Five Things with Roman Flügel

1. Growing Up

I grew up in a music-loving family. But my biggest influence back then was my uncle, who was a talented part-time musician who owned a house with a huge collection of instruments, even synthesizers. That’s where I spent most of my summer holidays messing around with these mesmerising toys.

2. Inspirations

My musical inspiration comes from a large variety. I learned to play classical piano for quite a while. That’s where my love for the music of J.S. Bach comes from. Then I played drums in jazz bands and got into Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Techno and acid house was another step. I remember being blown away by the energy of early Detroit records, for example Rhythim Is Rhythim and the Underground Resistance crew.

3. Your Crew

I was part of the labels Playhouse, Klang Elektronik and Ongaku for more than 15 years. The four of us had a great time building a fantastic company but became dysfunctional at the very end before we decided to go separate ways. For my last two albums I’ve worked with DIAL, a label based in Hamburg. It’s cool to work with people who take care of what they’re doing.

4. The Music You Make And Play

I’ve just released a new Do 12” for the UK based label Hypercolour. It’s a collection of six tracks and not supposed to be seen as an album. My way of creating and releasing music is pretty open and definitely not conceptual. I like to keep things playful when working in the studio. That’s pretty much the same when I’m playing as a DJ.

5. Music, Right Here, Right Now

In general there’s probably more music out there then ever before. It’s quite challenging sometimes to find out about the good stuff but that’s the most fun part also. My hometown Frankfurt offers some great new talent when it comes to electronic music. Check out the labels Live At Robert Johnson or Die Orakel to learn more about it.

Talking about inspiring bands, I have to name A Place To Bury Strangers. I saw them recently playing live when I was in New York and distortion has never sounded more intense.