Dustin Zahn’s various biographies on the internet do not contain any particularly alluring or exciting background stories, leaving me to wonder if it’s out of choice or simply because, as one particular bio states, “there are no breakthrough moments or mentors who have taken him under their wing.”
It does not take me long though, to realize that perhaps Dustin’s story is one that simply mirrors his Midwestern upbringing: a career carved out by nearly two decades of hard work, tenacity and persistence. There is no denying that since 1998 his output in the studio and behind the decks have gained him international notoriety and respect within the techno scene and beyond, all thanks to a sound that embodies diversity and quality as its primary attributes.
Born in Wisconsin, Dustin first discovered electronic music and his love for techno in Minneapolis, where he grew up after moving as a child. Although Minneapolis’ techno history is rich, Dustin relocated to Berlin after the turn of the century to further his goals as a producer, DJ and to head his own Enemy Records imprint. He has been performing regularly at some of the most reputable clubs and festivals in the world since, with a few dark warehouses and beach parties sprinkled in between. On top of releasing on his own label he has had tracks come out on Drumcode, REK’D, CLR, Mindshake, Truesoul and more, always striving to produce and play music that is both dark and groovy, seamlessly blurring genres to create a signature, hypnotic sound that isn’t common amongst other artists. He has also launched the fantastic Train Wreck podcast, a talk-show series that sees him chat with house and techno artists from all over the world over a glass or two, discussing music industry related topics as well as more personal stories, opinions and daily-life anecdotes from the DJs and producers themselves.
On March 11th Dustin is returning to the Los Angeles underground for WORK‘s first collaboration of the year with Incognito, a warehouse affair that sees him billed with Smartbar Chicago and Oktave resident Jeff Derringer, as well as LA’s very own JIA and Gerard Not Gerald. We had a chat with him ahead of his visit to talk about what he has been up to and what lays ahead in the years to come.
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