Deep, powerful, melancholic and charming, Rødhåd has been establishing himself across the globe as one to watch but he isn’t new to the game. He started his career towards the end of the 1990s, organising open air parties outside of Berlin and going onto hone his craft before launching his own imprint, Dystopian. Charting consistently on RA, he is now one of the most in demand djs and producers in the world. Ahead of his Australian tour, where he’ll be playing at earthcore in November, Rødhåd took some time out of his busy schedule to talk with us.
It’s been a few years since you’ve been to Australia and we’re very excited to have you back. Do you have any good memories from your last time here? Is there anything you plan on doing when you’re back?
Hello Australia, it’s nice to be coming back. Yes, indeed I can remember as I had a packed schedule, and because of the long and exhausting travel, I felt a little bit like in I was in a bubble. I mean, all gigs were totally good, super crowed and nice locations, but I really had no time to see the country. That’s why this year I stay a little bit longer to meet the kangaroos.
As a DJ with a lot of permanent club/gigs in europe under your belt would you say you prefer to play at a regular place or does the touring traveler lifestyle suit you better?
It’s hard to choose, but to be honest, techno music is not always made for huge stages. If you can create a feeling of intimacy during a festival then that would be the best. And if you can create intimacy in a small, sweaty club then even better.
Of course the German Techno scene is and has been alive and kicking for quite some time now, what are your thoughts on music coming out of the Australia at the moment?
To be honest, I don’t think in such borders anymore. One of the good aspects of travelling around is I don’t take care if the music is from a European or an Australian, or sent from a spaceship! I will like it as long as the music touches me.
What are your plans for the future of Dystopian Records?
In Europe the vinyl pressing plant situation is a little bit complicated, so we need to organize ourselves better and better. But we have some strong stuff coming out. Upcoming in September will be DYSTOPIAN 015 from Armitage with the ‘They Live’ EP; they are super producers currently making tracks under an anonymous moniker. The next one after that will be from Distant Echoes… and then I’m also sitting in the studio right now!
Was it a hard decision having to stop your work as an architectural draftsman to pursue the music? What was it like when you had to juggle the two pursuits?
Of course it was a hard decision. To quit a job to follow your dream was really scary the first couple of months, especially as i always try to live my life save and settled. But as soon you get over that point, you realize that you need to take your chance and just try it. If worst comes to worst, I will just start my old job again, why not…
You’ll be playing at earthcore alongside one of your heroes, Chris Liebing. Are you excited about that? Over time have you two become friends? Are you interested in seeing anyone else’s set at the festival?
I’ve seen Chris a lot of times over the last 2 years, especially during festivals. So yes, he became one of my festival friends and it s nice to have somebody like him at these festivals, even if it is just for a quick chat and talk every couple of weeks or so. If I have enough time, I will catch his set for sure and hopefully some others too…
When I was in Berlin last, besides checking out all the best clubs, it was suggested I try the currywurst. I bought some at a festival and it wasn’t very good. As a native, where would you suggest is the place to go for the best currywurst in Berlin?
There’s a big discussion between the native Berlin people where you can get the best currywurst. There is one famous shop in West Berlin and one in East Berlin. But one thing I can tell you for sure: never, never buy a currywurst at a festival, it can’t be as good as the ones thet serve in a little typical tiny diner here in Berlin. Anyway, I don’t hope you serve me currywurst in Australia! 🙂
Make sure not to miss Rødhåd at earthcore, November 26 – 30. Tickets are on sale now or nab a ticket for the Sydney show at Charades x House Of Mince Present RODHAD @ Oxford Arts Factory Friday 27th November.
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