Berlin/Barcelona based OFF Recordings is run by Andre Crom, focusing its sound to different shades of techno.
In the past 2 years, the label has featured the likes of Charlotte de Witte, Cari Lekebusch, Luca Agnelli, TWR72 and a selection of other well-known and emerging artists. The previous OFF Recordings release from DEAS picked up feedback and support from the likes of Slam, Pan-Pot, Adam Beyer, Cristian Varela and Amelie Lens.
This new release is from German born Arnd Reichow aka Drumcomplex, who recently contributed a remix to Man With No Shadow’s EP for OFF Recordings and is now back with his Complex EP.
Drumcomplex makes a welcome return with his debut solo release of original music, where his back catalogue also includes contributions to Carl Cox’s Intec, Traum, Bush, and his own Complexed Records.
We had a chat with the prolific producer to discuss the release, and more.
Hi Arnd, It’s great to meet you, how are things?
Hello guys I am fine thanks. The year was quite busy till now, really active in the studio and touring a lot. I am really happy and thankful with everything.
For years now I’ve been a fan of your Drumcomplex tracks, and always wanted to ask what inspired the name of your alias?
It was in 2003 were we signed our first release on Toneman Records from Alex Bau and we had no project name for it. My brother is a drummer and started playing with the word Drum / Drumming trying to find the right symbioses. We thought about adding complex cause this word stands also for our wide range of elements which we used in our productions, thus our alias was born – DRUMCOMPLEX
One of the things that’s always impressed me is how consistent your tracks are, have you always made techno, or did you also experiment with other genres?
We always created techno, which is our biggest love. I think every producer tries to experiment with other kinds of music but we never felt comfortable with other styles.
Can you talk me through your studio set up, and any bits of gear that you use regularly?
In recent years we produced all in the box using a MacBook, Ableton and a huge amount of different VST’s. All the music we make is written and arranged in Ableton. Later on, we render all parts separately and work in Cubase on the mixdown. At the moment we have started buying some new hardware synths to change the workflow a little bit.
Your most recent release was an EP on Andre Crom’s label OFF Recordings, was that your first release on the label?
I first completed a remix for my friend Man With No Shadow. OFF is a very strong label and after finishing the 3 tracks from my new EP I dropped it to the guys. I’m really happy being part of the label for sure.
How did you and Andre first make contact and are there any plans for a follow up EP?
I’ve been in contact with Andre Crom for many months, and we are talking right now about a follow up EP. I just sent Andre one new tune which he really liked, so I think the second EP of mine will come this year on OFF Recordings.
When playing in a club, do you usually preform live with synthesisers and drum machines, or do you prefer to DJ when booked for gigs?
I prefer playing as a DJ which I am doing now for 25 years. I was never interested playing a live set really.
Recently it was World Women’s Day, and it’s great to see that electronic music is as multicultural as ever, with lots of new music from all genders and cultural backgrounds. Which female artists do you find most inspirational when it comes to techno?
I never understood that people classified music in genders or cultural backgrounds. The most important thing is the music. I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of highly talented ladies like Klaudia Gawlas, Misstress Barbara, and DJ Yeni. We are all one.
What’s next after your release on OFF Recordings, do you have much scheduled for the coming months?
Recently I did a couple of remixes that are on Viva Music, BluFin and more. At the end of May there will be the 50th release on my label Complexed Records, which will come from me with three tracks and called Cosmos EP. Of course, there is also the follow up on OFF Recordings to come as well.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today, is there anything else you want to add before we finish off the interview?
Thanks for having me guys. I am looking forward to the spring / summer festival time and my Awakenings Festival premiere. Hopefully see you on my gigs around the globe!
