Following the release of Seilertracks Part II, Hafendisko man Yannick Labbé jumps on board to deliver some essential mid-week listening. The rising producer presents the last episode of the Select Cuts series – an exquisite ensemble of deep and tech tunes, overflowing with intertwining melodies, emotive atmospheric touches and intricate percussion. Make the introduction below!
WWD : Thanks for chilling with us Yannick! What’s new in your world this week?
Working on new productions, received the great news that my remix for Nicolai Toma’s track ‘Up Today’ will be out on July 10th via WellDone Music, and: THE NEW FUNKSTÖRUNG ALBUM! Holy shit, it is good.
WWD L Talk to us about the Hafensdisko release, how did you approach the release production wise?
The tracks on both Seilertracks releases were my first productions after the end of Trickski. It was a weird time – but also very exciting. Something completely new. I had just moved to Hamburg and only had a very minimal setup (laptop, Tanzbär, headphones). But this minimal approach worked great – I finished 8 tracks and various remixes in about 2 months time.
WWD : Hafensdisko is a great outfit. When did you first make the connection?
The first person I met with in Hamburg was Kai Fischer (Eurokai), the label head of Liebe*Detail. He showed me around Hamburg a bit, and I showed him my new tracks. And then it turned out that he also works as an A&R for hafendisko – which, until then, I hadn’t known. After listening to the releases on hfn and hafendisko it was clear that I would love my music to be featured on a label with such a great output. And that’s what happened then. Thanks, Kai!
WWD : Who are the people out there that are inspiring you, is there someone who you think epitomises what it means to be a good producer and DJ?
You mean who’s my hero? Then I’d say Ada. Her productions are unbelievable, and her live sets are off the hook! I guess no one in the field of electronic music impresses me as much as her. It’s just the way that she combines cold machine music with warm, human rhythm patterns and harmonies…
WWD : On a personal note, what goals are you driving towards right now? Where does your focus lie?
My focus lies on living a focus-free-life. I believe that the ‘focus’ you choose doesn’t make you more successful or a better person – i think it just makes you feel more comfortable in the drawer that other persons put you in. Why not do as many things as possible instead of choosing a focus?
WWD : What have the Summer highlights been so far?
Two weeks ago, we had a few days with over 22°C.
WWD : Favourite holiday destination and why?
Corsica – because Corsica.
WWD : One track that’s gonna have a big impact this Summer?
There can only be one this summer: ‘Nokturn’ by Axel Boman on Pampa. That’s my not so surprising prediction.
WWD : You’ve very kindly put a little mix together for us, can you tell us a bit about what one will find in there?
Good music 🙂 And the best transition between two tracks that I have ever made.
WWD : Before we sign off, what else can we expect from you this Summer?
Why don’t you find out for yourselves? Here’s all you need: facebook.com/yannickmusik, @yannick_tweets (Twitter), yannick_labbe (Instagram). Thank you, guys!!