It is insane. But in general, for techno tracks, they should work without vocals. It is all about creating a beat and a vibe to the track with instruments. When there is lyrical content within the track, it gets you thinking, do you like the vocal, the content? It is not my image of techno music. That tarts leaning towards trance music.

In regards to techno, has original techno changed? Is today’s techno, techno?
Definitely has changed. But on the other hand, the kind of old school techno has its revival. When you look at the latest Ovum releases, which really go back to the 808 or 909 basic stuff, it is really working well in the clubs at the moment.

What’s your view on the harder-edged techno?
As I said, it does work well in the clubs. I do have some hard tracks in my crate from Chris Liebing and a few other artists, but not the too hard stuff.

You have tracks on a variety of labels. What is the reason why artists release on many labels? Why not release all tracks through Herzblut? Does it favour the artist?
The future Bodzin releases will be on Herzblut. In the past, I have had some releases on other labels, but it is good to mix it up with different labels, as each different label might offer different types of music or style of music.

You said last year that you are thinking of releasing a new studio album. Any dates on that?
Last year, I said it would be ready by winter [our summer] 2009. And now, we are in summer 2010. The point is, I have been travelling heaps and I got out of the studio. I try to work in between. The stuff I have now, I am not quite satisfied with them, as I need more time. I need to get back into routine and up-to-date with the technology. I’m working hard on it, and now, hoping for a release around winter 2010.

Hopefully, we are all awaiting it…
Hopefully man, I am also waiting for that day.

Well, your Australia tour with The Likes of You takes off next month. We have you almost here on a yearly basis. Do you enjoy your time while over here?
Absolutely, man. I love Australia. The people, the atmosphere at the clubs and parties. Each and every party I have been to has been wild.

What is your best memory or an outstanding night that does not leave your memory?
I have too many, but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be the night at Chinese Laundry in 2007. I was playing with Martin Eyerer. We went into the club, had a bottle of vodka, and just destroyed the place. Or more like, the fans destroyed us.

What about in Melbourne? I am a Melbournian.
Haha. Well Melbourne is definitely my best city in Australia. In terms of having a night out in Melbourne, best night must have been when I played at Brown Alley, back in 2008. Wow man. I am playing again there this year, so I’m hoping it’s more powerful than last time.

This time around, you are bringing your second version of your live set-up. What are we looking at?
With my initial live set-up, I used the standard lemur, but this year, we are trying something new. I have built a customised ‘three-mur’, which is three lemurs in one case. I will be able to control the projection with visualisation and music at the same time, which will be more live. So basically, more live than in the past. That is really important to me, as I got thinking: how can one man can extend his live set-up to give it that extra live vibe?

Do you prefer to play in a club or a festival environment?
Difficult question. I guess it depends on the mood. This weekend I will be playing at the famous Rex Club in Paris, which holds about 600 people. It is one of my favourite clubs in Europe. People are close. I guess it’s just like Brown Alley in terms of its size. I am also playing at a festival in Vienna. So as I said, it depends on the mood and style of the place that I am playing at.

Finally, what should your fan base in Australia be expecting?
Well, I am expecting to ‘rock’ the party with everyone that will be attending. I have no doubt though, as Australians sure do know how to party. I will also be playing some new Bodzin tracks from the upcoming album, so it should be exciting.

The Likes Of You tour makes the following stops, proudly presented by inthemix. Stay up-to-date at ITM’s Likes Of You hub, inthemix.com.au/thelikesofyou.

Fri July 2 – Melbourne, Brown Alley
Sat July 3 – Sydney, Arthouse
Fri July 9 – Canberra, Transit Bar
Sat July 10 – Perth, Villa