Breaking New Soil: Gregor Tresher

Gregor Tresher is one of the techno scene’s most respected performers. As a producer, he’s graced myriad seminal labels, not least Drumcode, Moon Harbour and Cocoon. With his own label, Break New Soil, hosting an exclusive show at ADE later on this month, it was only fitting that we caught up with the illustrious spinner to talk about his involvement with Cocoon’s 100th release, his plans for Amsterdam, and why it’s important to show off your studio. You have had a pretty hectic summer, right? How was it for you? Well, what can I say? Where has it all gone, right? It seems to have flown by so quickly! It’s safe to say it has been a great summer though, that’s for sure. Any gig or festival highlights? One of the highlights was playing in Detroit at Movement – you know, being a techno head, it’s amazing to be invited to play at one of the birthplaces of it all. I performed in the only indoor arena, it was all underground and had a great atmosphere. I also played at Welcome to the Future Festival again, which was one of my personal highlights of the summer. I love the festival season as it offers something different and you can reach people that you may not get at your gigs normally. So with a series of recent performances in the US how do you feel about the state of the scene in America? Dance music appeared to be on the rise again in terms of house and techno and had been for a couple of years prior to the EDM explosion. Do you feel it has now been over run with the EDM culture?  Overun? I don’t think so. Pretty much everyone that gets attracted to electronic music, especially underground music, usually travels through the commercial channels first. As soon as they have listened and gone to see the shows, that’s when they then start to look at other options and find the more underground music, and that cycle just continues. I feel the word “introduced” would be a better term.You have also recently had the pleasure of working on Cocoon’s 100th release. How was that for you? It was a big honour for me. The track I did with Petar Dundov we thought was just right for the release. Very b-related, with the deeper feel but still with a lot of energy. The whole compilation is just a great all around package, very fitting for the 100th release. The packaging is great too!I’m sure you’ve enjoyed working with such a huge label in Cocoon over the years. Why do you think Cocoon – and Sven – have been so successful? Well it’s his label and because he is one of the greatest artists in the world of techno, that of course helps the music prevail. The label itself is very well presented, from the artists on the roster right the way through to the artwork and the events and brand parties they put on.You’ve been involved in some landmark releases over the years, with 15 years of Drumcode another among your collection. Now, with the 100th release for Cocoon, are these the highlights of your career? Well I would still say that the albums I’ve recorded are my personal highlights. However, to be a part of such compilations is certainly a nice thing and always an honour.Germany itself has been at the forefront of techno over the years. Other countries (not just the UK) are drifting their way back in again, do you see it that way and are you happy of the competition so to speak? I certainly think Germany was at the forefront in the 90s alongside the UK, but now I think everyone is on par. I mean Holland, Germany, Spain, UK, USA etc all have amazing talent coming out of them. Of course Germany has famous techno clubs but other countries do too. Its not like the 90s where everyone talked about Germany. Now all the DJs and producers you talk to will always mention places all over the world that they love to head back to. Germany is still there of course but everyone else has taken note and hit back.

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