Diffrent Interview: "It’s always about the groove and rhythm"

UKG and Garage is a genre that's on a path to global domination. No longer is it a genre whose progression is confined to the shores of the British Isles, some of the new school of UKG's most exciting producers are from further ashore, and few producers are a better example of this than Germany's Diffrent. 

Marvin AKA Diffrent, is a German UKG prodigy. Last year he stormed the scene with his debut single 'Live And Direct', immediately landing into the crates of some of the most influential names on the circuit, such as Interplanetary Criminal, Malugi, Marlon Hoffstadt, Chloé Caillet, and more, making waves with his unique and energetic take on the legendary UK sound, infused with his modern groovy twist.

Now, with his latest release A Little Closer Diffrent is again seeing huge support, with names like Oppidan, Y U QT, Malugi, Interplanetary Criminal, and Sammy Virji, with the track being one of the most played-out tracks at Glastonbury. With all this happening and the only pathway upward, we thought it was time to catch up with Diffrent. Check out what he had to say below!

Hi Diffrent, how are things going with you today, and what have you been up to recently?

"Yoo! Doing wonderful at the moment! In the last couple of weeks, I've been trying to get used to the tour life haha! Also, I got some new bits done which will be released very soon!"

For those who don’t know, you’re a Garage DJ and producer out of Germany, how did the love of music, and particularly garage genre come about for you?

"Well, I have always tried out new genres and vibes when it comes to music, but for me, it’s always about the groove and rhythm.

"And with Garage, the combination of rhythm and these funky warps and reeses just did it for me! And also the experience with people from the scene I had was always very pleasant."

You have recently released your EP, A Little Closer, which features the title track, and 'Back To The Sound', what can you tell us about each of these tracks and their reception?

"When I produced 'A Little Closer', the day before that I had my first success by sending my first Garage Tune "Live And Direct" to Interplanetary Criminal and he immediately came back to me saying that he loves my music and wants to play it at his Boiler Room.

"With that, a dream came true! 

"'Back to the Sound' I produced a few months later and my goal with this was to get the best combination of hard groove and garage to bring a bit of bounce in it."

What is your process when finding sounds and producing tracks?

"To be honest when I'm looking for samples to work with I never look for anything genre-specific.

"When I start a track I always treat it like a drawing. You start with a rough sketch and develop it while producing. That's also a very important piece of advice I can give everyone who’s starting out producing music. Never get stuck on the details while you’re working out what you have in mind."

Image: Johannes Berlinhof

What is the Garage and Bass scene like in Germany? I think a lot of people just lazily associate the country with Techno.

"I mean it is true that Germany (especially Berlin) is very popular for its Techno scene.

"But especially in the southwest of Germany, there was a massive DnB and Garage scene in the 90s and early 2000s. And right now it seems like it’s about to come back.

"In Berlin obviously, the Techno scene dominates. But at the moment, more and more people are getting into it and we already have some legendary UKG Events in Berlin like Garage Girls Berlin and Track:ID Berlin."

You had some huge support early doors from fellow countrymen Marlon Hoffstadt and Malugi, what has their support been like for you as you continue to smash through the scene?

"The support from Marlon and Malugi has opened every door possible when it comes to playing events and releases!

"I could never thank them enough for what they’ve done for me!"

Image: Shauna Summers

We also recently interviewed Silva Bumpa, who was singing your praises when we asked him who his favourite garage producers are. So I ask you the same question, which garage producers around the world are you loving, and are there any you think don't get the praise they deserve?

"First of all, I can only give back to Silva Bumpa what he said about me. Massive Basslines and pure Underground Vibes! 

"At the moment I have to say definitely SHUFFA! He is one of the most underrated producers. This mixture of all sorts of genres and then producing club banger after club banger is absolutely brilliant!

"Also, Bushbaby is a massive one! There is no set I'm not playing at least one of his tracks!"

Garage and UKG really seems to be having a moment across the world right now, why do you think that is?

"I think this one is really easy to answer. Garage is the best genre in the world!"

Image: Johannes Berlinhof

What's on the horizon for Diffrent? I see you’ve got a bunch of shows coming up, and some big ones in the UK, most notably the In:Motion Opening Day at the legendary Motion in Bristol. What in your calendar are you really looking forward to?

"Definitely the UK and Netherlands Shows!

"Had the best time in these two places so far!! And yeah Motion Bristol is a huge one and I'm well excited about this one!

"But also Onder De Radar Festival in Enschede, NL is gonna be a massive one!"

Finally, we do a feature at Skiddle called three tracks, which we always ask DJs we interview, so imagine your next set is reduced to just three tracks, what are you playing and why?

"First it’s definitely gonna be the Oppidan Flip of my Track "A Little Closer" It's a track I can’t go without!

"Secondly it’s SHUFFA's 'Bla Bla Bla' Dub! Always a bop and people love it too!

"At last I would pick Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen - Rippin Bongz! A masterpiece with the perfect vibe with organs!"

Want to catch Diffrent live? Check out all the dates on sale on Skiddle - HERE

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Shauna Summers