Christian Löffler
Interview
Can you tell us about your musical background – who or what sparked your interest in electronic music?
I was getting really interested in music generally at the age of 10. My best friend was taking guitar lessons and we were listening to albums from Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, for example. But finding out about creating songs just with a computer around the age of 14 brought me to electronic music. I'm not a great team worker so having all in my hands and being able to work out my ideas really quickly on my own made it so appealing to me.
You once said you try to combine melancholia with euphoria – isn't that contradictory?
I recognized that state of mind once I was playing live. I played a couple of songs with a sad meaning but eventually me and the crowd reached a certain point of inner bliss. It was hypnotising: everybody was carried by the pulse of the bass drum. It's more an inner euphoria.
What was your goal for Mare, musically?
There was no concept for Mare. I kept producing music while I was touring in 2015 and 16, and at first there was no intention to make another album. But at some point I had a collection of tracks and songs among many more sketches that were telling a story together.
Can you telll us about your decision to found Ki Records?
The very simple intention was to have a platform to release my music and from friends. Also to have everything in my hands: from the artwork to promotion.
What drives you most as a label owner?
I like to discover new innovative producers that are highly creative and are pure in their approach towards music. I think that is the main drive behind running a label and what keeps me excited and what is still refreshing after some years.
What would you say is the key for success in the music industry?
I'm not sure if there really is a key, or if the aim should be to achieve success. The question is what it means to be successful. In the first place there was a need for an outlet for feelings and inspiration, so I just started making music. And, of course, also for fun. I think the goal is to feel free in creating whatever you feel and whatever you have the most fun with; then it will be ultimately satifisying. And if you can also reach people that enjoy the music just like you, it's maybe even better. But an interesting point is that music is something very personal for me; it's something I do for me. But at some point I have the need to show it to others.
What do you look when you listen to new music?
Something interesting, honest and with a different approach, from nice people.
How would you describe the German electronic music scene at the moment?
It's great. Very diverse and there is a lot of music I really love coming from Germany currently. I'm not sure if they are on the rise internationally but, in general, Germany has always had highly acclaimed artists in electronic music.
You’re heavily involved in creating your own artwork and music videos – why is that important to you?
Because music is just one possibility to express yourself so it's only logical to combine it with other disciplines. I always have pictures or scenes in mind when creating music so I want to make that visible for me and others as well.
Finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2016?
All eyes are on the release of Mare at the moment. We have videos coming up, art prints of photos I took while making the record available in our shop, and of course I'll be touring the new material.
October 2016