Modeplex is a DJ and techno producer from south Germany. Raised in a musical family, Dave has always been surrounded by instruments, music, and records. Modeplex has developed a very personal way to write music, in which different musical genres and scenes are part of the progress. These are the perfect ingredients that give birth to a wholesome kind of techno and deep house. He takes his inspiration from everyday life experiences, events that have happened in the past or which he anticipates for the future. All these emotions are condensed to experiment with different sounds and recordings.
Fresh off from his contribution to EG’s AFTER Series, we caught up with Modeplex to learn more about the mix, his new ‘Tron Fargo’ EP, his views on inspiration, routines, and more.
Electronic Groove: Hello Dave! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us today. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Modeplex: Hello! I am quite good so far, thank you. Actually, I am back home in south Germany after a wonderful trip and show in Riyadh.
Electronic Groove: First of all, thank you very much for being a part of our EG After Series. Tell us, what can our listeners find in this installment?
Modeplex: Thanks for having me. So, I collected some very new and old tracks, combined with some unreleased and upcoming tracks of mine.
Electronic Groove: By the way, congratulations on your new EP for the Berlin-based label Artminding! What’s this one all about?
Modeplex: Yes, I am very happy to release there. For ‘Tron Fargo’ I wanted to create a more dystopian audio design. Technical and surreal elements reminiscent of a digital end time. The harmonies are carried by a deep, warm bassline, which can be understood as a meta-theme.
Electronic Groove: Are there stories behind your tracks? Where do you go for inspiration? Do have creative routines?
Modeplex: Nope! I think creativity comes from different impressions. At least in my case, I would say: creativity actually dies with routines. If you do always the same processes, the same steps, etc. You might end always in the same corner. So real inspiration comes from doing things differently, from trying things out.
“I think it’s a very natural thing to develop and reach for new and higher goals. Development is a good thing in my eyes and shows more layers”
Electronic Groove: And this new release also features a remix, courtesy of Watergate resident Jamiie. What were your impressions listening to it for the first time? What things do you first tend to look for in remixes of your music? Do you have those ‘Oh, I wish I had thought of that!’ moments?
Modeplex: I actually loved it right from the first time. Also, the label was instantly happy and we are more than proud to have her on board. She has a lot of talent in any case, that’s why the label and I decided to contact her for this unique project. I like it when artists follow their visions and do things in a unique way.
Electronic Groove: How would you describe your music by now? How has it evolved over the years? Are you making the music you thought you’d make when you first started?
Modeplex: Not at all! I mean, maybe a bit, but I think it’s a very natural thing to develop and reach for new and higher goals. Development is a good thing in my eyes and shows more layers.
Electronic Groove: What does your studio look like at the moment? Are you more of an analog or a digital person?
Modeplex: It’s changing! I started using more analog machines because I like the haptic side of the gear. Digital is kinda easier because you can always change something if you want. If you record analog, it’s a static sample at the end.
Electronic Groove: How did you first get started in the electronic music scene? Was there a record or gig that changed everything for you on a personal level?
Modeplex: There have been a few I think. I loved the ‘Sonic Empire’ track when I heard it first. Also, all music by Faithless, Chemical Brothers, or Moby set the early routes I guess. Later I was much into drum n bass and got slowly more and more into techno productions.
“I will focus a bit more on collaborations with other artists. […] this builds bridges to understand different perspectives which is fully the original vibe and original spirit of our genre”
Electronic Groove: What else can we expect from Modeplex in the near future? What new milestones are you looking out for in the coming months?
Modeplex: I will focus a bit more on collaborations with other artists. I didn’t do many in past and I think it’s a nice thing to do, to learn more about the workflow, vibe, and skills of other artists. It’s also like a story that two or more people tell together. And this builds bridges to understand different perspectives which is fully the original vibe and original spirit of our genre.
Electronic Groove: Thank you so much for your time, Dave! We wish you all the best for the future!
Modeplex: Thanks for having me!
Modeplex’s ‘Tron Fargo’ EP is available via Artminding. Purchase your copy here.
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