Quadrakey are a married couple who have been Djing together since 2007. In 2015 they decided to launch Tooman Records. Both these passionate individuals are armed with a powerful array of music to mesmerise, enthral, and shower love on the dancefloors. Their mantra is ‘House music with a deep passion’ – Their sets and their label both mirror these values. We sit down with them here for a little talk.

WWD: Thanks for taking the time to talk. Where are you this moment and how are you spending your day?

We are in Berlin, Neukölln. It’s Sunday and we’re enjoying the sun and selecting tracks for a new mix.

WWD: Where are you from and where are you based now?

We were born in Russia, Tanja is from Vorkuta – a city in the northern part of Komi Republic, above the Arctic Circle. Kero is from Tula, the city is located appr. 200 km from Moscow. We moved to Germany in early 2000 and now we are based in Berlin.

WWD: What is it you love about your current city?

Berlin is open-minded, diverse, with green spaces and easy going lifestyle. No matter how you dress and look, there’s a large feeling of acceptance here. You can just express yourself however you feel. Whether you’re into house, techno, jazz, hip-hop, or alternative sounds, Berlin’s club scene offers a variety of musical experiences. We absolutely love the environment where people can unwind, find balance, and enjoy the simple pleasures. Berlin is a city that celebrates life.

WWD: Where did you both meet? Did you bond over music?

We met in 1999 at a nightclub where our mutual passion for House and Garage music brought us together. From listening to our favourite tracks to exploring new house mixes and collecting records, we spent hours together and quickly became best friends.

WWD: It’s quite rare to talk to a married couple making music and Djing together. What is the secret to you guys being able to spend so much time together?

Our partnership has never been about competition; it’s always been about love, friendship, being true and creating something beautiful together. From the beginning, we chose co-creating without ego. Our true power lies in unity, trust, respect, and equality, which are achieved through collaboration and shared experiences.

Speaking of equality – when event bookers request Tanja to perform alone, supposedly in the name of gender equality, we find it confusing, because our DJ duo is based on equality, and we have been representing that for years.

WWD: How do you apportion roles and responsibilities in your productions?

We collaborate as a team, but it should be noted that Tanja is more into the production processes, she is also responsible for harmonies, melodies and plays keys.

WWD: If you had to choose some words to define the music that you make what would you say?

It’s just House Music with a Deep Passion.

WWD: What kind of vibe might we hope to hear in a DJ set?

It is the fusion of love, beauty, and harmony. We come together with people, sharing positive emotions, and creating unforgettable experiences.

WWD: Who are DJs that you guys follow?

We follow our friends and people we have met in real life or collaborated with and also some great musicians, who have just stayed true to their passion for years. We also prefer to discover new talents through their music, rather than focusing on big names or influencers. Sometimes, it’s even better not to know the personalities behind great tracks to avoid disappointment.

WWD: Who do you think is making great music right now?

There so many! Some of our favourites include Vigi, Brooklin Baby, JT Donaldson, Knuckle G, David Silver, Luca Olivotto and Marc Brauner.

WWD: When was Tooman Records born and what it its musical policy?

After years of Djing and collecting records we got the idea of launching our own underground vinyl label. In 2015, everything aligned, and it felt like the perfect moment to bring our vision to life. Our label became a platform to showcase our growth and connect with like-minded artists and enthusiasts.

We look for talented and passionate individuals who are true music lovers and still believe, that in a world saturated with shortcuts, authenticity and quality will always find their rightful place in the people’s hearts.

WWD: Your new EP ‘Flowers 4 You’, how long has this EP been in the making? Did it take time to produce or did the tracks fall easily into place?

As we decided to make a new EP, we already had about 7-8 finished tracks and just needed to select some and compile them. The oldest track on this EP is “Two Reasons”, it was made in 2020 while the newest one, “Flowers 4 You”, was finished last summer.

WWD: What else are you working on that you can share?

Currently, we are working on new tracks that we hope to release by the end of the year. Additionally, we are going to release one or two exceptional tracks on Tooman Records. These tracks may not sound typical of Quadrakey’s music, but they hold deep personal significance.

WWD: When you are not making excellent house music, what do you like to do to kick back?

We enjoy spending time outdoors, walking our dog, and exploring new areas in Berlin. Kero is going on cycling adventures and Tanja enjoying her time playing the piano.