It’s Saturday November 28 2015 – this is the twenty-third TEA at the ZOO and we’re featuring Berlin based DJ and Producer, 88UW. Fortunately I met him a couple of weeks ago at Kit Kat Club, when our friend Qu-Zen had a gig there. It was a really nice first meeting and after I heard one of his sets, I needed him on our podcast series! So open your ears and hark to what he plays and has to say:
Could you tell us a little about your background, where you’re from and where are you living most of time?
Born in 1978 I had the pleasure growing up in times when so much new happened in music, street-art and dance. Already in age of 12-13 around I started to sneak out into the night, not only to begin with graffiti, more because I loved the empty streets and the possibilities climbing on houses or going down the subway tunnels. At that time most kids around me tried to copy that gang habit from America. I never have been to deep into that Hip-Hop thing. Only graffiti bond me for many years.
Where your love for electronic music did begin and why did you start Djing?
My first tapes had been Depeche Mode and things like this. I have been surrounded by electronic music and somehow grew up with it. Already in age of 7-8 I had my first C-64 (Computer). I got used to 8-bit music and rhythms very early so the step to love Techno and Acid-House had not been that far. I already made my first “mixtapes” before I’ve heard about clubs and such things the first time. I recorded tapes with my one record player by counting beats and pushing the “pause” key on my tapedeck at the right moments. Sometimes I put a vocal sample in between saying “ok” or something like this. Around 91 I read the first articles about this illegal rave parties in England and somehow I already knew this will be my thing. I started to buy records from The Prodigy, LFO, Joey Beltram, The Hypnotist and artists like this. I always have been into more than only Techno. I need music with energy and the right bass to impressed me. When I started Djing then I never thought about how it could be playing in a club – I just made tapes. In fact when I played my first gig, age 16, in front of a crowd I wanted to crawl away and let friends play my vinyl, but they forced me to do it.
Which equipment/set up is your favorite and why?
CDJ2000+XONE92 CDJ2000 or now XDJ1000 as I never used the medium CD feels best for me nowadays. I have the option to play a lot more diverse music than I could if I would still use vinyl and I don’t have the problem with scratches, mixed sheets and my back anymore. XONE92, because of the EQ.
How would you describe your music?
Filled with bass, touched by acid
Who are your idols?
I don’t really have idols (or to many).
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration is sadness and fear. I’m only able to produce music when I’m in not the best condition. But maybe, what I say is wrong. Sometimes a wave of inspiration comes but I’m not able to let it out and when I think there’s nothing to let out it just flows and I have no idea where it comes from.
What was the first vinyl you bought?
Depeche Mode – People Are People
LFO -We Are Back
Joey Beltram – Beltram Vol.1
Prodigy – Everybody In The Place
Moby – Go
What was the last vinyl you bought?
Alpha303 – Alphawaves EP (2011)
Do you have any residencies?
Not anymore, former Tresor Club Berlin (-2014)
Where was your first gig?
In Hamburg or around Hamburg. Not exactly sure anymore.
Tell us a bit about what it’s like when you’re a few minutes away from coming on and playing your first track?
I’m still pretty nervous and I still don’t really like to stand in front of people. I never liked the spotlight as I think I make strange moves and funny faces while I play. I’m of course really happy being able to present unusual tracks to an audience and having the pleasure to listen loud to the music as well. But it’s still always a inner fight to get my ass up on a stage.
Where did like it the most to DJ and why?
It could be everywhere and depends always on the people around, the sound system and my own mood.
Are there any upcoming releases or recently released stuff?
Maybe on my own label again from 2016.
What are you plans for the future?
I don’t really have a plan, but there should be a beach
What is your favorite animal?
Sparrow
Try to catch 88UWs playing one of his bass filled, acid driven techno sets; it was a pleasure doing the interview with this sympathetic artist and a pleaser listening to his set. And don’t forget to say hello from us!
– Larry
www.facebook.com/88.unlimited.whatever
www.soundcloud.com/88uw
www.unlimitedwhatever.bandcamp.com/