It has to be said, Wolfgang Gartner is arguably the most talented electro producer around at the moment. Tracks such as “Sesso Bueno”, “5th Symphony” and “Yin” have pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible, and pushed him into a spotlight he only really has to share with Deadmau5. Here, Wolfgang Gartner takes time out to talk to us – whilst on a plane to the UK to play alongside Laidback Luke at the Indigo @ The O2, and Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh.
What is your most valuable piece of equipment, the one you couldn’t live without?
Dave Smith Poly Evolver (analog synth)
Do you think you will ever run out of ideas for music? Where do you turn to for inspiration?
No. It’s in my DNA. There will always be a flow of musical creativity, despite the regular creative blocks which always end. These days I look everywhere for inspiration. A lot of the inspiration I get is from outside the genre. Old music from the 60′s and 70′s, old dance from the 90′s, rap, whatever.
How did you get to create your iconic sound? It’s an extremely polished sound that must have taken months, or even years, to accomplish.
It’s basically just a result of my perfectionist and ocd tendencies which have been getting a bit more pronounced lately, resulting in my music getting a bit better I think! But yeah it has been a progression in my sound that’s really been more dramatic over the past year and I feel like it’s starting to get to a point now where I feel really solid about it and my sonic identity.
What would you say the aim of your music is?
To inspire people, advance the genre of dance music and music as a whole, push boundaries, and do things that were not musically possible 5, 3, 2, or even 1 year ago. I am trying to pretend I’m writing music to be released 5 years from now so it forces me to do something futuristic.
Almost every video of yours on Youtube we see, people are bitching about “Gartner vs Deadmau5″. I personally can’t really see why – but how does this make you feel? Or are you not fazed by it?
Ah yes, that whole thing. It’s kinda sad that people are always doing these comparisons with their favorite artists, like music is a competition or something. Unfortunately people have done this for decades, the whole “my favorite band is better than your favorite band” thing, it goes back to the Beatles and the Beach Boys and probably further. So it’s nothing new really. Anyway I love the mau5 and we’ve just done a track together so hopefully it will unify some of these partisan people and help end the “versus” thing.
“the mau5 and I have just done a track together..hopefully it will..end the ‘versus’ thing”
Lastly – Your UK gig for Laidback Luke has been moved to Indigo at the O2. Are you looking forward to playing alongside Luke? Are there any other acts on the line up you’re really excited about?
Yes, definitely looking forward to the night and playing alongside Luke, he’s a phenomenal DJ and producer and I think he has one of the best attitudes in the business. Also looking forward to playing with Bart B More who I’ve known for a bit but never seen play. And I can’t wait to get dressed up in costume!
Thank you Wolfgang Gartner for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us.
WG on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/djwolfganggartner
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wolfgang-Gartner/
Nicely done!
Decent interview and you’re right about him being one of the most talented producers. BUT, hands down, the most talented is Boys Noize – has been and will be for a while.
Wolfgang’s set at Indigo was the best set i have ever heard in my life. But that was the reason i attended. AMAZING MAN!!