Guido Schneider interview
We chat to Guido about what's happening in his world
Another hot talent from the Poker Flat stable, Guido Schnieder was Steve Bug's remixer of choice for his classic 'Loverboy' single, and both his solo productions and his collaborations - including with vocalist Florian Schirmacher as Glowing Glisses - have put his name on the map. He brought his very special live set of stripped back, dark yet uplifting techno to The End for the Superfreq Bank Holiday Special '07, so we grabbed him for a quick interview.
Endclub.com: Hey Guido, how's your summer going?
Guido Schneider: This summer I produced a lot music, which wouldn't have been possible usually as it's too hot in my studio. The bad weather helped!
We're very excited you'll be treating us to a live performance this bank holiday Sunday. What can we expect from a Guido Schneider live set?
I changed my live set completely. You can expect a lot of new stuff I produced the last half year. I was getting tired of my old set.
You're well known as both a DJ and a live performer - which do you prefer doing?
Of course I prefer spinning records. But my new live set will be fun and I'm looking forward to seeing the attention it gets.
How did you get into DJing and production - is it always something you've always wanted to do, or did you get sidetracked from another career path?
That's what I wanted from the beginning. I released my first records when I went to school. I can't remember exactly, but I think it was 1993 or 1994.
You've notched up quite a catalogue of remixes in your time, including Steve Bug and Plastikman. Who would you like to get your hands on next?
I did a lot of remixes for young newcomers. Also a new remix version of Plastikman's 'Panikattack' because the old remix I did was never released - too many people played it due to file sharing. So Richie Hawtin asked me for a new version which will be released in November. The next bigger remix is for Dapayk & Padberg on Mo's Ferry.
You described your artist album 'Focus On' - out last year - as a 'new album concept'. Can you explain what's different about it?
The difference is that I mixed some new unreleased tracks with some older big hits on one CD so it's one flow. I also used some remixes, and tracks I did for other labels. The new tracks I produced for Poker Flat were released on vinyl only.
Until 1999 you ran your own label 'Neue Welten', do you plan to set up another label or do you prefer to concentrate on production?
Producing music and travelling around the world for playing is a full time job. It leaves no more time for running a label.
You collaborated with vocalist Florian Schirmacher under the Glowing Glisses alias. Good to hear some vocals in stripped back techno, it forms a nice contrast. Are you looking to work with any more vocalists in the future?
Yes, Florian and I are working hard together again. We did a new Glowing Glisses maxi single with one vocal track - it will come out soon. But it's listening stuff...when I do club music I prefer productions without vocals, or only a bit. They must be very special like the vocals Florian did for Transmission - my last release on Poker Flat.
Berlin is considered by many to be at the epicenter of the underground dance music scene - certainly as far as techno is concerned. You've lived in Berlin for over ten years - how have you seen the city change in that time?
That's a nice question. I could write a whole essay - too much for this short interview! The only thing I can say is that I have seen Berlin growing up from the underground to the overground, from illegal to legal.
You're playing at The End for Mr C's Superfreq night. Mr C recently celebrated 20 years behind the decks - do you still intend to be DJing and producing in 20 years time? Or are you planning on retiring to the Seychelles / opening a restaurant / running a little organic cheese farm?
I will do what I'm doing as long as I can. Herbie Hancock is over 60 and still performing live!
And finally - what have you got coming up in the next few months - any new productions we should look out for?
I'm happy to announce a new release on Cadenza - there are two tracks, one I did with Andre Galluzzi and one with Florian Schirmacher. Also there's a new release on Tuning Spork. Three really nice tracks from hypnotical house to really tricky and groovy minimal.
Published: 1/08/2007
