Mountains Of Fun: Philip Bader

Philip Bader is all about personality. A true character to meet in person, he manages to convey that charisma into his music, both as a DJ and producer. Like the man himself, his music doesn’t take things too seriously. It is playful, wildly groovy and effortlessly underground. With his current release, the aptly titles “Crazy EP” currently tearing up on Matthias Tanzman’s Moon Harbour imprint, Bader has garnered a reputation as a unique music maker. Previous outings on Davide Squillace’s This and That Lab, Saved Records, Dirtybird, Highgrade, Hive Audio and his own Dantze imprint to name just a few have highlighted his dexterity when it comes to producing club bombs, but it is through seeing him DJ in a club that really highlights the Berliner’s raw energy and passion for the scene. It is that enthusiasm that shines through all of Bader’s work and makes him the character that he is today. Long may he keep dancing!

First off, are you still partying hard at the moment? It seems from your Facebook page that you are always “having a mountain of fun”!

(Laughs) No, not that much really! I don’t have that much time for parting so much anymore because I am always on tour!  When you are travelling so much, there is less and less time for partying unfortunately. It’s sad in one way, but I’m also working hard at what I love to do; so it’s all good really!

Do you get the chance to check many other DJ’s out from time to time, both at home in Berlin and whilst away on tour?

I meet a lot of DJ’s on tour. But I don’t get chance to check many of them out (Laughs). In Berlin I get to go to lots of special shows, sometimes of course to hear other DJ’s too. It all depends of my schedule but of course I am interested in exploring as much music as I can.

What are your dance moves like?

I am a super dancer. When I love the music nobody can stop me. My moves are secret ones. Check it out in the club and behind the decks.

Is it inspiring to be surrounded by so many other musicians living in Berlin?

I love it! Everybody knows each other and there is so much exchange between all the artists. That breeds creativity on all levels. It’s really a good vibe here in Berlin! It’s like a big, creative family.

Do you miss Bar25?

Yes some times of course. It was my home base and also my party family. I had so many awesome times and great parties there. It really was an amazing place. But on the other hand, we have the Kater Holzig now. This crazy place also feels very, very good (laughs).

Have you found somewhere that fills the void a little, or is it simply irreplaceable?

Like I said, the Kater ….but we have some other new cool places here in Berlin too. Sysiphus club or Wilde Renate.. and of course Club Der Visionäre…all super nice and totally crazy spots.

How did your EP for Moon Harbour come about?

I am a friend of Matthias Tanzmann. I sent him some tracks .. he loved the tracks .. (laughs) … there was no magic.

Have you been pleased with the reactions to it so far?

Totally!!! I’ve had so much super feedback. It has been amazing. Thanks so much to everybody.

What is it that you particularly respect about Moon Harbour?

First of all, and most importantly, I am a fan of Moon Harbour music. That super groovy, tech-house sound won me over straight away. But on top of that, I like and really respect all the other artists that are on Moon Harbour. Most of them they are my friends. Then there is the whole crew behind Moon Harbour, the guys that run it and make it tick …… they are all totally awesome .

What made you want to set up your own label, Dantze?

Niconé and me had the idea to do our own label just because we wanted to present music we love and believe in! To be independent and do what we really love to present to the people. Later Sascha Braemer came on board too. Now we are a small, super bunch of family and friends presenting our idea of music.

What have you got coming up on the label? Do you think it is important to help push new artists on the label?

Coming next we’ve got a super good release from our friends from Paris, Sucré and Sale. They are part of the Cocobeach team who are responsible for organizing the best parties in Paris. They’ve delivered some really amazing music and we can’t wait to get it out there. And also Niconé and me are working on a mini album together ….. it’s all a secret for now so hush hush.

What’s it like working with Nicone? Is his personality like his music?

He`s my best friend. What more can I say?

What’s coming up for you personally over the next few months?

I have so much different stuff that I am working on at the moment. I seem to be working all the time these days. But of course it is a labour of love for me. The only down side is that I don’t have so much time for friends at the moment. Damn!

What are your long term career goals? Would you be interested in producing bands etc in the future for example?

For now I am just working on my thing, that’s what I’m concentrating on. Only time will tell what happens in the future.