Interview With Hannes Bieger
Dive into the world of Hannes Bieger, a visionary DJ & producer, as we explore his inspirations, Elektrons label, and impact on electronic music.
Few names resonate with the depth and influence of Hannes Bieger in the pulsating heart of the electronic music universe. As we delve into the sonic world of this prodigious DJ and producer, we uncover the layers of creativity, innovation, and passion that define his illustrious career. This narrative journey is not just about tracing Hannes Bieger‘s footsteps; it’s about exploring the essence of his musical identity, his visionary label Elektrons, and the profound connection he shares with his audience through the universal language of music.
The Genesis of Hannes Bieger: From Engineering to Electronic Excellence
Born into a world where rhythm meets technology, Hannes Bieger‘s voyage from an adept behind-the-scenes engineer to a venerated figure in the electronic music scene is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. With a career underpinned by a high work ethic and innate talent, Hannes Bieger‘s transition into a globally revered producer and live performer has been nothing short of meteoric.
His journey is marked by a distinctive ability to merge emotive compositions with the physicality of the dance floor, establishing him as a formidable force in the realm of electronic music. But Hannes Bieger‘s narrative is more than a tale of personal success; it’s about the birth of Elektrons, his very own label, and a platform that epitomizes his commitment to quality, creativity, and community in the fast-paced music industry.
Crafting Waves: The Journey of a Live Performer
Hannes Bieger‘s reputation as a live performer is built on his exceptional ability to engage with audiences, transforming each performance into a deeply emotional and rhythmically infectious experience. Armed with a collection of synths that form a mobile studio, Hannes Bieger‘s live shows are a dynamic blend of spontaneity, playfulness, and unparalleled energy that captivates listeners worldwide.
His performances at prestigious events and venues, including DC-10, Ultra, and Awakenings, are not merely gigs; they are immersive experiences that symbolize the essence of his sound — uniting people from diverse backgrounds through the power of music. This unique approach to live shows, coupled with his meticulous composition process, underscores Hannes Bieger‘s philosophy of no shortcuts in music, a principle that resonates with fans and critics alike.
Elektrons: a New Chapter in Musical Innovation
The launch of Elektrons marks a pivotal moment in Hannes Bieger’s career. More than just a record label, Elektrons crystallizes Hannes Bieger‘s vision for the future of electronic music — a sanctuary for melodic techno sounds to flourish, driven by an ideology centered on artistry, quality, and emotional depth. The label represents a bold step towards building a community that cherishes the essence of music over the transient allure of trends.
Elektrons’ debut with the emotive and hypnotic track “Black Hole” encapsulates the label’s ethos, garnering widespread acclaim and setting the stage for a future where music is made for love, not money. This vision of cultivating a universe around Elektrons, where longevity and creativity intersect, heralds a new era of musical exploration and innovation.
You can read Elektrons’ press release here and Black Hole’s press release here.
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The Artistic Vision of Hannes Bieger
At the heart of Hannes Bieger‘s artistic journey lies a vision that transcends the conventional boundaries of electronic music. His approach to creating music is deeply rooted in a belief in the transformative power of sound. He blends emotional depth with intricate soundscapes to craft experiences that resonate on a universal level.
Embracing The Essence of Music
Hannes Bieger‘s music is a testament to his commitment to authenticity and innovation. His tracks are not merely compositions, but narratives told through melodies and rhythms, each piece a chapter in a larger story of human emotion and connection. This narrative-driven approach to music production highlights Hannes Bieger‘s skill in weaving together the tactile with the ethereal, grounding his work in the tangible experiences of life while reaching for the sublime.
a Dedication to Quality and Creativity
Quality over quantity
– a mantra that Hannes Bieger lives by. His discography, though meticulously curated, showcases a diversity of sounds and styles, from the energetic pulses of techno to the soulful harmonies of house music. This dedication to quality extends beyond his music to his live performances, where Hannes Bieger‘s prowess as a live act shines, offering audiences more than just a set but a journey through sound.
Also Read: Techno vs. House Music.
Cultivating Community Through Elektrons
With the launch of Elektrons, Hannes Bieger has created more than a label; he has founded a community. Elektrons is an embodiment of Hannes Bieger‘s artistic vision, serving as a platform for music that defies the industry’s ephemeral trends in favor of timeless soundscapes that evoke emotion and inspire connection. It’s a space where emerging artists can thrive under Hannes Bieger‘s mentorship, ensuring that his legacy contributes to the future of electronic music.
Nurturing The Next Generation
Hannes Bieger‘s vision extends beyond his immediate artistic output to the nurturing of future talents. Elektrons represents not just Hannes Bieger‘s present endeavors but also his investment in the future of electronic music. Through this label, he aims to pass on his knowledge and passion for music, fostering an environment where the next generation of artists can grow and innovate.
In every aspect of his work, Hannes Bieger‘s artistic vision is clear: to create music that moves, connects, and endures. Through his dedication to quality, creativity, and community, Hannes Bieger continues to shape the electronic music landscape, inviting us all to listen, feel, and be transformed by the power of sound.
a Glimpse Into The Creative Mind: The Interview
In an exclusive Q&A interview, Hannes Bieger shares insights into his inspirations, challenges, and the evolution of his artistic style. From the energizing aura of bustling cities to the serene beauty of nature, Hannes Bieger draws inspiration from a spectrum of experiences, integrating them into his creative process to produce music that transcends the ordinary.
Reflecting on the impact of recent global challenges, Hannes Bieger reveals how these experiences have fueled his determination to pursue quality and authenticity in his work. The creation of Elektrons, a label that embodies his artistic freedom and vision, stands as a testament to his resilience and innovative spirit.
1- What inspires you the most in your life, and how do you incorporate these sources of inspiration into your creative process?
Answer: “Generally, I believe in science, but as an artist, I believe I also have an antenna for a certain type of energy that can be felt more than it can be explained with scientific methods. I like big cities a lot, and I like the energy that somehow accumulates when so many people from different walks of life share the same space. Sometimes this can feel futuristic or even dystopian, but sometimes it can offer a very peculiar and almost ancient sense of shelter – especially when you walk through an old city, like Paris, for example, where you somehow not only feel the energy of current life in that place but also something sort of left behind by previous generations. It’s hard to explain, but lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about these things during my fairly extensive travels. But even more than these aspects of human civilization, I am inspired by nature itself! Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit French Polynesia and Mauritius, amongst many other incredible places. In French Polynesia, I did my first ever scuba dive with big sharks, tigers, and hammerheads. I snorkeled with a manta ray, and on the way back to the hotel, I saw a huge waterspout on the horizon, all in a matter of hours. It felt surreal, like a dream. This is really what fuels me; I don’t find anything as inspiring as the beauty and raw power of nature.”
2- What period or event in your artistic journey has had the most significant impact on you?
Answer: “I could think of several periods here, as my career has taken a few twists and turns already. But I think the last year has been a very important one for me. Our industry, and the whole planet for that matter, is going through tough times, and I feel that too. It’s never been easy for an artist to focus primarily on quality and not so much on mainstream appeal, but these days, it seems it’s becoming more difficult to focus on the music itself and not so much on the whole circus that sometimes comes with it. In essence, last year was a year of research, regrouping, and preparations. I’ve poured months of work not only into making so much new music that will see the light of the day soon, but also into creating Elektrons, my new label, which now will be the focal point for all my activities, and which provides me with independence and artistic freedom to fully pursue my own vision. As a consequence, on the eve of rolling this all out, I feel as empowered and invigorated as at any time in my career. Finally, I can present this project to the world and watch it unfold!”
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3- Which three words would you use to describe your life, and why?
Answer: “It’s hard to put this in a simple formula. In Keith Richards’ immortal words: “It’s great to be here – it’s great to be anywhere…!” I think we all should be more thankful for what we have than only ever focus on what we don’t. I feel privileged to be able to live the life that I’m living, and while it was sheer luck to be born into one of the wealthiest and safest places on the planet, I know that a lot of what I am doing is also the result of many, many years of dedication and hard work.”
4- Can you share some insights about the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame them?
Answer: “Where do I start… the biggest challenges probably are developing your own character and handwriting as an artist, maintaining consistency in what you’re doing, and not losing your mind over all of this. In part, my last answer also applies here. It’s important to strike a good balance between the goals you’re aiming for and what you already have achieved. Frustration can be good as a motor to drive change, but only so much of it. What has always helped me is the ability to let go, to play the long game, to embrace change and challenges, and to be open for some opportunities left and right of your path that you may not even have noticed in the first place, with too much focus on the short term goal straight ahead. Also, again: nature!”
5- How do you aim to interact and communicate with your audience or viewers throughout your life?
Answer: “I think generally I’m still quite accessible, also because I’m still doing studio work, like mixing and production, for my clients. I’m one of the artists in our field who hasn’t given up on the original idea of social media, as it allows me to be in touch with many people all over the world. I don’t have a team for this; I’m doing it myself. As an artist, I’m somewhat of a public figure, but I have a clear compass of what I want to communicate and what I don’t. I think when I stand for anything as an artist, it’s probably a dedication to the music itself, and the process of creating it. That comes always first, and I certainly don’t need to share a picture of every meal I am having. Those who follow me a bit closer also probably know that I am a very political person. I’m not an activist who feels the need to comment on everything every time, but I am not afraid of speaking up when I feel it’s important.”
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6- How has your artistic approach or style evolved over time?
Answer: “In terms of music, I’ve done a whole bunch of different things before I even started to work with straight bass drums in the late 1990s. I think more recently, I wasn’t so sure about the direction I should take. Maybe going a bit faster and harder, like so many of my fellow artists around me, or putting a stronger emphasis on the melodic side again. This was a bit of a struggle, but for now, I believe it’s settled, and the music I will release over the next months will be the answer… stay tuned for that!”
7- Which of your works holds a special meaning for you and why?
Answer: “There are many different pieces I could mention, but one that always comes up first is “Poem for the Planet”, which I released on Awesome Soundwave in 2020. It was a lifelong dream for me to collaborate with Ursula Rucker, and I am still so happy about the result. Her lyrics and her whole performance still carry such a sense of urgency and importance, and it’s not a surprise to me that this still resonates with the people out there. Also, the production itself is pretty wild; I always envisioned the arrangement as a jazz band of synthesizers jamming together. Lately, I have heard that several manufacturers of high-end audio equipment like to use this track for their presentations, although it’s not your typical hi-fi demonstration piece. But apparently, the music, the dynamics, and the overall quality of the production speak for themselves… Another recent example is “Black Hole”, which I just have announced, after so much anticipation. The snippets I posted last summer have literally reached millions of people, as they went absolutely viral, and I have received so many messages from people outright begging me to release them. It took a few months to put everything in place to launch my label, and here we are! I am absolutely humbled that only a few seconds of this track have struck so many hearts already; I have never experienced that before in this scope, and I am thrilled to finally be able to present the whole piece to the world!”
Answer: “In my view, taking my role as an artist seriously, I can’t just focus on my own private life, my own bank account, and so on with tunnel vision. Like I said, I am a very political person, I am reading a lot of stuff across the whole political spectrum, and I have been doing that for my whole life. As a result, I’m an independent thinker with a compass, and I’d arguably be one of the last people on earth to fall for any sort of conspiracy theory. I know enough to be sure about my thoughts and feelings, and this is also why I am not afraid to speak up and make myself heard. You don’t have to agree with me, but you can’t say either that anything I am standing for isn’t coming from a very, very profound knowledge of the world. Sometimes I am disappointed that not more people in our field expose themselves, as I find this such an important thing to do as an artist, especially when you’re touring the world, being connected to so many people in so many different places, and reaping the benefits from that life. It’s important to give back! For example, I have a lot of respect for DJ Hell. He’s an independent mind; he is not afraid to do the right thing and speak about it, as with his recent support for Ukraine. I don’t feel like bragging about these things, but if you dig a little deeper you’ll notice that I have raised a lot of support for various matters, Ukraine only being one of them.”
9- What does your creative process look like, and do you have any routines or rituals when working on a piece?
Answer: “There are probably as many different ways as there are knobs in my studio. One thing that’s really important to me is that I am always trying to work fast. All my best tracks have been created in a day, give or take. “Black Hole” is no exception here…”
10- What are some projects or goals you hope to achieve with your life in the future?
Answer: “Right now, the big thing for me is the launch of my new label, Elektrons, and the first releases I’m putting out on my new platform. Later this year, I will open it up to other artists as well, and soon, there will be time to think about another album, too.”
Beyond The Studio: Personal Passions and Philosophies
Hannes Bieger‘s life outside the studio is as rich and diverse as his music. A keen traveler with a deep appreciation for nature, Hannes Bieger finds solace and inspiration in the world’s natural wonders, from the majestic sharks of French Polynesia to the historic streets of Paris. His engagement with social media reflects a dedication to authenticity and direct communication, offering a window into his personal beliefs and the values that guide his artistic journey.
Hannes Bieger‘s approach to life is characterized by a profound respect for the creative process and a commitment to contributing positively to society. His thoughtful engagement on political and social issues underscores the role of the artist as a catalyst for change, embodying a sense of responsibility to leverage his platform for the greater good.
Future Harmonies: Aspirations and Projects on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Hannes Bieger‘s vision for Elektrons and his personal artistic trajectory are imbued with ambition and optimism. The label’s inception and the enthusiastic reception of “Black Hole” are just the beginning of an expansive journey that promises to bring forth a new wave of innovative and emotionally resonant electronic music.
Hannes Bieger‘s future projects, including the potential for another album and the expansion of Elektrons to include other like-minded artists, reflect his ongoing quest for musical evolution. His commitment to sharing his knowledge and fostering the next generation of electronic music talents is a testament to his belief in the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and transform.
In every chord, every beat, and every performance, Hannes Bieger‘s story is a narrative of passion, perseverance, and the unending pursuit of sonic perfection. Through the interview with this remarkable DJ and producer, we gain not just insight into the mind of a musical virtuoso but a deeper understanding of the artistry that shapes the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music.
What do you think? Do you have anything to ask Hannes Bieger, or have we missed anything? Let us know in the comment section below.
You can also follow his Instagram account.
Photo Credits: AK BERLIN PHOTO.
