Beyond the Decks with Fabian Krooss
From Fusion and Garbicz to Mayan Warrior, MAXA and Amores Experience, Fabian Krooss has built a reputation as a DJ who creates immersive, emotionally charged dance floor moments. Deeply rooted in Berlin’s scene, his sets balance playfulness with precision, surprise with cohesion.
Ahead of his upcoming show, we spoke with Fabian about reading a crowd, shaping a signature sound, sunrise sets, and the turning points that defined his artistic path.
You’ve played everywhere from Fusion and Garbicz to Mayan Warrior, MAXA and Amores Experience. What do you think is the common thread between all these spaces that keeps pulling you back as an artist?
All of these spaces allow for deep emotional connection – to yourself and your surroundings. For me, music is a way to process and release emotions, and those environments are very open to that kind of journey too.
When people tell me a set felt transformative or deeply heart-opening, that’s the real common thread – creating moments where everything aligns.
People describe your sets as playful, bouncy and deeply intuitive. What does your internal compass feel like when you’re reading a crowd and choosing the next direction?
I’m always trying to surprise people with music they don’t know and tell a story. I move between melodic, playful moments and more driving, bouncy energy, constantly building and releasing tension.
I read how the crowd responds and adjust in real time – sometimes pushing forward, sometimes creating space for emotion – but always with the intention of lifting the overall energy.
Your productions blend a wide range of influences yet still feel distinctly “Fabian Krooss.” What’s your process for turning many inspirations into one cohesive sound?
I work very intuitively, but my taste is quite specific. There are certain textures, grooves and emotional qualities I’m always drawn to, and they naturally reappear in my music.
Over time that repetition shapes a cohesive sound – not by force, but by consistently trusting what resonates with me.
You’ve released more than 50 tracks across iconic labels like Stil vor Talent, The Gardens of Babylon and A Tribe Called Kotori. Which release marked a turning point in your artistic evolution?
My Planet D EP on Stil vor Talent was a clear turning point. It was my first solo EP on the label and a moment where I truly felt I had defined my sound.
That release gave me confidence in my artistic direction and shaped much of what followed.
You often bring dancefloors back to life in the early morning hours. What do you love most about playing sunrise or post-peak moments?
Nighttime energy can be quite dark and intense. In the morning, I love shifting that mood – playing lighter, more uplifting music while still keeping the momentum.
Those moments feel hopeful and communal, like a shared exhale after the peak.
Your sets feel like little worlds – immersive, emotional and surprising. What kind of story do you hope people walk away remembering?
I hope people leave feeling open, grateful and connected – to themselves and to each other.
Everyone experiences their own story on the dance floor, but if it’s a positive, heart-opening one, then I’ve done my job.
You’ve remixed legends like Oliver Koletzki and Hannes Bieger. What’s your approach to bringing your signature into someone else’s musical universe?
I focus on the elements that truly resonate with me and preserve the core essence of the original.
From there, I add my own distinctive elements, groove and emotional energy – enough to make it feel like me, without losing what made the track special in the first place.
Playfulness and freedom are core elements of your sound. How do you stay connected to that joy while constantly touring and producing?
Touring can definitely be exhausting, and there are certainly moments on tour where my inspiration dips.
But the second I step into the booth, it usually all disappears. Playing music puts me back into my element instantly – that joy and freedom are almost always there once the set begins.
Fabian Krooss’ approach is grounded in emotional storytelling, intuition and trust in his own taste. Whether building tension in peak-time moments or guiding a sunrise reset, his focus remains consistent: create connection, offer surprise, and leave people feeling open.
For Fabian, the dance floor is not just a space for movement – it’s a space for alignment.
