db95 Anthony Rother
In the late 1990’s, electronic music witnessed an expressive movement of new talents coming from Germany. Among the most notable among these, pioneer producer Anthony Rother stands out with his symbiotic combination of electro and techno, later labeled “moderntronic”.
Rother has created his own label, Psi49net, which gained notoriety with the virtual electro-pop project “Little Computer People” (2001).
In 2004, he reappeared leading his music to new directions with the albums Popkiller (his greatest success) and Supersonic Space Model (2006), a genuine master-piece. In 2010, Rother was rated second in the “Best 2010 album” rank of German magazine Raveline, for the second volume of the Popkiller saga. This German producer is also renowned for his co-production and remix projects in partnerships with first line artists such as Sven Väth and Karl Bartos, former-Kraftwerk. Check out this exclusive interview Rother willingly granted deepbeep.
You have performed several times in Brazil. Do you remember the very first time? What’s your impression on Brazil?
My first experience in Brazil took place in a major event in São Paulo, in 2005 perhaps. I can’t really remember the name of the festival, but I do remember that it was sponsored by a brand of beer. My first impression was the love and care I felt from people. And this hasn’t changed. Every time I go down there it feels like my second home.
You run your own label, Datapunk, which represents such major artists as M.in, Terence Fixmer, DJ Hell, Oliver Hunterman and others. Besides, you also release your music by other labels such as Kanzleramt and, recently, by Brazilian Clash Music. How do you administer all these activities? What influence do your business happen to have upon your musical career?
I never engage in projects only for the money to begin with. Everything I’ve done so far in my career has been motivated by musical interests above all. The base for everything comes from the music I like and the creative effort I put in my art and the concepts behind my label. I’ve learned a lot over the years. The music industry is so fucked up concerning so many aspects, but I at least realize people really enjoy my performances, and that’s what matters!
You have been able to develop a language of your own in electronic music. Becoming musicaly mature also implies staying away from trends?
What I do is not a concept, it comes from very deep within me. For this reason I’m totally convinced of being in the right track! Life is made of choices, you know… so I choose to listen to my inner voice as much as possible, every single day.
In 2006, you remarked that what you like best is to combine analogical and digital paraphernalia into your musical production. What could you comment on the subject now, in 2011?
I still feel the same way about it, nothing’s changed. I really like using analogical synthetizers, adjust buttons and everything, but at the same time there are also the digital equipment and softwares that I use. The way I see it, what matters is the final result of what you do and each artist have their own way of achieving the desired result.
What’s been turning you on lately?
There are a lot of exciting stuff going on at the moment; one of these things is that it’s become incredibly easy to launch a video on the Internet. It brings a whole new dimension to music.
What are your current projects and future plans?
Now I’m working on my next album to be released by Datapunk. It’s supposed to come out this year.
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deepbeep95 Anthony Rother
Credits: Awet Cahsai, Denis Hadler, Marco Andreol
Photos: Audioviva
Translation: Rodrigo Inácio
AM
September 4, 2011Awesome podcast!!