On a recent break from a hectic touring schedule, Hamburg-based techno DJ Oliver Huntemann took a few minutes to reflect on his early career and the industry shift from analog to digital. “Being a passionate DJ means never stop searching for the new pearls which make your set special and keep you up to date, regardless of whether you are playing with vinyl, CD, computer or the next technology from outer space,” he said. “The music is the key.”
A legend in the world of underground techno, Huntemann has made a name for himself both as a discerning producer, and also as the visionary behind Senso Sounds, a label that cultivates an exciting array of DJ talent. His latest recording, “Elements Remixed,” was released on July 1, and his upcoming performance schedule includes top clubs the world over.
Huntemann’s music is surgically precise, deeply methodical, and never loses an infectious groove. Though his sounds are frequently otherworldly and futuristic, he is strongly rooted in the analog world of vinyl recordings. When the vast majority of the public quickly stored or sold their vinyl in the mid-’80s, audiophiles and DJs took advantage of the wealth and breadth of records, building curated collections of rare pressings. Huntemann, himself has quite the vinyl collection, but has recently transferred his record collection to digital. We asked him to share his expertise on the art of spinning, and how beginners can improve their vinyl collections.
Q: What influenced you to become a DJ?
A: Before I became a DJ, I used to be a B-Boy, taking part in breakdance shows and competitions around my hometown. After watching the movie Wild Style, I immediately got infected with the DJ virus.
Q: When you started, what type of setup were you using?
A: I started with two belt-driven turntables from Dual and a no-name mixer without any equalizer.
Q: How did you start buying vinyl?
A: After school I worked for a record store by walking through the city as an embarrassing human advertising column. I took the money I got and bought the hottest import records first.
Q: What do you remember about searching for records?
A: I miss, a little bit, our weekly Friday noon DJ meetings in the local record store, trying to get the hottest stuff first and being jealous when someone else snaked a special record first. There have been hours of listening sessions and discussions with other DJs while smoking one cigarette after the other. Okay, that might have been the most disgusting part. Luckily I was able to give up smoking without giving up buying music.
