In continuation of our partnership with Berlin based clubnight White Nights, we’d like to introduce you to the one and only Daneil Bortz – the renowned Ausberg based producer and DJ who’s been celebrated over the past number of years with his release on the likes of Suol, Innervisions and his adopted home Pastamusik. Ahead of his appearance this Saturday at Arena Club for White Nights, we thought it would be a perfect time to catch up with him!

First of all, thanks for giving us some of your valuable time! Can you tell us what you’re up to at the moment?

Happy New Year! Well I’m doing what I do almost all the time, like, living the life, djing around the world, listening to a lot of music. Working on music but without any pressure – just easy going.

In a Resident Advisor feature in 2012, you said that “These days, I often play at prime time and you just can’t play slow if some other DJ already set the mood beforehand. If you really want to play slow, you basically need the whole night.”

Having toured more extensively since then, has your opinion of warm up sets changed? Do you think it’s the warm up DJ’s job to set the tone for the night or to set it depending on the DJ that will follow?

I would say there are two different sides. I still like to create and build up the night from the beginning but I also prefer longer DJ sets then 2 hours. Mostly it is what it is that means to me, like, I’m touring with tight schedules so I can’t be at the club from the beginning [and often] there are also local residents that run the night who are also very important for the scene and for everything. So, in this situation I don’t really mind what the DJ before or after me is playing. If I get just two hours I try to do my best and present what I am feeling right now to play. I wouldn’t  compare it to a live show but maybe in that sort of style.

You have a very select number of labels that you have called home for your music, including Suol, Innervisions, Souvenir and your own Pastamusik imprint. What is it about a label that’s most important for you when signing with them or signing new artists

Right now the most important thing is that I need a personal connection or a good feeling with the whole thing (professionality, tight work etc) and I also just want to release what I want to release.

Having become part of the Pastamusik team after releasing a few records with them, what message would you give for people starting their own label or young producers about to sign to a new label?

I won’t give any advice because I don’t have any clue how to run a label but if you release some nice tunes I will buy your records.

Your thoughts on remixing I find to be honest and true. What would you suggest for producers who’s label wants their work remixed? How do you decide what you yourself will remix and if the finished product is worthy or releasing?

Also on this point I can’t suggest any advice on how to get remixer etc. Sorry, I’m not good in these business things! But how I did it was to ask people I know personally for remixes, for example Acid Pauli who I know since a few years now, so I’m just lucky that he is also an amazing remixer and he likes my music too, so it just happened!

Your hometown of Augsburg is supposedly quite an artistic city. What things would you advise doing or seeing for someone visiting?

In the summer it’s very nice to just walk to the river or to some canals for a swim, and the„Moritzkirche“ church is very special [with it’s] nice new design. The city is quite small so  you can just  walk around and see some nice old buildings.

I’ve read that you’re a vegetarian and that you’re into cooking. Have you any special recipes you’d like to share for all the veggie’s out there?

I don’t have much recipes I can offer but maybe check out my nice refreshing vegan shake!!! 1 banana, fresh vanilla, 4 dattels, 1 handful of cashew nuts, 1 glass of coconut water, a glass of almond milk, a glass of pineapple juice, the fresh juice from half a lemon and all mixed in a blender.

I also believe that you’re quite a hip hop enthusiast! What have you got your ears wrapped around at the moment, hip-hop wise or in general?

Devin the Dude I would say I could hear everyday! I dig a lot of old school West coast gangster rap but also the young new school stuff.

You’re going to be playing in Arena on the 23rd for the White Nights team. Are you excited to be back playing there and have you any special tracks in mind for the night?

Yes I’m looking forward to play at Arena! I hope I can play a longer set as they have a nice condition for playing vinyl (I’m sure they have) so I will play a trippy techno set.

What’s next for you in 2016?

Techno rap cats!

Follow Daniel Bortz: Facebook | SoundCloud

Follow White Nights: Facebook | SoundCloud

Thanks to Harry Leath for the exclusive shot – Harry Leath Instagram