Tim Engelhardt Interview

There is a rumble in Cologne’s Westerwald region… and his name is Tim Engelhardt. At only 17 years of age the producer can lay claim to a very impressive discography which includes releases on labels like Poker Flat, Manual and Sincopat. There is a clearly something in the air around that region as it is also the hometown districts of producers Dominik Eulberg and Gabriel Ananda. Not only that, but Cologne is also where master production whizz Robert Babciz resides, and as it turns out he is also responsible for taking the young gun under his studio wing. On the eve of his debut Australian tour we caught up with Engelhardt just to see why he is being called ‘Cologne’s best kept secret’…

1. Hi Tim,we are so excited to have you play in Australia for the first time in December, what are you most looking forward to about playing here?
I’m just as excited, really. From what I’ve heard Australia has very up-for-it crowds and people have a special understanding of music. I will prepare a very special improvised setup and can’t wait to take the people on a real journey.

2. You were born in the beautiful mountainous region of Westerwald, if we were to travel there, what are your top recommendations for things for us to do and see?
It’s not really a tourist region but I definitely recommend to go and see places like Westerwälder Seenplatte, which is an array of reservoirs that have a great view and history. Also I think one of the best things you can do here is have a walk in the forest and just see where it takes you.

3. You have a background as a pianist, how does this influence the music you create now?
I think in general my music has a very unique melodic structure which is the result of that education, but I guess for me the most important thing is that it helps me so much to write music very quickly and intuitively. When I have a melody in my head, I know which keys to press.

4. Germany is a hub of incredible house and techno producers, how do you make yourself standout?
As you said, we have an amazing list of producers here, but I’m not particularly trying to stand out. I’m just following my taste and style and I guess that’s simply what makes my music special.

5. You started producing at a very young age; do you think your age has affected how producers and promoters in the industry perceive you?
I never thought about that, to be honest, but yes – in general I think a lot of people give me bits of their knowledge that help me grow and develop, which I am very grateful for. I also have the feeling that people allow me to do what I like musically, because it’s also interesting for them to see where I go.

6. You turned 18 this year and are now legally allowed to go clubbing, has being able to immerse yourself in the electronic music scene within clubs affected your musical style?
I definitely pay more attention to the club compatibility of my music, but it has not turned my music upside down really. For me it’s more like another important perspective of seeing music. I want my music to make you feel something on a club PA, but also at home, in the train or wherever you prefer to listen to it.

7. You’re set to expand your touring schedule and travel the world soon, which countries or cities are on your bucket list to play that you haven’t yet played in?
Definitely Paris and New York. I heard very good things about Argentina and Japan too. I would love to experience it all myself, but I think it will all happen by time.

8. You’ve just released your third EP ‘Your Words Keep Me Safe’, what did you learn from the previous two EP’s that helped you produce this one?
Well, a lot of technical stuff 🙂 My most important lesson was probably to trust myself on this one. I had a big selection of music that I made over the year and I was struggling to decide which ones deserve to be released. Actually, the title track of the EP was made in 3 hours and I didn’t think it was good. After ending up playing it at all my gigs and getting goosebumps everytime, I knew it deserved a proper release.

9. We’re almost at the end of the year, what are your goals for 2017?
First up is my album for which we are also preparing a tour, so I’m obviously excited for this one and want to deliver great shows. Then it’s my goal to create some new music for the labels I work with. This is it, other than that I want to be surprised what 2017 brings for me.

10. And finally, what 5 tracks are inspiring you at the moment?

Tour Dates

Friday 16th December: New Guernica, Melbourne
Saturday 17th December: Sly Fox, Sydney