Ben Rau is a German/Ghanian DJ/Producer who is respected by many of his dance music peers. A level of quality & consistency rarely seen, he’s a proper DJ’s DJ also and always brings the party to the Dancefloor when in the booth. With an upcoming “8 Track” LP coming up on Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep In Sound, we sat down with him to find out how the album process went, and what else he has coming up for 2022…

WWD: Hey Ben, Welcome to When We Dip. How are you, how’s your summer been so far?

Hey there, the summer has been great! I got to make my debut on the DC10 Terrace for Solid Grooves which was outstanding. I also toured Australia and New Zealand and finally got to Play at Ploegendients Festival which was cancelled twice due to the pandemic

WWD: You have your “8 Track” LP coming soon on Knee Deep In Sound, what inspired or influenced it?

8 Track has been an exploration of my roots as well as an exercise of stretching myself as an artist. Writing music with singer songwriters and exploring genres that I loved but hadn’t produced before, from French House to ravey breakbeats. The album was also heavily influenced by the circumstances we all found ourselves in the pandemic, and I wanted it to express positivity and a joy for life that was so lacking in the last 2 years.

WWD: How important was it to bring your Ghanaian roots into your music, and do so authentically?

Ghana has a rich musical heritage and we would listen to Ghanian music as kids because my parents played it at home. Generally though I would say it is music of black origin in general that has been much more important for me like hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, RnB and of course house and techno. I grew up being immersed in these genres because of my parents and also my older brothers influence.

WWD: Was there a plan for it from the start, did you know how you wanted it to sound? What was the aim generally with it?

There wasn‘t a plan other than that I’m not going to make an album of just beats and club tools like so many other house producers do, it had to connect to people and myself emotionally through melodies, hooks and vocals.

WWD: What gear did you use, is that important to you in any way whether in the booth or studio?

I used my favorite synths the Roland JUNO 60 of which I owned a pristine unit from the 80s, as well as my new Fav the UDO Supersix but really there isn’t one technique or instrument that is super important. I use the full smorgasbord of techniques available from sampling to virtual instruments and hardware, it’s the mix that keeps things exciting.

WWD: Is the LP a continuation of your usual style or have you switched it up?

It’s very different from what I have done before apart from the first single Calling Out Your Name (I can’t sleep) which is a nice follow up to French Plan, which as the name suggest is in the genre of French filterhouse early Thomas Bangalter stuff that he did under the Le Knight Club pseudonym. That was the inspiration.

WWD: How did you find the process? Was it enjoyable or torture?

As always there were periods of flow and creative joy interspersed with periods of intense frustration and having to push through creative walls and barriers to forge ahead. That’s just the way it is. I wish it would always come easy and it sometimes does but often it’s also really hard work.

WWD: What did you learn about yourself when writing the album?

That I’m now an accomplished artist and that I can do what I intend to do with consistent results. I’ve done my 10000 hours and then some so I feel I can now create whatever I want if I put my mind to it.

WWD: What else have you got coming up?

After this album I’m focused on making underground club bangers again. House is such an exciting space again after many years of techno domination so I’m excited about my own music and the music of all the amazing artists currently taking house to a new level.

Ben’s “8 Track” Lp is out on Knee Deep in Sound on September 16th. Pre-Order HERE

Ben Rau: Facebook // SoundCloud // Instagram