Felix Kröcher Interview

Hailing from Frankfurt, techno legend Felix Kröcher is no stranger to success. From playing at some of Europe’s largest festivals to hosting his own weekly radio show on the Techno Channel, Kröcher is always up to something exciting. We caught up with him following the release of his new track ‘You Gotta’ to talk summer and set lists and find out what we can expect for the future.  

How did growing up in Frankfurt influence your music?
It influenced me a lot. In my opinion Frankfurt is the most famous “Techno” City in Germany, besides Berlin. At the end of the 80s and the beginning of the 90s Frankfurt had so much influence in developing the Techno scene. It was the home for labels like Logic, Hardhouse, Eye-Q and of course Cocoon. There were artists that were involved in those labels that spearheaded the entire scene, like Sven Väth, Thorsten Fenslau, Snap and Chris Liebing. Frankfurt has also been a leading city for clubbing with clubs like Dorian Gray, Omen, U60 and Cocoon-Club. So, those factors definitely influenced me and had an impression on my music.

Did you always know you wanted to be in the music industry or did you have other plans?
Growing up in Frankfurt with everything surrounding me let my dream of being a producer and DJ become a reality. I had been dreaming of doing well before my teenage years. Now that I am around 30, my dream has come true and I am making a living from my work as a musician and DJ. I hope it will last for many years to come.

Can you explain the creative process behind your new track, ‘You Gotta’?
Well, it all started when I played a more tech-house orientated set at a club and got the idea of making a track to fit that mood. I started working on the track and it just developed naturally. I never usually intend to make a track in a certain genre, after it´s done I usually reflect on the production and only then acknowledge its genre.

‘You Gotta’ is part of a 40 track compilation released on Toolroom Records. Why did you choose to release it on this label?
First of all, Toolroom Records is an awesome label, and it’s a big honour for me to have my track find a home there. Looking at the other tracks in that compilation I think I can be proud to be amongst names like Technasia, Maceo Plex and Mark Knight.

Did you expect your 2011 album Lauft to be so successful? How has your style continued to evolve since then?
It was a cool time back then, and a lot of unexpected things happened, like playing in the USA for the first time. Of course my sound has evolved since then, now I think I have more of my own signature style. I guess it reflects what happens in life, you are always finding yourself and your identity, and it’s a process that never really ends.

Having played at several festivals this summer, including Loveweek in Croatia and Summer Visions in Germany, which has been your favourite?
The summer season is always an exciting time, each festival has it´s own unique feeling and atmosphere, but all together they form something remarkable. It’s really special for me to be able to showcase my music and perform in front of so many receptive people.

In addition to festivals you also play in clubs around the world. Do you change your set to suit the venue and how so?
I’m constantly searching for and finding new music which means I have so many new tracks each week in my repertoire that I think I can say my sets all vary from one another. I know some people like to play very similar sets wherever they play but that doesn’t really work for me. So when I prepare a set I’ll start from scratch every time. Of course it depends on the night, where I am playing and what kind of music the crowd are expecting. Whilst I’m playing I bounce off the audience’s reactions, so it’s much more of an interactive process. I think that’s what makes it so special.

Not only do you perform at venues around the world, you also present your own radio show that airs every Wednesday. What do you enjoy about it? Do you prefer playing to a live audience?
Both things are special to me. Whilst in the radio studio I am more focused on presenting the music, whereas DJing at venues I am responding directly to the audience’s reactions. So both mediums are different but I hope I am entertaining the listeners and audiences either way!

What has been your most memorable moment of 2015?
I think this year’s Time Warp was pretty memorable, the whole production proved that Time Warp is one of the world’s greatest raves. Plus it´s pretty close to where I live! I also celebrated my ten-year anniversary of playing at Nature One, which was really special to me. Not to forget Croatia, before I played at the festival I got to play on a boat, that was awesome. The list goes on! It has been a really great year so far.

Do you have any essential tracks for your set?
It´s hard to pinpoint certain tracks. I have some that I play more than others in my sets for sure, but it varies. I also surprise myself sometimes when I play new tracks! If the feedback I get from playing a track is good I always keep that in my mind.

You’re playing several upcoming events across Europe from November. Do you ever get nervous playing to large crowds despite your experience?
At the beginning of November the club season and indoor festivals start, and I can’t wait. Right up until the first beat of my set I am pretty nervous and I always hope that the stuff I play will please the audience. So far it has worked out well. I guess that´s something that has to be part of being an artist; it helps you to always rethink over your set to make sure you get it right.

When playing around the world do you get a chance to see much of the places you visit?
Seldom, it´s a shame. Most of the time I arrive with only a few hours to spare before my set and have to leave early the next day to get to the next show. And since I have a little family waiting at home I’m always eager to get back to see them.

Aside from music, what do you enjoying in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family and doing normal things!

What are your plans for the future? Do you have any exciting projects lined up?
Well, my main focus is the music. I spend a lot of time at the studio. Who knows, maybe we will get to see each other down under. I’ve heard really great things about your country.

By Amelia Edgell-Cole