Arnd Reichow aka Drumcomplex is a techno DJ, producer and label head of Complexed Records. Active since the late 90’s, he is one of Germany’s most dedicated techno purveyors with a body of work reaching crowds in his home country as well as beyond. Hoarding two and a half decades-worth of music experience under his belt, Arnd Reichow has been crafting his space within the techno industry, as artist and producer and adding label owner to his accolades since 2014.
Complementing the fruits of studio labor, and, arguably, a litmus test of any piece of sound escapism, is the dancefloor test-drive. And the German artist has arduously served his due floor time, keeping up a constant schedule of gigs within the borders, as well as outside of Germany. Recent highlight include Carl Cox’s prestigious last Revolution Party at the infamous Space Ibiza, the legendary Awakenings Festival in Amsterdam’s beloved Gashouder, and the list continues on anticipating his upcoming 2019 appearances, which have already filled up the artist’s calendar.
We caught up with Drumcomplex to talk about his latest OFF Recordings release entitled ‘Solid Matter’.
Electronic Groove: Hello and welcome to EG. 2019 has been a busy year including your recent ‘Solid Matter’ EP that was released on OFF Recordings. How did your relationship with the label began?
Drumcomplex: First of all I would like to thank you very much for having me. 2019 was a very exciting year with many great releases and super beautiful and successful gigs all over the world. Actually Andre (Crom) and I have known each other for a long time and come from the same area, Düsseldorf. In the middle of 2017, he contacted me for a remix of a Man With No Shadow release and the cooperation started. I am very happy and grateful for our very harmonious and successful relationship.
EG: What can you tell us about the production behind ‘Solid Matter’. Where was it produced? What was the inspiration behind it?
Drumcomplex: I had produced this stomping beat and recorded an acid line with the Korg Minilougue live and thought about what could support this depth atmosphere even further. Since I had just bought a new microphone for my radio show, I searched the Internet for text passages that I could easily record. So the first title with my own vocal was created. I tested ‘Solid Matter’ on tour and was impressed with the energy it transmits.
EG: You must spend quite some time in your studio. What is some of the gear you like the most? And why?
Drumcomplex: I basically work with a relatively simple set up. The main component is my Mac Book and Ableton with some VST plugins. I work with it even when I’m on the road. At my home studio, I have the Korg Minilougue, Model D and an analog mixer from Mackie, plus a reverb and delay from Boss. For listening, I use the Yamaha HS 8. I work very closely with Alhek from Berlin, who mixes and masters my tracks. I’m not really a good sound engineer and it’s even better to have a professional background that supports me.
“I tested ‘Solid Matter’ on tour and was impressed with
the energy it transmits”
EG: What do you think are some of the key elements to produce a proper techno track?
Drumcomplex: That’s easy to answer for me. The sound itself is already 50% of the track. If you have a loopy track without much content and it sounds super good and has the pressure on the dance floor it is half of the rent. If there is also a title that can offer something in terms of content, you have made it.
EG: Do you have any other styles of music you enjoy producing?
Drumcomplex: I have a wide spectrum of music which I listen to privately and especially I feel comfortable in the rock and metal area. Music is and has always been an integral part of my life but when producing I limit myself to techno only.
EG: In terms of production and gigs, what are your plans for the rest of the year?
Drumcomplex: I am coming to South America playing Chile and Uruguay and planning to come to Brasil as well. Playing for the first time in Belfast. By the end of the year, I will return to Asia and my usual schedule in Germany and Europe with a lot of club shows. I am super thankful and happy having a super professional back up with my new agency Cubbo Bookings from Barcelona. I’ll be releasing a remix for my friend Roel Salemink on Carl Cox & Jon Rundel’s Intec Digital, and in November there will be a 3-track EP on Misfit Music. I already hit the studio and I’m working on fresh material.
EG: So far, what has been your favorite memory of this summer?
Drumcomplex: I had an awesome time in South Africa playing at SpiltMilk Festival & Modular in Cape Town. It was my first time there and I really loved it. Already talking about touring this country on the beginning of 2020.
Drumcomplex’s ‘Solid Matter’ is now available via OFF Recordings. Stream and buy here.
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