With Martin Kremser having new music out this week on Making You Dance we catch up with him for the latest episode of 12 Questions.
1. How old are you, where are you living and how long have you been producing and Djing?
I just turned 30 and am living in a small village in the eastern part of Austria, near Vienna. I’m producing for about 14 years now and started Djing 15 years ago.
2. Where do your musical roots lie, what are your first memories of electronic music and when did you know you wanted to pursue it seriously? Are there any particular productions or artists from the past that really made you think to yourself ‘this is what I want to do.”
My musical roots lie somewhere in between Trip-Hop, Hip-Hop, Rock but also a lot of 90s Techno (the awful one, not the cool one) and classical music. I recognised electronic music as an own and wonderful different genre when I started to go out and was hit by some Drum and Bass. I already was messing with sounds at that time but this music and culture really blew my mind and dragged me into a certain direction for many years. I wasn’t really sure about producing at that time but 100% sure about becoming a Dj.
3. How difficult was learning to produce for you in the beginning? Did you take any Audio Engineering programs or production courses to help you out or are you pretty much self taught? And did anyone give any advice early on that really helped?
It was extremely difficult in the beginning. I knew how to arrange loops and do some basic mixing but that was it. When I opened Reason for the first time I said: “Wow, that’s really interesting!”, and immediately closed it again, because I had no clue how to use it. A friend then gave me some basic advice and the rest was an endless self-learning process.
4. What parts of the production process do you find the most difficult and what comes easiest for you? When you do hit a creative block what helps you through it?
It really depends on the actual tune. The most difficult part maybe is the second break I normally build. Making it sound different from the first one but not too far away from the main theme always is some torture. The rest is quite easy and normally just writes itself as soon as the basic idea crystallises and I know where I want to go.
I normally work around creative blocks by listening to music I really like (genre doesn’t matter) and admire the production itself. If that doesn’t work I try to get as far away from music as possible, maybe go for a long work or do some sports. The last work around when there’s only despair left, would be a lot of beer – just kidding.
5. What’s a normal day like for you? Do you have a job outside of electronic music? And what do you like to do when you’re not working on music?
I work a few hours for an Austrian sports federation. I always try to finish accumulated work in the morning to be able to spend as much time as possible for music-related stuff the rest of the day. I’m a karate coach too and do some training every week.
I love to travel and discover other cultures and countries. I also love to just hang out with the cat which lives at the studio I owe with some friends and listening to her telling me about her day.
6. Apart from electronic music what other genres do you listen to and who are your favourite artists outside of electronic? And do these genres or artists have a direct effect on your own productions?
I’m still listening to a lot of Hip-Hop and Drum & Bass. I guess those styles have some influences on my productions, especially when it comes to the melodic parts. To name my favourites would just be a list of who-is-who of Hip-Hop so maybe a little too much for this interview.
7. What was the first and last physical (CD, Vinyl, Cassette etc) piece of music you bought?
The first CD I bought myself was Methodman & Redman – Blackout. One of the last vinyl I bought was an EP I am featured on too.
8. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people?
I was part of the Austrian Karate Federations’ national squad for over 10 years and some kind of professional sportsman.
9. Which producers in your opinion get consistently overlooked?
There are so many great but overlooked musicians all around the globe, I really can’t name some. But I think that quality will always find its’ way if you just keep on going your way.
10. Which producers consistently inspire you? And where else does your inspiration come from?
I can’t really name any one specific. I stumble across some talents I never heard before of nearly every week and I’m just impressed by their music and ideas and wonder why those guys were under my radar so far.
11. There are countless producers out there trying to find their way and create their own unique sound, what advice do you have for them?
As simple as it is: Keep on. Always keep in mind, why you are doing this and especially, why you love doing this. Also be deeply grateful for what you are able to do.
12. If the final DJ/live set of your career was next week what would your last track be?
It might be Pan Pot – Sleepless (Stephan Bodzin Remix). It still gives me goose bumps. But it would be the hell of a decision.
‘Suspiros Del Mar’ is out now on Making You Dance, you can purchase the release: here
