Powel is a talented DJ and producer who has featured music on labels such as All Day I Dream and Anjunadeep.
Having travelled the world as a headline DJ, we are honoured to welcome Powel to our podcast series for this extended set that allowed him to dig deep into his record collection. Along with this exclusive mix he also took the time to answer a few questions about his music philosophy…
Hi Powel, what part of the world are you currently living in, and are the local nightclubs open again?
I live in Berlin, as I have for the past 18 years. Clubs are technically allowed to open, but people are not allowed to mingle or dance. So most clubs choose to not open. Because, what would be the point?
It now seems most regulations will be lifted next month, and we’ll see how that goes. Might be too early, as the vaccination rate is still too low here in Germany, so it has the potential to backfire, and just lead to another lockdown. But, I shouldn’t really complain too much about this, as I have my first gigs already scheduled, and after such a long time, I’m really looking forward to being able to play again. Although, I’m currently second-guessing these plans, as there’s a full-blown war at our doorsteps, due to what’s happening in Ukraine. So, I’m not sure if now is an appropriate time to get back into the nightlife business again, but maybe the distraction is a good thing?
Thanks for recording us a podcast, could you describe the vibe/energy were you trying to capture with your track selection?
I generally don’t have much to say about my mixes, as it’s music… it’s something that needs to hear rather than talked about. I always have a story in mind when recording a mix or producing a track, but that’s just my personal motivation/story. Music is subjective, meaning the listener can interpret their own meaning, and it can be anything that resonates with them.
What’s your favourite track in the mix, and did you play any of your own music?
That’s a hard question to answer, as I only put music in my sets that I really like. But if I have to choose just one track, then I think it would be “Soela’s – Do I Really Need You?”. She is such a fantastic artist, and someone that’s so consistent, you could buy her music blindly, as you always know it’s going to be good. All of her tracks are absolutely wonderful! I didn’t play any of my own tracks, as I’ve spent a lot of time in the studio lately working on my own music, and recording a DJ set was a welcomed opportunity to enjoy the music of others.
Talking of your own tracks, what’s new in your release schedule, as we would love to know more about your new music?
I have a new ep coming out on “Do Not Sit On The Furniture” called “Back To The Beginnings” which is scheduled for March 11th. I’m also working on other new things, including some exciting collaborations, but most of it’s still a work in progress. So right now, I don’t have any other releases scheduled. I also started to work on music with the person I share my studio space with, and that will be very different from what I usually make. That new collaborative project has mostly come from endless jam sessions, which gives it a very different touch/feel. It feels very organic even though we almost exclusively use electronic instruments, which is very different compared to my solo productions, where about half the track is usually made from acoustic sound sources. It’s very exciting, but it’s also a project that’s is still in its early days, so there isn’t much to show the world just yet.
What do you think would be the perfect setting for someone to listen to your mix, and why do you think that would be the best place?
Probably in headphones on a train ride or somewhere with moving surroundings. Because that’s where I usually listen to DJ sets and get the most enjoyment out of them. At home, I always find myself just skipping through the sets, and determining if it’s good or not by the DJ’s track selections. For some reason, I don’t do that when I’m staring out of a window while moving.
Who is your personal favourite DJ, and how have they influenced your own style?
I think it’s impossible to have a single favourite DJ. I enjoy any DJ who’s able to create a nice moment for the dancefloor, and if I’m dancing, then they are my favourite until the moment ends. Also, we all have good and bad days… I’ve heard some horrible sets played by people I’m usually a big fan of, and the other way around. Generally, I tend to like sets more, when the DJ is not sticking to one specific genre and is thinking outside of the box. I still think one of the most outstanding DJ mixes ever recorded is still “Coldcut’s – Journey By DJ”. There are so many different music styles in that mix, but the way it’s mixed makes it sound like just one extended track, which I think is absolute perfection. But that said… a consistent set of just one genre, can be just as good if done well.
Outside of music, what are some of your other passions in life?
To be honest, music is my life. I spent most of my time in the studio, and when I’m not making music, then I’m doing DJ orientated things, like going through music or recording a mix. That usually takes up all of my time and makes me very happy. So, there’s never been a need for me to have a hobby besides that.
Do you have a message for your fans or anything else you want to add?
I think it’s important that we help support the Ukrainian people during this terrible time of war. It’s important the world listens to them and individuals offer any kind of support they can…
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