Oliver Huntemann is a legitimate electronic music guru. Based in Hamburg, the techno DJ and producer has been a mainstay of the German electronic underground since the late ’80s. Huntemann first established himself in DJing and remixing, and since the mid-’90s he’s also run a variety of record labels and accumulated a stack of reputed original productions and live albums.
“Working on several things doesn’t mean I’m not focused,” he says. “It’s all about music and I can bring it all together in the way I like. When I’m in the studio I’m focused on productions, in the office I’m focused on the business part and when I play a DJ set I’m as concentrated, extremely. I like it how it is. Doing just one thing would be too boring to me.”
Keeping one’s head afloat in the music industry is a trying task, even for the most accomplished figures. Huntemann remains a loyal member of the underground community and, accordingly, his associated responsibilities stem from commitment to his craft rather than a quest for glory.
“When you start your career you normally first only focus on gaining your DJ and production skills,” he says. “Thinking of running a label or agency is maybe just an idea in this stage, but after more than 25 years in the business I feel the need to build my own environment and make my ideas come true.”
Right now, Huntemann is putting the finishing touches on a couple of projects due for release later in the year. The fourth single in the Elements series (a collaboration with Dubfire), ‘Agua’, will come out in August, and there’s also a new live record, PLAY! 05 – Live In Vienna ready to go. Huntemann has deposited a constant stream of 12-inch singles, collaborations and remixes for over two decades now, but he doesn’t find the workload daunting.
“[I] never punish myself into the studio. Usually it flows, and if I have kind of a writer’s block I take a rest and start over with a clear mind. The point is, I’m never absolutely satisfied with my work, which is the motor to continue on my search for the perfect beat.”
While Huntemann has lived through innumerable passing trends and movements, he admits that recent improvements in home recording technology and easily utilised online release platforms have made it somewhat harder to uncover quality electronic musicians.
“Back in the days we had A&Rs who filtered music and thought twice about what they put on vinyl or CD and where they invested their time and money. This is missing nowadays since everybody is able to start his own label if the demos can’t be sold to an established one. Also, labels are swamped with demos since a lot of young producers simply send their demos to all label contacts they find, without thinking about if the sound fits or not.”
But never mind: “If you are a good act with identity, passion and patience and not simply doing it for the fame or because you think it’s kind of hot to be a DJ, you’ll find your way. It’s like always – the medal’s got two sides.”
Identity, passion and patience are at the root of Huntemann’s own multi-decade relevance. And these traits assure that 21st century over-saturation hasn’t caused him serious injury.
“I [have been] part of the underground electronic music scene from the very beginning,” he says. “Maybe my experience, all these ups and downs over the years, made me different and confident.
“I always try to evolve and I’m open for changes,” he adds. “Times are changing; if one door closes another one opens.”
Catch Oliver Huntemann at The ArtHouse onSaturday July 19, tickets online.
