Following the critically acclaimed release of his debut long player ‘Amniotic’ in 2018, celebrated German producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steffen Linck – a.k.a. Monolink – wraps up another remarkable year as he just released the ‘Amniotic Deluxe’ LP.
Due on December 13 via Berlin-based imprint, Embassy One, the album features no less than eight unreleased cuts, including a brand new original single titled ‘Outgrown’, a remix from each of Purple Disco Machine and Acid Pauli, three acoustic versions and two exclusive Live Recordings from his Mayan Warrior performance at Burning Man in 2018.
We had the chance to talk with Monolink about ‘Amniotic Deluxe’.
Electronic Groove: Hey Steffen, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Where in the world are you right now?
Monolink: Back home in Berlin. Having some weeks off the road and getting back in the studio. Feeling good!
EG: This year seems to have flown by — how has 2019 been for you? Any particular highlights?
Monolink: I must agree. It seems a blur as so many things happened. Definitely my most intense year of touring so far. Many many highlights yes. On the music side, it was so great to see the continuing growth of my songs reaching new people as my debut album is nearly 2 years old now, and of course how well the remixes were received. I was honored that so many wonderful artists agreed to get involved including Tale of Us, Patrice Baumel, Artbat, Oliver Koletzki, Adam Beyer, Nicole Moudaber, Rodriguez JR, Ben Bohmer, Purple Disco Machine, Acid Pauli – it was quite a list!
On the touring side then Fusion is always a big highlight every year as it’s my home crew. But most of the festivals were great; opening Day Zero in the desert was special, Melt for the crazy thunderstorm will remain in the memory. And not forgetting supporting RUFUS DU SOL on their US tour. I can’t complain!
EG: Today you released a Deluxe Version of your debut album ‘Amniotic’. First of all, congratulations!
Monolink: Thank you.
EG: Can you tell us a bit about the project, how it was put together and why you decided to release it now?
Monolink: ‘Amniotic’ is an album of songs I wrote over a number of years, so to see it become the success it is is very humbling. After such great support we all felt it was a good moment to close the chapter by releasing a ‘deluxe’ version with a new track that didn’t make the original format, ‘Outgrown’, new remixes, some ‘live’ versions of favorites and 3 acoustic versions of the singles which are really special to me as I had always wanted to record them.
“Definitely my most intense year of touring so far”
EG: We’re loving the three acoustic versions you created for the album. A very refreshing addition indeed. Can you talk to us about the creative process behind making these? Are all the instruments played by you?
Monolink: Everything is played (and sung) by me. They were one-take live-recordings where I then added layers of vocals on top. I wanted to keep them as intimate as possible, so the focus was really on capturing what the song means to me.
EG: How and when did you first get into making music? Were you a classically trained musician from an early age?
Monolink: I got into making music around the age of 15, learning to play the guitar and playing in bands. I never had any classical training and I actually liked it that way. I didn’t want training to limit my imagination or keep me from developing my own approach. The Beatles couldn’t read music and that made a lot of sense to me.
EG: Who or what were your biggest musical influences growing up?
Monolink: The Beatles certainly were a big influence, as well as British & American indie-rock like The Libertines and The Strokes. Then discovered Bob Dylan, Neil Young and those old masters of folk music and storytelling. When I then found out about Nicolas Jaar I felt like that was the future of music and he still remains a big influence.
EG: You’re known around the world for your impressive live performances. Can you talk us through your set up?
Monolink: My live set is built around me playing the guitar and singing, routed through Ableton live. I use a bunch of midi controllers and loopers to bring in the electronic side. I have my songs but also a variety of loops and sounds I can use to build things on the fly. No live set is ever the same and I try to really get the vibe of the audience to make it not just my show but something everybody can feel. I also sometimes play live with a 3 piece band and going into next year we will be incorporating more visuals and general production into all of the shows.
“After such great support, we all felt it was a good moment to close the chapter by releasing a ‘deluxe’ version”
EG: You’re about to embark on a five-date tour of South America, with dates in Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Lima, and Santiago. Is this your first tour of the continent?
Monolink: Yes, in the fact it is a full tour this time. I played a handful of shows in South America a few years ago, but most of the places I’m going now I have never been before. I’m very excited about this.
EG: What can your Latin American fans expect from these shows?
Monolink: Hopefully a memory of something that touched them. And fun!
EG: Let’s talk about your hometown of Berlin. Besides the nightlife which we all know and love, what are some of your favorite things to do in the city?
Monolink: Eat, sleep, make music and I love to go rock climbing 😉
EG: Finally, what will 2020 have in store for Monolink? Any exciting new projects that you can share with us?
Monolink: Maybe a new album. That’s exciting enough.
Monolink’s ‘Amniotic Deluxe’ LP is now avaialble. Buy a stream here.
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