Next up in the Sinchi series is Berlin based Johannes Albert, whose album ‘Lichtenberg’ is currently gaining rave reviews. In his own words… ‘A mix containing one hour of contemporary dance music. Some current faves, bits and pieces of my upcoming album. Maybe it’s bit more ‘Indie’ then the regular. The music I feel and play these days. Inspired by the potato soup I had for lunch’.

ABOUT

1) Who are you?

Hey my name is Johannes, I make house music for a living. Consider it a privilege so I am grateful every day.

2) What have been your highlights from the last 12 months?

Well, my residency at Renate club here in Berlin and some crazy touring schedule. From Leipzig to Bali/Indonesia and straight to Dublin. It was kind of a wild year. Oh not to forget all the lonely hours in the studio. It’s a constant up-and-down.

3) What do you have lined up for the coming year?

My album “Lichtenberg” is being released as we speak. So I will focus on bringing my album on the road. Music-wise I also did a couple remixes and in may there will be a new 12” on Fine.

MUSIC

4) Which track in the mix is your favourite right now?

Juliano – Chanmé (Mojuba)

5) What is your favourite track of the last 12 months?

6) What is the last record you bought?

7) Whats your number 1 go to track of all time?

Blaze – Lovelee Dae, I bought my first copy in 1997 and it is still THEE perfect house track (picture attached).

8) Who or what are your biggest musical influences?

In a nutshell it’s good dance music from 1975 until now. Maybe we should start to call it “Body Music” again? Because it is very physical. I am a house guy, so it was mostly music from New York & Chicago I would say. Last year I was really into Perel’s work. Any good record is an influence.

9) Tell us about 3 DJ’s / Producer’s we may not know but should be looking out for?

S&W – check out their album, it’s mostly a balearic affair but goes into different directions as well. It’s fresh.

Shan – You might have heard of him yet he deserves so much more attention. He just makes all these “out-of-jail” records that each and every DJ needs.

Kincaid & Sinal – Dare-to-be-different club music with a touch of weirdness. Besides they have a thing for the most amazing titles: “Long Haul Flight Bathroom Romance Scene”. I was hooked immediately.

10) What is your favourite Venue or Festival to play at and why?

Besides my residency at Renate in Berlin my favourite place in Germany is Galerie Kurzweil in Darmstadt. Because of the amazing vibe. It’s like the perfect match – a family affair in every way, a decent sound system and they even offer homemade booze at times. Yes, consider me a fanboy. When it comes to Holland I love to play for the Festifest guys in A’dam. They have a more than great taste in music, really care about sound and their chosen venue “Noorderlicht” is some beautiful space. What a lovely crowd they manage to attract! It’s located next to the water and you can watch the sunset since the party starts in the afternoon already. The perfect setting.

PERSONAL

11) Do you have a ritual before you start playing or straight after?

Before I usually give away most of my drinking tickets and regret this shortly after. Straight after I mostly run to the toilet. Honestly, I just try to get into the vibe of the room. You know like listening to the music that gets played before, looking at the dancers and make myself home. I guess it’s important to feel comfortable, happy and ‘homey’ in the booth to do the best you can do. For me personally it is essential to create something that fits the exact situation of the room. Each and every club/party is a bit different. The crowd, the warmup situation and the likes. So I kinda make a plan for the first few tracks that I’m gonna play that night.

12) What is your favourite bit of kit?

I’ve always had a thing for rotary mixers. Makes me do a better, smoother set actually. Improved sound quality usually comes as a bonus.

13) What is your favourite film score?

John Carpenter – Escape from New York

14) What is your dream destination?

A happy state of mind. Occasionally I would get there.

15) What makes you smile?

Another smile.