Berlin Icon Marcel Fengler talks about his new ‘Unleashed EP’, exploring other areas of artistry, and plans for the future.
German Techno pioneer Marcel Fengler returns from a production hiatus with his first release in 8 years. For over two decades, the DJ, Producer, and label head has continued to push the artistic boundaries of the genre.
His relationship with the seminal Berlin label Osgut Ton led to him becoming one of the earliest residents of the now-infamous Berghain/Panorama Bar. In addition to releasing some of his earliest tracks through the label, he also releases on his own imprint, Marcel Fengler Index (IMF), which has become a breeding ground for talents such as Zenker Brothers, Thomas Hessler, and more.
‘Unleashed EP’ is a well-produced, 4-track onslaught of high-octane, melodic, groove-oriented techno that demonstrates his growth as an artist. We spoke to Marcel about his time away from techno, his reflections during this period, and more.
This is the first piece of original music you have released since 2015. What have you been up to during this gap between productions?
In the time between my last music release in 2015 and this new original piece, I’ve been quite occupied exploring various facets of my life and career. I’ve dedicated significant effort to personal growth and refining my skills as both a musician and artist. I’ve also delved into collaborative projects with fellow musicians, broadening my creative horizons.
Furthermore, I’ve contributed to various endeavours like VA’s, charity initiatives, and even ventured into the commercial sector. During this period, unexpected health issues struck both of my parents, and the ensuing challenges made it difficult to focus on music.
My “Unleashed EP” represents the first project I’ve undertaken since that time, and I believe the past few years are evident in the sound. It carries a more melancholic tone, particularly with the track ‘Cypher,’ but the other pieces were produced more recently, reflecting a period when I felt more like myself again.
What made you feel that now was the right time to put out this project?
The decision to release my newest EP at this particular moment was influenced by several factors. Firstly, I’ve dedicated a substantial amount of time to refine my musical skills and develop my unique style since my last release. I felt that this was the moment to showcase the growth and evolution in my music to my audience.
Additionally, I believe the songs on this EP capture a unique blend of emotions and experiences from the past few years, and I felt it was the perfect moment to express these feelings through my music.
Lastly, the encouragement and support I’ve received from fans and fellow artists played a pivotal role in motivating me to release this EP. It felt like the perfect time to unveil this body of work and establish a deeper connection with my listeners.
What have you learnt about yourself as an artist during this time?
This period has provided me with valuable insights into my identity as an artist. I’ve learned the significance of patience and resilience. I now understand that artistic growth often requires time, practice, and the determination to overcome creative obstacles. Also, while reflecting all the big changes in electronic music in the last years – authenticity has also emerged as a crucial lesson.
By staying true to myself and conveying my personal experiences and emotions through my music, I’ve established a more profound and sincere connection with my audience. Moreover, I’ve developed the ability to adapt and experiment with various musical styles and techniques, enriching my creative process.
This has shown me that artistic evolution is an ongoing journey, and embracing change can lead to fresh and exciting directions in my music.
Can you share some of your inspirations for the EP?
This release was born out of a deep desire to compose a series of tracks that could encapsulate the very spirit of the dancefloor. I sought to blend energy and depth, offering a return to the foundational elements of techno that have always been a driving force in my music.
Additionally, the release has also been long in the making as some of the tracks were started before the pandemic. The impact of the situation when my parents were also taken sick unexpectedly, left me even unable to really focus on music for quite some time.
I feel the last few years regarding the private situation with my parents can be felt in the sound. It’s definitely more melancholic with ‘Cypher’, but the other tracks were produced more recently when I truly felt myself again. I find it essential for my music to mirror the array of emotions and experiences in my life. My aim was to distil these influences into a unique sonic experience that reflects both my personal journey and the broader landscape of electronic music.
The third track ‘Cypher’ is remixed by SHDW & Obscure Shape. How did this collaboration come about?
The collaboration with SHDW & Obscure Shape on the remix of the third track, ‘Cypher,’ came about through a mutual appreciation for each other’s work. We had been fans of each other’s music for some time, and we eventually connected to discuss the possibility of working together.
It was a natural fit given our shared passion for techno and similar artistic sensibilities. Their unique perspective and approach to remixing ‘Cypher’ added an exciting dimension to the EP, and I’m thrilled with the result of our collaboration.
What’s next for Marcel Fengler?
First and foremost, you can look forward to a multitude of exciting developments within IMF since the label is on the cusp of an exciting transformation. We’re taking a new approach to better align with the ever-evolving world of techno. Over the years, I’ve observed a noticeable shift in the genre, with a perceived division between the old and the new. However, I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of these elements, and to emphasize this perspective, we’re introducing remixes by established artists into the releases from emerging talents.
Following the release of my latest EP, you can look forward to a significant release from Rove Ranger, featuring excellent remixes by The Advent. There is also an upcoming release from Rodiaz with a fantastic remix by Slam and so on. And then IMF will be gearing up to introduce a debut release from STEYA, showcasing promising talent. Furthermore, I just started a new VA project called HARDPROOF which takes a more independent direction from the labels other output, with a completely different design. The HARDPROOF VA series is a benchmark of quality techno tracks while putting the focus almost exclusively on tracks by younger producers who truly inspire me. Perhaps some of them having a shorter career in the music industry but still produce damn good tracks.
All this will be accompanied by a new event concept of mine called #hardproven. This project combines the finest elements from former IMF label showcases, ‘Marcel Fengler Invites’ events and the freshly installed HARDPROOF VA project I just talked about, ushering in a captivating new chapter for music enthusiasts. And last but not least, I have been working on my second solo album for quite some time, which will also be released on IMF next year. So, there is a lot coming up on IMF as well as my artistic direction, and I’m really looking forward to it.