Michael Mayer Interview: Think Gregorian monks with a German accent

Kompakt Records turned twenty this year, and arguably the most recognisable of the label’s figureheads, Michael Mayer, has had an equally illustrious two decades. The German DJ is one of those rare selectors that knows the power of imbuing electronic music with emotion and quirkiness, with his DJ sets coloured with the same offbeat approach that has characterised the label since 1993.

His productions and Dj sets have certainly marked him out as special compared to many of his techno peers, as his Mantasy tour late last year proved. The album from which the tour took the name is out shortly, and Mayer returns to one of those dates next month, Freeze in Liverpool.

Ahead of him playing that and also the Electric Elephant in Croatia, we decided to press him on his thoughts on the label’s longevity, the dangers of Liverpool DJ booths and unwanted legislation in his native Germany. 

You’re returning to Liverpool to play for Freeze again, for their other promotion Little Sister. How did you enjoy the gig last time and what can the people expect form your set this time round?

I'm very looking forward to coming back. I've got nothing but great memories from last time. Great venue, fun crowd... and then there was this hardly secured hole on stage, like 10 meters deep... that added some extra adrenalin kicks to the party, hehe.

I've heard that this time I'll play for an event which follows on from a Freeze one in a bombed out church? That sounds pretty thrilling, too. I can't tell you much about my set at this point... it's all about improvisation. I might add a sacral touch to my sound. Think: Gregorian monks with a German accent.  

We’ve noticed you’re in the midst of a tour of North America, with one show at monolithic festival Electric Daisy Carnival. What’s your view on how the scene is progressing out there, and how do the larger scale events like EDC compare to their European equivalents like Sonar?

Well, to be completely honest, EDC was quite a bizarre experience! Firstly, it's not fun to rave outdoors at 7°C. And I don't think that my stage (the "underground" stage with Cassy, Tale Of Us etc) was really needed there. EDC is glowstick heaven for a more commercially inclined crowd. Lacking a microphone, we've had difficulties to get our message across because we couldn't yell at people like the guys on the other stages. The few lost souls in front of us simply didn't know when to CLAP or how to THROW THEIR MOTHERF***ING HANDS IN THE AIR. The rest of the tour was great, though. America is definitely catching up...

The record label you have been an intrinsic part of Kompakt turned twenty this year; congratulations! Was this a milestone you ever expected to achieve?

No, certainly not. I mean, we were always quite confident that we were adding something interesting to the techno circus. But it'd be stupid to think that there's a guarantee for longevity in this business. We've been working hard and always put all our blood, sweat and tears into everything we do. We're very grateful for what we have achieved but we're still eager beavers here... The best is yet to come!

What have been your three favourite releases on the label? And has there been a record you have regretted not signing?

This is like asking a mother of ten which children are her favourites - I really can't answer to that question. I love them all equally! And no, no regrets... there's so much exciting music out there. But we can't release it all.

How tough is it to maintain a record label in this day and age?

To say it in one sentence: the amount of work you have to put behind every release has increased a lot, but the profits are constantly decreasing. Running a label is tough but it's still the best thing in the world.

Video credit: Paul Hutchinson

We’ve also spotted you’re playing at the Electric Elephant in July. Have you been a part of one of these Adriatic shore festivals previously, and how do they compare to more traditional dance music heartlands such as the UK, Ibiza and your native Germany?

I've played Electric Elephant in 2012 and I've enjoyed every second of it. It's the boutique character that makes Tisno Gardens so unique. Everything that sucks about bigger festivals is absent. I can't wait to come back! There are very few festivals that have a similar intimate vibe going while still offering such a high profile line-up. Nachtdigital at Olganitz or Source in Utrecht, and Calvi on the rocks in Corsica come to my mind. 

Where else are you touring over the next few weeks?

Next up is Sonar in Barcelona and c/o Pop in my hometown Cologne. Then Calvi on the rocks, Electric Elephant, Stockholm, Melt! 10 Days Off and so on... looks like I'm in for a fun summer!

The GEMA issue is a controversial subject in Germany to say the least. Being someone who is linked to both the Djing side and also the label angle that the legislation is supposedly there to protect, could you expand a little on what you feel on the topic?

It's like we're living in Absurdistan... I still can't take GEMA's new tariffs seriously. And I actually don't think that they'll be able to enforce them. If you want to know more about it please check on the internet. There are plenty of well-informed forums and articles. Personally, I feel a bit tired of discussing this topic.

And finally what else lies in the future for you?

For the next months, our 20th anniversary events and the summer festival season are going to keep me occupied. I'd love to go back to the studio soon. I hope I can find some time...