Page 28 - Zone Magazine Issue 010

feature interview - germany
Agent! alias Andreas Schreck is a DJ and producer with from Würzburg, Germany. It all began at the end of the 90's in one of the oldest techno clubs of Europe. After a few gigs at “Airport” he became a resident there and Agent! soon realised that his future lay in music. His roots are 'Golden Age Hip-Hop' but he decided to change to electronic music soon after. Agent!’s sets have energy, precision and most of all, soul. He is mixing up styles and moods, but always focused mainly on the dance foor’s needs. Nowadays Agent! is living in Berlin and is touring non-stop around the globe. His style is requested and respected. He is playing at well-known locations like D.EDGE Sao Paulo, THE EGG London, WOMB Tokyo, ZOUK Kuala Lumpur, PACHA und PRIVILEGE Ibiza, KATER BLAU Berlin, PRATERSAUNA Wien, IL MURETTO Jesolo, and former COCOON CLUB in Frankfurt.
Inspired by his Hip-Hop roots, old Funk and 90’s techno music, he began producing his own music in 2008. Because of this infuences he creates a special sound. Releases on Labels like GET PHYSICAL, COCOON REC., DESOLAT, CLARISSE RECORDS, MOON HARBOUR, HEINZ MUSIC, SUARA, KLING KLONG and more speak for his producer qualities. His tracks react the way of mind and Agent! himself.
Really diggin’ this new EP on Get Physical. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us!
O! thanx for the props, glad to hear that! thank you too!
How is this EP CAN YOU DIG IT special from some of your other recent productions?
Basically I always try to produce different tastes of sounds when I start a track. In this EP you can feel the flavour of oldskool vs newskool mixed up with my Hip-Hop history and knowledge. I love the influence of 80's and 90's movies, video games, Hip-Hop and street art. All four tracks of the “Can U Dig It EP” are a mixture of those impulses.
The title track “Can U Dig It” includes a lot of sounds from deep to pumping: 303 Acid Line and distorted bass. “Southside Berlin” continues with the same intentions, lifting you up with the percussion and holding you with the music. The Dub mix includes emphasizes and strengthens this, boosting the energy and increasing the focus on the groove. The final piece “Can’t Stop” lowers the lights and darkens the mood, creating a beautifully rhythmic atmosphere. For super late sessions and the handful of dancefloor-veterans still pushing on.
How did you link up with Get Physical for this release?
That was kind of a lucky coincidence. Last september I was up for my first Brazil tour and I met Mandy during a common gig at D.edge in Sao Paulo. We had a great night there. After that we kept in touch and thats how our co- operation started.
From the looks of things you're getting busier and busier, does it feel like that to you?
Oh! yes 100%, I am happy to see the effort coming more and more after the years, but also there´s a lot of daily work connected to more travelling, more playing, more studio, more social media care and so on. Sometimes It's a bit exhausting, but in the end it´s all worth it and I feel happy doing this job.
You've played at every kind of club
over the years in nearly every part of the world. What do you think makes a great nightclub?
First of all its usually the people working in the background. If you have passionated promoters, a good sound system and a familiar feeling it has to be a nice nightclub basically.
You started your DJ career as a resident at the AIRPORT Club in Southern Germany, Würzburg, back in the day. What piece of advice would you tell yourself today knowing what you know now?
It´s very nice, if you start your career and get a resident DJ job. In this way you have a regular "training" to get routine behind the decks. Also it is so important to start productions. I think It´s the best way to get your name arround the world.
You live in Berlin now, how has living in this city and even travelling effected your music?
I love to live in Berlin, everything is close around you and the industry here is working properly. Everyday you get inspiration by walking through the streets or by meeting be-friended artists or friends from all over the world. My trips over the globe also affect me as an artist. The myth of Asia, the temperament of South America and especially the paradise islands and the cheerful people are always in my mind. I collect all the music impressions and for sure I will use them in my sets or in my productions someday.
Who are your biggest inspirations or influences in the studio and the DJ booth?
I mean everything can influence you so I think it is an everyday process. But of course my biggest inspiration is and always will be the 'Golden Age Hip-Hop' as well as Funk and Soul music. I really love this sound.
What does your creative process in the studio entail? Any rituals?
Usually I get a raw idea of where I want to go with the track. I start with my drumkit and the bassline. The rest is a mix of routine and try outs.
Producing, remixing or DJing? What do you think is your strong point?
DJing. I staretd as a Hip-Hop DJ and I used to do scratch routines, backspins, beatjuggling and all these weird things. And of course I also use these skills in my techno sets. I find it boring just to make a simple transmission with faders, bass of, bass on. I love to get in an interactive mood with the crowd and to built up my set like this. That's why it is hard to put my sound in a concrete genre. It is my strength to react on the crowd.
Where do you see yourself and the music industry in ten years?
As music is my passion I am sure I still will be in the music business. My aim is to entertain people all over the globe and enjoy life with my friends.
When not listening to electronic music, what do you vibe on?
I love to discover the world and I am really into food. Cooking is one of my favourite hobbies. Next to this I am really into fashion. I will start a sideproject soon – so stay tuned!
What gigs & projects are on the horizon for you this summer?
In July I will be on a Colombian tour. It is my first time there and I am really excited. I will play gigs Both in 'Yumbo Vlak Club' in Medelin, and at 'Baum' in Bogota. In August I will play some Festivals and Club gigs in Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg and Italy. Check my tour dates for details. In september I will be back in my second home Dominican Republic where I will have shows at my resident club 'Vibe' and at the famous 'Groove Fest.' My second Brazil tour will be in October. I am really looking forward.
Connect: www.facebook.com/ AgentArtistpage
Words By Jordan Parrish
Pic By Jill G. Photography