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"I love those little mistakes as result of genuineness. In the end the most important thing is to save the initial vibe and energy that won’t come back again"
An interview with Perel.
Who is Perel?
I have no clue to be honest. But I heard she loves music.
How and when have you got interest of the music? And electronic music?
Since I can imagine music had been an integral part of my life. All kind of genres. In 2006 I had my first electronic punk band called “Thiz Iz A Dead Parrot”. Me as the singer and co-producer.. So this could be seen as an early state of what I’m doing now…
What came first- DJing or producing? What feels more comfortable for you?
I’d say composing and producing first, then got into djing.
Both feels very comfortable to me and I really need both.
How did you first break in to Djing?
I think during my time with “Thiz Iz A Dead Parrot” in 2006/2007. It was very refreshing discovering djing instead of only playing live.
Where are you and what have you been doing so far today?
I’m in Berlin right now. In my apartment in Kreuzberg. Earlier today I had a meeting with “Büro Bum Bum” - an amazing artwork collective who prepare my LP cover for DFA Rec. We discussed first drafts - so exciting! Later on I bought diet food for my fat cat Karlsson. He really needs to lose weight!
What was the first idea about did you build the sound of Perel? Has that sound changed a lot over recent years? What is your music criterion?
I never had a specific idea, always followed my gut and what I liked. So of course it changed over the years. I’m very into melodies but there had been times where I felt I need to do something else such as straighter stuff. Rough drums, quite minimalistic, pretty functional House music. It was ok, nothing special but obviously the right thing back then - necessary to find out what I really love and what comes out naturally. As a result I returned to more melodic music combined with Disco, House and Wave elements.
Do you now feel confident to play a more experimental sound?
That’s an interesting questing because what’s the definition of a more “experimental sound”? But no matter what people understand about it, I think “experimental” tracks can be the missing puzzle for all kind of Dj sets and mixes.
How would you describe your sound?
A play of colours maybe? I don’t know, hard to say. It’s actually the most difficult question for an artist every time. Basically I love appreciators and older synth sounds which are hard to control. Because then unexpected things happen all the time.
Could you describe your creative process – how do you usually go about making a track?
It’s diverging all the time. Mostly I have a certain feeling or emotion inside that needs to come out and so I try to transform it into sounds. Do you often get in the studio with clear ideas and everything well tied or leave something for improvisation and inspiration at the moment?
Both. Sometimes jam sessions lead to almost finish tracks, another time I have a specific melody or beat in mind. Usually I record a lot of ideas at home and mix them down in a proper studio later on. To me it’s very important to catch the moment, even you play the wrong keys or your synth fucks up - that doesn’t matter. I love those little mistakes as result of genuineness. In the end the most important thing is to save the initial vibe and energy that won’t come back again.
We all know the digital revolution has affected sales but has it affected creativity?
Good question. I think it did and does. You are able to fix rough ideas in the train or wherever you are. That’s pretty cool. Also, thanks to free or affordable software a way more people get the chance to discover music as part of their own creativity. Producing or djing. And I think that’s great as art never should be elitist. Of course we also have to deal with a massive output as a result - an overflow of tunes, songs, tracks and mixes as well as a loss of value in general.
What did you listen to before being a dj?
From 0-12: Parental back seat hits. From 12-14: Backstreet Boys From 14-17: No clue, I was depressed. From 17 until now: All over the place with a certain weakness for 80s electronics.
What was the first music style you been addicted to and how it’s been changing during the years?
The very first was definitely 90s Euro Dance when I was a kid.
We hear you’re a bit of a cold wave fan- what’s your ultimate cold wave track that you could actually get away with playing out?
There’re many… But these are one of my favs currently: Rodion & Mammarella - Escape from Kyoto + Depeche Mode -People Are People
What’s currently on repeat on your ipod?
Glass Lady - Glass Lady from 1985
TOP 3 songs that helps you to relax?
Deborah Haslam - Let Me Trouble The Passion - I’m In Love With A German Film Star Attention - Digital Emotion
Tell me about your first ever set, do you still remember it vividly?
I was very young and very drunk. Too much excitement…
How about the changing music landscape, do you think you have evolved with it? How do you find the scene now?
“The” scene is not existing (anymore). There’re quite a lot coexisting peacefully. Sure, my mom would say they all sound the same haha but hey, everyone knows that club music, even House and Disco separates into thousand sub-genres… One tip for aspiring producer/DJs?
Jennifer Touch To you as a person, what is the most important piece of work you have created in your life? Which artists have this, according to you?
My upcoming debut LP on DFA.
If you had a time machine to visit any dancefloor anywhere/anywhen, where would you go?
Back and forth through the 70s, 80s and 90s across the world.
What are you most hungry for in life?
PEACE
What is one deep thought that you have had recently?
How to build a pyramid generating free energy.
What would be your all-time ultimate venue/festival to play at?
None in particular - there’re too much great festivals out there. Upcoming projects?
Like mentioned above: My album release on DFA Records definitely.
Finally, where Perel is going?
Hybrid DJ/ Live set at Concrete Club Paris with DJ Harvey, 2. September. I’m so excited!
