Sven Väth is quite simply unique. A legend in his own lifetime with a commitment and passion that has influenced the advance and evolution of electronic music. Clubs, record labels and careers have been launched.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Sven and ask him about Cocoon’s 20th Anniversary, his summer tour, and some music history.
Electronic Groove: Hi Sven! It’s a pleasure and an honor to have you at EG. Your summer tour is in full force with an incredible list of events. Does any of them stand from the rest as a most special or interesting one?
Sven Väth: Hello all, it is always a pleasure to talk to music lovers. It is an intense summer schedule and I look forward to some inspiring gigs and venues – some I know and some I don’t. I like that mix. But I have to answer your question this way. The 20th-anniversary gigs for Cocoon. So special, so interesting – and much more to come.
EG: The tour includes some massive celebrations of Cocoon’s 20th Anniversary. How do you feel about this milestone and what do you think is the key to such success and longevity?
Sven Väth: Exactly why I had to say the Cocoon shows this time, which conveniently saves me picking out 1 from many great events and their promoters on my tour.
The 20 milestones. Of course, I am proud but I think the answer to the second part of your question is that I don’t want to spend too long patting myself on the back. There is music to be played. That could be the key.
EG: When producing events, what do you think are some of the most important qualities of your team at Cocoon?
Sven Väth: Passion and belief mixed with getting the details right. Most importantly everyone on the team knows that the dance floor and the people on it come first! We are one family and consider every guest part of our family.
EG: From a business standpoint, what tips can you give on how to run a successful company like Cocoon?
Sven Väth: Connected to the above. Never lose sight of who you are talking to. Never underestimate this audience. And never be afraid to have an opinion or take a risk. Stand out.
“Everyone on the team knows that the dance floor and
the people on it come first!”
EG: Has the initial vision of Cocoon changed throughout the years?
Sven Väth: “Change is the only constant”, a wise guy once said, but the spirit and the soul we put into every event never changed.
EG: Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in your career and how?
Sven Väth: There so many friends and colleagues. Over my extended career, it is impossible to start choosing. Sometimes it can be tiny moments that mattered a lot, sometimes it can be more complicated. They all know who they are.
EG: You’ve been leading the way in the dance industry for quite some time. Looking back, what would you have done differently?
Sven Väth: I just spent 20 minutes thinking about that. And came up with nothing. Depends how low you want to go. Don’t answer that!
EG: What young DJs and/or producers have grabbed your attention?
Sven Väth: You can hear this on my annual mix compilation, which brings together the most outstanding tracks of every season, of course also featuring established artists. It’s the music that counts. On Cocoon recordings, we do also consider young talents. Have a listen and you’ll find some new names too!
“These party people came to see me. They get my best. Always”
EG: Picking your record bag, what would be a “golden oldie” you can’t live without?
Sven Väth: There is plenty! For this season I prepared a bag with “classics” that defined 20 years of Cocoon Ibiza. Sometimes I play a few tracks but actually its ‘Father’ from Anthony Rother, as well as a new remix of ‘Gazebo’ by Fairmont. Aphex Twins’ ‘Window Licker’ is always welcome and my own ‘Mitternachtstraum’ is on heavy rotation too.
EG: What’s the easiest and hardest part of being Sven Väth?
Sven Väth: I love what I do. Easy. Only very occasionally I have to dig deep to give a performance. But I will. These party people came to see me. They get my best. Always.
EG: What place would you recommend for a nice dinner in Ibiza?
Sven Väth: That would be telling. I prefer to meet everyone on the dancefloor.
EG: As musicians, what is your definition of art?
Sven Väth: We were doing so well and you come up with that one! Art is what you make of it.
EG: Sorry for that one 🙂 Many thanks and we wish you nothing but the best!
Sven Väth: Right back at you. Love, Sven.
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