With more than 100 releases in five years, as a producer German-born Butch cuts his own path across dancefloors and decks around the world.
He features at Essential Intentions Open Air Party at the Byron Brewery alongside GC Stretch on Saturday. 2pm start time. $20.
How would you describe your style?
Honestly, I still don’t really know, after all these years of making music. I love all styles, broken beat, techno, hypnotic and trippy styles as well as melodic and musically versatile house. I simply make the music I love and feel, so I guess I have to say that doing what I love is my style!
How important is it to establish a unique sound… or is sound always somehow derivative somewhere?
I guess everyone should have their own handwriting, but there’s no point writing in a language no-one understands. If you go to a good school, one with its own style, you will learn a certain way to spell and when you master that you can outgrow that and find your own way of doing things. It is important to develop your own sound, but also not bind yourself to it until it becomes your mental prison.
What are your favourite musical reference points?
There are so many artists whose art inspired me; obviously I can’t name them all. A few that stand out have to be Emmanuel Topp, Aphex Twin, Wu-Tang Clan and Onyx. The energy that comes across, as well as their own unique approaches, always fascinate me.
Tell me about the shows overseas in Tokyo, London and New York?
Oh man, Tokyo is amazing. The Japanese are the friendliest and most polite people I can imagine. I love their enthusiasm; they have a scene for every imaginable human pastime you can think of.
They simply love music there and that really shows. London is great, I have a blast there every time; it really is an interesting place with its very own flair. Going to New York is always special, simply because growing up New York always was this utopia to me, where the b-boys and graffiti artists initiated so much culture. Even though those days are long gone, New York still breathes music on every corner.
How do you keep yourself current as a producer?
I have a very simple strategy: I go to the studio every day of the week for a minimum of eight hours. I make music every day I’m not travelling to gigs. That routine enables me to produce a lot of output. Luckily, I do what I love and many people seem to love it too, so I’m blessed for sure!
What are you listening to at the moment?
Oh, I’m listening to the Otherside album, which I have just completed with Hohberg. Right now I’m listening to the track Ecstasy, which always gets me in a good state of mind, ha-ha.
What advice would you give up-and-coming producers trying to make it in the club scene?
If it is your dream to make music and live off that you need to work persistently. Sure, there are always some stories about artists who break through with their very first song. These are only top news stories because it is so rare. They are far from the norm. I worked on producing music for more than 10 years before I had my first release. If making music is your calling, be patient with yourself, stay at it and work hard.
What should we expect for your Byron show?
Let’s agree upon getting together with beautiful people who have an open mind, a loving soul and feet willing to dance.
Butch is part of the Essential Intentions Open Air Party at the Byron Brewery on Saturday.
