In the trend-driven universe of electronic dance music, Gregor Tresher is the rare artist who transcends such cycles. His secret? A relentless focus on melody and timbre, timeless musical elements that other producers often undervalue. Just as a painting or a photograph appears to move if one stares at it long enough, close listening to the stratified grooves and melodies in Tresher’s music reveals an organic universe of shifting sound. The producer recorded an exclusive mix for our Select Cuts series and we had the chance to chat with him about his new album and more. Enjoy!
WWD: Hey Gregor, how are you? How has 2020 been so far?
I’m pretty good, just in the final stage of finishing my upcoming album, which I’ve been working on for the past 6 months.
WWD: What’s on the agenda for the year and what are you most excited about?
That would obviously be the album release in summer and the corresponding tour around it.
WWD: You are more often than not on tour, are there added pressures to touring?
Not really, I enjoy it as much as ever!
WWD: Of all the cities you’ve played, could you pinpoint a favourite and why?
That’s a tough one, but I would probably say Tokyo. It’s just so different from Europe and I enjoy Japanese culture so much. From a touring point of view I would say South-America in general right now – the parties there have such an amazing energy.
WWD: You’ve played your fair share of club nights and festivals. How do they differ? And what type of event do you prefer?
I really don’t have a preference, both have their unique energy. It’s basically festivals in the summer months and clubs in the winter.
WWD: It’s been over 10 years since you started the label ‘Break New Soil’, congrats! Have there been any stand out moments, the good and the bad?
Thank you. Well, every release is a highlight, it’s kind of surreal we are in our eleventh year already. I was really happy with our anniversary compilation last year! My favorite release on the label recently was by a new act from Ecuador called ‘Middle Earth’. The track’s named ‘Caisa’ and I recommend checking it out!
WWD: Who’s your favourite artist at the minute and why?
All the artists on my current set for your When We Dip podcast series!
WWD: What advice would you give to a new DJ trying to break the scene?
That’s a tough one. Work hard and make the best music you can.
WWD: Since you began your career, how has the landscape of DJing/clubbing changed? Do you think this is for the better?
Well, getting people to know you doesn’t work by releasing music so much anymore, but it’s all social media these days. I wouldn’t say that’s for the better, because a lot of very talented musicians get overseen while people who are the loudest on social media get all the attention. Then again, I still believe that quality music finds its way out there.
WWD: What’s next for you?
Finishing the album!