Robag Wruhme: Where playfulness meets purpose

For more than three decades, Robag Wruhme has stood at the crossroads of precision and play. Born in Rudolstadt, Germany, and first known Wighnomy Production & half DJ as Wighnomy Brothers, he built his reputation on productions that pulse with personality and a mischievous sense of freedom. His solo work on Kompakt and Pampa Records reveals the same spirit-finely detailed, emotional, and always unmistakably his.

Behind the decks, Robag remains a storyteller. Each set is a collage of unexpected turns and small moments of humor, stitched together by intuition rather than formula. Whether blending Aphex Twin with his own edits or shifting between melancholy and mischief in a single hour, he has a gift for making the unpredictable feel human.

This October 23rd,  he will join  Anja Schneider, Florian Kruse, Saqib, Jenner, and Galen at  Duke of Tokyo in Amsterdam for a special   ADE fundraiser by Electronic Groove and Listed. 100% of proceeds from the event will go to   UNICEF’s emergency efforts supporting displaced children in Gaza.

Ahead of the event, Robag sat down with us to talk about humor, empathy, and the complex emotions behind playing for a cause that reaches far beyond the dance floor.

EG: Welcome, Robag. It’s a pleasure to have you here for this special ADE fundraiser event. We’re grateful for your support. Where are we catching you today, and how are you preparing for this special night in Amsterdam?

Robag Wruhme: Hi. I just came back from two fantastic shows in Santa Fe and San Diego. Really tired, but that’s how it is. Now the children are on holiday, and I’ve switched to dad mode.

EG: Humor and eccentricity often shine through your music. Do you see those qualities as a form of healing on the dance floor?

Robag Wruhme: Music, when played loudly, is always a form of healing, as long as it resonates with the listener’s preferences.

EG: If you could capture the spirit of this night in one track from your own catalog, which would it be and why?

Robag Wruhme: My remix for Slam feat. Tyron Palmer, This World, or ‘Ende #2’ from my album ‘Venq Tolep’ on Pampa Records.

EG: What role do you think music plays in times of crisis or uncertainty?

Robag Wruhme: None at all. Everyone does their own thing. There are only a few who take a stand, but that’s understandable because we’re not politicians.

We have the right to express our opinions without facing harassment or insults. If a constructive discussion can arise from that, it’s great. Engaging in dialogue allows us to learn and either reinforce or change our perspectives.

EG: You’ve built a reputation for emotional sets. How do you balance fun and depth when the cause itself is so serious?

Robag Wruhme: Humor serves as a protective barrier for the cautious and the observant.

EG: Outside of music, what cause or issue moves you most and shapes the way you live?

Robag Wruhme: My children, my family, and friends. They’re the most important thing on this planet.

“It’s clear that if I had the strength and power, I’d want to help every child in need. All of this shows how terrible the situation is for all of us as human beings.”

EG: A decade from now, when people look back on this fundraiser, what do you hope they’ll remember about the night?

Robag Wruhme: I had played at Terra Open Air in Israel about three weeks before the attack on October 7, 2023. I tried to organize my thoughts and realized that what would come next could be much worse. Sadly, I was right. I definitely don’t want to add another ten years to these two unspeakable years. I remain hopeful for a future where humanity thrives among all parties involved.

EG: On a personal level, how does it feel knowing that your set tonight will directly support children facing unimaginable challenges?

Robag Wruhme: It feels miserable because it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Why don’t the old men responsible deal with it properly? It’s clear that if I had the strength and power, I’d want to help every child in need. All of this shows how terrible the situation is for all of us as human beings.

EG: When the lights go down and people leave Duke of Tokyo on October 23, what’s the one feeling or message you hope they carry home?

Robag Wruhme: First of all, I hope many people will come so we can raise the urgently needed money.

EG: Thank you, Robag, for being part of our fundraiser series. All the best.

Robag Wruhme: You’re welcome.

Robag will perform at EG and Listed’s ADE fundraiser on Thursday, October 23rd. Grab your tickets here.