Martin Eyerer has been DJing for over 18 years in almost every possible place in the world and has over 60 releases to date. He is constantly ranking high on the top EDM charts in Europe and broadcasts his own two hour radio show to over 300,000 people once a week on Radio Sunshine Live (the largest dance radio station in Germany). His records have graced such labels as Kickboxer, My Best Friend, Trapez, Renaissance, Audiomatique, Ministry of Sound, Mantra Vibes, Great Stuff, Virgin Music, Boxer Recordings and too many more to name.
We might also mention that he runs both Kling Klong and Session Deluxe, two very successful techno labels. FWD is happy to interview someone with such legendary status as Martin Eyerer!
FWD: After a career as extensive as yours, do you have any more unfulfilled goals? If so, what are they?
Martin Eyerer: The way things are going at the moment is really fantastic but, of course, it always can go even better. Basically, I am happy if all stays on the same level it is currently and I can work hard for continued success. However, there are still a few countries I haven’t played in yet (there are less as time goes on :-) ) and I want is to play in all of them! The next thing we are working on is assisting the younger guys from my network: artists including Stephan Hinz, Patrick Zigon and Dubnitzky.
I would like to see me labels and the artists I am working with all grow together and have the synthesis bring the whole operation to the next level.
I run my labels with some great corporations (Kling Klong handled by Great Stuff and Session Deluxe by Alphabet City) and they could not have set up the business any better so I am confident in our future.
FWD: What are your favorite countries to perform in? Favorite clubs?
Martin Eyerer: Many people tend to ask this question but the truth is: I don’t really have a favorite club. More focus should be placed on the parties, as they can be special regardless of the club they are in. It’s generally the same with countries. However, I would mention South America for sure and China as they are fairly special to me. People there are really enthusiastic and open mined to the sound you bring.
FWD: What do you seek to provide to your listeners on your radio show (Session Deluxe)? What gives it the Eyerer touch?
Martin Eyerer: I love to present music that builds a certain flow during my show. The good thing about radio is the option also to present deeper; more underground tracks. You have more options musically because your listener are often times in the car or house and not dancing in a club.
I also have the ability to showcase very high quality guests that bring the most cutting edge music.At this moment the show is on hold, it was too much being live every Sunday evening - I was just too strained after all that international traveling each weekend. I will get a new slot on Saturday evening beginning in August where I can prerecord the show so I can make it during the week.
FWD: What do you look for in the tracks you play and release on your labels? What makes a track really special to you?
Martin Eyerer: It’s a hard question and often asked seeing as how many artists are trying to send me the appropriate demo material. Unfortunately, I must admit that I don’t really even totally know myself what I’m looking for in a track. It’s just when I hear a track I know in the first second whether I want to release it or not. It has to touch me somehow and I suddenly have to feel that I can’t wait to play it out. Basically, Kling Klong tends to be more peak time and Session Deluxe is more functional, underground and house influenced.
FWD: What hardware/software/samples do you use and recommend?
Martin Eyerer: I am using a mixture of digital and analog equipment in my studio. The sequencer of my choice has been Cubase for many years; I use all Native Instruments software, UAD plug-ins on two DSP cards and a TC Powercore DSP card.
I absolutely believe in hardware reverbs, I use the Lexicon 480l and the Modell 200 in addition to some others.
Also, vintage gear like a Manley Vari/Mu or Amek and Filtek compressors makes its way into my production quite a bit.
I perform my mix down on a Neumann 16 channel custom made summing bus.
I also cannot forget a few of my synthesizers including the Roland tb303, 808, Virus TI, Machinedrum, Nordlead, etc.The UAD cards are a great choice for people looking to purchase great sounding VSTs at a low price, and I completely recommend them!
FWD: What advice would you give yourself 18 years ago based on what you now know in the electronic dance music business?
Martin Eyerer: Try to find out early where your interests really are instead of spreading yourself too thin on a bunch of different projects. Focus on your primary goals and push forward! First learn the basics; maybe even read books about it (if we are discussing production) and the rest will come if you work on it.
FWD: What labels/artists do you hope to see rise in popularity? Who do you think is under credited for excellent their production or performance?
Martin Eyerer: The main positive element of the digital revolution is also the main negative element. It’s so much easier to release music these days that the market it totally over saturated. Unfortunately, this makes DJs tend to listen to music by people that are already established and a lot of the younger guys tend to get passed by.
FWD: Do you ever seek to leverage your fan base and DJ status to promote social/political issues? What is important to you in those sectors?
Martin Eyerer: I read about political issues regularly, watch the news and donate money to several care organizations but generally try to keep that out of my business operations.
FWD: What can we expect from Martin Eyerer for the rest of 2008?
Martin Eyerer: A few remixes e.g. for Marc Romboy, Namito and a Marshall Jefferson Classic (Mushroom). Collaborations with Robert Babicz, Oliver Klein are in the pipeline and finally two singles of my album with new remixes by Patrick Chardronnet, Marc Romboy, Gui Boratto and Oliver Klein.
