Interview: Ben Klock

Created by the team behind Leeds nightspots' Mint Club and Mint Warehouse, the new Mint Festival will see the likes of Wolf & Lamb, Soul Clap, Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones, Surgeon, Sandwell District, Joker and more all play the picturesque grounds of the Lotherton Hall, Leeds. 

Also playing with be Berghain techno master Ben Klock. As well as extended 18 hour DJ sets, compilations for Ostgut Ton and fabric, Klock's own production have helped define the Berghain sound – a grey scale concrete techno funk that gets people dancing for hours. Here we catch up with him ahead of Mint Festival and the release of his fabric CD…

How has your musical taste evolved in the last year or so?

The evolution is more gradual over many years. It's about integrating new and old music that grabs my attention. And I am always surprised that it's somehow endless. There is always new music that is interesting, even though you have to look hard for it sometimes and you can always still find old tracks. Just when you think that you've heard everything there's always more.

It's been a while since we heard any new productions from you, why is that?

That's the price you pay for traveling full-time. it's really hard to find the time to focus on production, but it's important to make the time whenever you can. I also just finished the last Fabric Mix CD #66 and I'm doing a lot of remixes right now.

Have you any plans for another full-length album?

Yes, planned for next year, but also depends on my tour schedule.

What do you make of the so-called ‘Berghain sound’? Are you glad it has become known over the world or…  is it more of a curse?

I think the term is limiting. The Berghain sound is something to be experienced, and encompasses much more than how it's often described - that is, heavy bass drums, a dark atmosphere and drone sounds.

How long do you spend looking for new music for your marathon sets at the club?

I'm always looking for new music, so it's just an ongoing process.

Can those sets be planned in any way or is it more about going with the moment?

For me, it's always about going with the moment.

You’ve been seen around with Nina (Kraviz) a lot – how does dating and DJing work – do you find time together?

If we've been seen a lot then I guess we do find the time, but it doesn't feel like a lot. It's a challenge to find cross over when we're always on the run.

What should people expect from you at Mint festival?

I'm not sure what to expect from myself even, but that's half the fun.

Catch Ben Klock at Mint Festival, Lotherton Hall, Leeds, 29th September. Tickets are available below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event