Damian Lazarus’ Rebellion continues its release schedule this April with the launch of a new various artists series. Rebellion presents SOULS Vol.1 acts as the maiden edition and sees Tim Engelhardt, Senzala, Cancellieri and Asevenes inaugurate proceedings.

Label-founder Damian Lazarus had this to say on the release: “With so much incredible new music being created in the world, I noticed that I was finding new sonic connections between a number of up and coming producers. Fresh souls, speaking a fresh new sonic language directed at the dancefloors in our minds. Welcome to the new Souls.”

Tim Engelhardt’s ‘Ionized’ feat. Hannah Noelle gets the VA underway, as shimmering pads cosy up next to Hannah’s emotive vocal offerings. Gentle piano rolls converge on a warming backbone throughout to form a poignant opening cut.

Hailing from the thriving musical output of Cologne, Tim Engelhardt is one of Germany’s brightest young talents with releases on labels like Stil Vor Talent, Cityfox, Innervisions and Fryhide. We had the chance to speak with him about the track and more. Enjoy!

WWD: Hi Tim, how are you today and how has the start of 2021 been for you? Where are you based at the moment?

Hey guys, I’m doing well, trying to navigate my way through the pandemic. I’m currently at home close to Cologne, building a new studio here which is very exciting and also keeps me busy 🙂

WWD: You are a familiar face for most of our readers. But for the new ones out there that aren’t familiar with you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m an electronic music producer and have been active in the scene for around 8 years now, releasing numerous EPs, remixes and two albums over that period. I’m also a mixing engineer and co-producer for some acts.

WWD: The past year has been strange for everyone in many ways. How has it been for you and have you learnt anything through these crazy times?

It’s been up and down really, even more so than usual. I always knew the profession I’m doing is not a safe haven, but seeing the whole industry wiped out for months was quite hard to process. Last year, I was very productive in the studio and wrote lots of records, less so this year. At least so far. Once the new studio is done, that hopefully changes! 🙂

WWD: Damian Lazarus is launching a new ‘Souls’ series on his Rebellion imprint and you have a track on the first release alongside Senzala, Cancellieri and Asevenes. Can you tell us a bit more about the release and the creation of your track Ionized feat. Hannah No-elle?

First off, I’m really glad Damian has trusted me with this one and decided to sign it for this new series. I wrote the first version of ‘Ionized’ in 2018, without all those chords and strings that are in the final version. Initially, it was more synth-focused, I recorded lots of takes on a friend’s Juno-60.

The track really came to life last year once I asked Hannah to write something on it, I then added the chord progression and the track was finished within two days of non-stop working on it.

I was really hesitant to send it anywhere, so we sat on it for a couple of weeks, then decided to send it to Damian, who luckily signed it very quickly.

WWD: You released your first record when you were just 14 years old! What led you to start producing at such a young age?

Partly excitement and passion for music, but more the interest and curiosity in the technology that enables us to write these records with small setups, for a fraction of the cost it used to be in the previous decades. I just really never stopped learning and this development in technology and music is still what drives me.

WWD: When it comes to DJing and producing, do you have one that you prefer?

Producing by far. DJing is a fun exercise, but production has so much more to offer if you’re willing to sacrifice your time.

WWD: Can you tell us one of your favourite tracks that you like to play a lot in your sets?

There are countless ones, but one that I always found fascinating is Matthew Dekay’s ‘Fangtango“.
Simple, yet so intricate and exciting.

WWD:  What other interests do you have outside of music?

I have lots of interests, but there is just one thing that gives me a similar excitement to music, which is reading. I read books about pretty much any topic, music, psychology, finance, technology, you name it.

WWD: Do you have any gigs or releases coming up that you would like to tell us about?

I do have a couple of new things on the horizon, yet I can’t reveal most of them at this point. There’s going to be a couple of remixes this year, on labels like Renaissance and others.

WWD: Thanks for talking to us today! It’s been a pleasure.

Likewise! Always good to chat with you guys!