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In Interview with Ellen Allien

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There’s no other artist able to distinguish themselves quite like Ellen Allien has. No one else has been able to obtain such notoriety with the unique style that she brings. Ellen has been able to differentiate herself from the rest, making her a legend in the techno community. Ellen is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ; the influence to many artists that we look up to today. Ellen has not only started one label, but two. Besides her widely successful label Bpitch, Ellen also launched her new label UFO. Inc. last January. From having residencies across the world to being one of Berlins biggest acts, she was able to cement her presence in the techno realm.  

That unique style mentioned is blatantly intentional in order to make sure she distinguishes herself from the rest of the herd. She has mentioned that she wouldn’t play songs that are popular. She likes to play music that no one else is, make music no one else is, and cultivates projects that no one else is doing. She’s personally involved with everything she does, there’s nothing industry about her. From her own tracks, to the festival stages she curates, Ellen has full creative involvement. Obviously, she’s had help, but she only works with close friends that understand who she is. For example, the graphic designer for Bpitch has been the same since the beginning. 

If you have had a chance to listen to Ellen’s sets, either live or on YouTube, you are able to tell how innovative she can be. The way she chooses her music is interesting, because she’s enthralled by weird unpredictable music. She doesn’t focus on the high points or the popularity of a track, which is common among DJs. Instead, she likes music that’s more about intensity. As long as a track is intense, obscure, and unpredictable, it’s one for the collection. Her style of innovation has led her to a very successful career that has no signs of slowing down.  

There are a lot of interesting things about Ellen that go beyond her music. Playing around the world, Ellen shared some of her interesting experiences as well as perspectives being one of the most respected names in the techno world. There’s plenty to talk about, and what really captures people’s attention are Ellen’s roots in Germany.

In our interview, we take a deep dive to discuss her music, her culture, and her legacy.      Read more

Jeff Mills Debuts His Battle LA Inspired Drum Machine

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Jeff Mills, one of techno’s earliest pioneers, is no stranger to this science-fiction aesthetic in techno. From Detroit to Berlin to Chicago, Mills has been a major part in the development of a number of booming dance hubs across the globe. His musical aesthetic is well-defined yet intriguing, and we can always count on him for some heavy grooves. Having held residencies at some of the world’s best nightclubs, such as Tresor, Jeff Mills is one of the most exciting performers in the industry, often sporting a TR-909 as the quintessential focus of his setup. His records are played by countless DJs, although his accomplishments reach far beyond the dance floor and the studio. Somewhat of a tech guru, Jeff Mills is constantly pushing the envelope, always innovating new technologies.

 Recently, Jeff Mills has created a unique interactive exhibition, perhaps the first of its kind. On March 23rd, he debuted his “Weapons” Exhibition in Tokyo; featured as the centerpiece was his own custom-built, UFO-shaped drum machine. This drum machine, known as “The Visitor,” was constructed by gutting a 909, inserting its electronics into a new housing, creating an interface that is both user-friendly and intuitive. Rather than the linear structure typical of many drum machine, “The Visitor” has its buttons laid out in a circular fashion; this, he says, is a far better visual representation of an instrument that is playing a looped sequence. With the help of sound artist and designer, Yuri Suzuki, the two have created a beautiful piece of hardware eloquently combining music and hardware.

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“The Visitor” Drum Machine by Yuri Suzuki & Jeff Mills

Jeff Mills is known to hit the buttons pretty hard on his gear, in the heat of the moment this is common for many artists. He has fitted “The Visitor” with arcade game buttons and knobs designed to withstand a beating. Thus, he has transformed the classic sound of the 909, an instrument that has come to define a large part of his style, into a retro-futuristic innovation far better suited to his performance style and visual aesthetic. Functionality aside, the mere visual appeal of The Visitor Drum Machine is enough to have everyone from the technology fans and art enthusiasts gawking at the sight. You won’t see this in the DJ booth every day.

According to Axis Records, “Jeff’s new project is the exhibition ‘Weapons: a small but potent collection of music affiliated avant-garde objects’ which consists in an immersive scenario paying tribute to the genre of Film Noir from the 40’s and inspired on a conceptual investigation experience based on the strange phenomenon of the infamous American UFO sighting over the city of Los Angeles in the winter of 1942 and famously known as ‘The Battle Of Los Angeles'”

Given his endeavors into music, art, technology, and science fiction, Jeff Mills is clearly a “Jack Of All Trades” (no pun intended!) who has successfully bridged the gap between the digital and analog eras, preserving the sounds of eras past while expanding on them, and embracing any new technology that will facilitate the creation of great art. With one of the brightest intellectual minds in the electronic dance music community, he is a true pioneer who, in years to come, will continue to shape and develop the music we hold so dearly to our hearts.