The 71st edition of our central mix and interview series welcomes Systematic Recordings founder Marc Romboy. Following on from a stellar new release on Sasha’s Last Night On Earth imprint, the Mönchengladbach producer delivers a captivating one hundred and thirty minute recording – the ultimate electronic feast. What’s more, Marc took the time to field a collection of questions from the When We Dip team, touching on the influence of Sasha and Kraftwerk, straying from the 4/4 and a new album for 2017.

WWD: Thanks for joining us Marc! First off, talks us through the new EP on Last Night On Earth, what does it signify for you and how did it come to be?

LNOE is owned by Sasha and it´s an honor for me to release on his platform because he has written an essential part of the history of electronic music. I will never forget when I listened to the legendary Northern Exposure/Expeditions mix CD which came out in the late 90s. For me personally it’s a milestone. I always liked the way he supported special trippy music. Trance music in its real and original meaning. This influenced me a lot.

WWD: As a producer and a label owner you’ve undoubtedly reach the top of the league. What is it that is still motivating your career? Any achievements you’re working towards?

Well, this is hard to describe but hey, let me try. The thing is that I´m always keen to create and perform unheard sounds and music. But the music has to be unique and touching as well, independent from whether it´s always 4/4 danceable or not. And this is why I have just finished the production of my new album called ‘Voyage de la planète’ which will be out in March. The long player was produced together with different classical musicians and there are a lot of sound experiments on it. To shorten the waiting time there will be a new single called ‘Monde Futuriste’ before. It will be out on 10“ in February.

WWD: We’ve read Kraftwerk are one of your influences and they’ve just announced a 2017 tour of UK & Ireland. Have you experienced them in person?

I have met two members of them in the past but I have already seen them live a few times, in Düsseldorf but also in Amsterdam. I was eight years old when I bought their 7“ single the robots. Their album ‘Computer World’ completely blew me away. I mean it came out in 1981 and sounded like a soundtrack produced by aliens. A game changer for a lot of people, not only me.

WWD: In short – why are they top of your influences and why should the younger generation, who may not know Kraftwerk, make it their business to head along?

It´s easily explained. Listen to their album ‘Radioactivity’. And bear in mind that this album was produced in the year 1975 when people were still listening to Beatles, Rolling Stones and Rock. I always get goosebumps when I listen to it and think about this. It was groundbreaking and still sounds timeless. There are many other artists from these times, like Pink Floyd, Neu!, Amon Düül etc. but Kraftwerk brought it to the point big time.

WWD: 2016 has been a bad year for the loss of musical influencers – Prince and Bowie to name just two. Who do you think are the present day artists who will be seen in similar light in 30 years’ time? If any..

Of course there will be a few. Aphex Twin, James Blake or also Actress could be artists where we currently don´t have a clue how groundbreaking they actually were and are. But it´s always hard to predict this. It could also be someone like James Holden but he probably should release a little more. So James, if you read this, we want more, haha.

WWD: Before long 2016 will be coming to a close, in terms of influences behind you’re work this year, what’s been the driving force?

I liked the productions which were more off-beat, you know. It doesn´t have to be that 4/4 kick drum all the time. I was even a little bored by this. The chart lists mostly look a little monocultural to me, many colleagues could have more courage to play different stuff. This is why I always respected artists like Laurent Garnier, Carl Cox and Sasha as they always put the focus on great music independent from styles.

WWD: Focusing back on Systematic. What have you found the most enjoyable about establishing and running your own imprint?

Meeting and getting to know interesting people and artists and becoming friends with them. This is such a gift in my life and I´m very very grateful for this.

WWD: What are the most important thing you’ve learned as a human being in recent times?

That life is really too short to focus on worrying and arguing too much. Let´s enjoy life because we all don´t know what will be tomorrow. Sounds a little dramatic but I would say the core is correct.

WWD: Are you a proponent for philosophy pushing electronic music forward? What are you trying to create/influence with your music?

I love philosophy and I´m thinking more and more about what music is doing with us. I can frankly say that music gives me a lot of power and helps me in hard and difficult times. It´s simply stunning to see from week to week that people come together in a club or festival and having fun with our rhythm selection. This is one aspect to make the world a peaceful and better place, yes.

WWD: What’s the next big project you have in your eye-line?

For sure my album in March. But before I will perform with the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchester in Dortmund, December 12th. It´s an ambitious project as we will perform several works of the famous French composer Claude Debussy and kind of remix them. The concert will be also out on album in 2017.

Oblique Tendencies by Marc Romboy is out now: Purchase here.