For years, UMEK has proved himself a force to be reckoned with. It’s difficult to truly describe this Slovenian DJ and producers deep-rooted history and immense impact on the world of techno and tech house. Once upon a time, he created music with scarce production resources and knowledge in a hometown that barely knew the meaning or sound of dance music, while striving to expose his country to the scene by organizing its first ever illegal raves. Today, he is one of Europe’s most sought-after, award-winning artists in the industry and a role model for so many rising talents. UMEK continues to impress us with his unprecedented efforts to evolve the sound of modern day techno and his undertaking of unique ventures, like curating a 2-hour long playlist for German airlines Lufthansa. His record label 1605 is booming, he’s recently released two new massive singles, “Shadow Tactics” and “Squadmates,” and is set to play a number of not-to-be-missed festivals and shows over the next few months. In the midst of his tour schedule, we were lucky enough to talk with UMEK to hear about upcoming music, his experience working with Lufthansa, and snag some insight on the must-visit travel destination for all techno lovers this summer. Here’s what UMEK had to say:
You recently released two massive singles, “Shadow Tactics” and “Squadmates.” Can you tell us a little bit about these tracks and your inspiration behind them?
UMEK: The idea behind “Shadow Tactics” was to do a modern techno track with the feel and energy of ‘the evil 90s drum & bass’, which I’ve managed to do with a synth and a drum pattern that keeps coming back every couple of years in the brakes. Usually I sit down in the studio, start fiddling around and something comes out. In this case, I got a pretty clear idea what I wanted to do and I’m actually pretty satisfied with the result. “Squadmates” on the other hand is a typical result of before mentioned fiddling in the studio and that’s how 90 percent of my music is done.
Do you have any upcoming tracks set to be released?
UMEK: I’m working on and releasing fresh music all the time. I’ve just signed two EPs for two major techno labels I can’t reveal yet, but it will all be clear in couple of weeks. My track “Sneaking Unnoticed,” with additional remixes of Steve Mulder, Durtysoxxx and hot French producer Jusai I really like right now, just came out on my 1605 label and I’m putting final touches on Zeta Reticula EP vol. 7 for Billy Nasty’s label Electrix.
You’re working with German airlines Lufthansa to create an exclusive 2-hour playlist for their long-haul flights, possibly one of the coolest things we’ve ever heard. What was it like curating this playlist?
UMEK: I remember how I always wanted to do a proper techno soundtrack for travelling by plane every time I watched TV-shows with Sven Vaeth on the Lufthansa flights back in the days. So I was really happy and actually felt honored at the same time when my manager Vasja called and told me we’ve got a green light and that I should start working on this project. At the same time it was a great kick in the butt to comb the archives of my 1605 label and put together a mix of greatest hits and tracks that I really like from our back catalogue – which I intended to do anyway but never really found or made time to do it.
Have you gone on one of the flights to experience it for yourself yet?
UMEK: Actually not yet – I came back from the last Asia – Australia – USA tour just before they’ve introduced my mix on their overseas flights. But as I’m touring all the time and I’m flying with Lufthansa whenever possible, I’ll hear it as soon as I move my ass out of Europe where I’m touring currently. I’m wondering how the stewardesses will react when I tell them I’m the guy sound-tracking their flights.
Will you be flying Lufthansa to your Tomorrowland set this July?
UMEK: Sure, I’m traveling with Lufthansa most of the time, whenever possible, but sadly this will be only two hours flight and they don’t provide that kind of entertainment as the long-haul ones do, so I’ll have to warm up for the gig with the selection on my laptop or smartphone.
Speaking of Tomorrowland, what festivals and shows can your fans catch you at this summer?
UMEK: To be honest, I don’t know exactly, but I always do bunch of big festivals and handful of Ibiza gigs over the summer, and also lots of smaller, more intimate gigs in darker clubs in between. I know I’m booked for some major festivals in Finland, Spain, Austria, Czech Republic and Poland, but please go to my Facebook and website to check out the exact dates in my touring schedule. As I recently leaned back to the darker side of electronica, I’m again doing a lot of gigs at techno-oriented clubs and festivals I haven’t played before or at least haven’t played for a long time, which is great for breaking the routine. But of course, I’m also still doing big festivals which is great as I can present my sound to the audiences that are not necessarily into my sound or even techno – and I always like those kinds of gigs.
Do you have any rituals you do before you play a set?
UMEK: If possible I like to do a quick nap before the gig. This way I clear my mind and I can be really sharp and focused at the gig. That’s not always possible due to traveling schedules, but whenever it is I always try to do a little disco nap.
Who are a few of your favorite rising artists in techno today?
UMEK: I like the latest releases from Frenchman Jusaï, Steve Mulder, DURTYSOXXX, Kostas Maskalides and Matt Sassari to mention just a few.
If you had to choose, what city is a must-visit this summer for all techno lovers? It can be anywhere in the world, for whatever reason.
UMEK: Come to my hometown Ljubljana for couple of days – for whatever reason. It’s a beautiful city that offers lots of nice experiences, culture, art and historic sightseeing. It’s surrounded by amazing natural beauties, and it’s heaven for foodies, wine and beer lovers for its affordable prices. The quality of living here is top class and I’m not just saying this because it’s my hometown.
Connect with UMEK:
https://www.facebook.com/umek.si
https://www.twitter.com/umek_1605
https://www.soundcloud.com/umek
https://www.instagram.com/uek_1605
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