FEELING GOOD WITH ANDHIM

FEELING GOOD? WANNA FEEL EVEN BETTER? THEN YOU’RE IN LUCK AS GERMANY’S ANSWER TO AUDIO RED BULL IS COMING TO AUSTRALIA. ANDHIM HAS BEEN SETTING THE HOUSE SCENE ALIGHT WITH MULTIPLE DANCEFLOOR BOMBS WHICH HAVE BECOME BONA FIDE CLUB ANTHEMS. IT’S NOT ONLY IN THE STUDIO THOUGH WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS AS THEIR DJ SETS HAVE SEEN THEM BECOME HEADLINERS WHEREVER THEY PLAY.

Cologne has birthed a number of great electronic music acts in history such as Michael Mayer, and Wolfgang and Reinhard Voigt, but is generally known for its techno and minimal techno offerings rather than house; when did you discover house music and who were some of your influencers?

Kompakt was actually a big inspiration for us because their definition of electronic music had no borders. Their records of the early 2000s could go in so many musical directions. Techno with German folk music samples, trance-y hymns, collaborations with German Indie bands, and even ambient songs. That was exciting and fun. Each record was a new experience, a new approach to music. They also did their famous “Total Confusion” parties in a very small club in Cologne where Koze started his career as a techno DJ. It was massive to see him playing when we were 17/18. It could happen that he played a hip-hop song after a very hard techno track. And the people loved it. And we loved it.

As a duo, you have been able to travel the world and play in front of thousands of fans. What have been some of your favorite countries to play in and why?

Oh wow. This is so hard to answer. But let us tell you this, Australia is definitely one of our top 3 countries. We have played such amazing parties that we, even after two years away from Australia, still talk about them. In Melbourne, there were people hanging from the ceiling like little rave monkeys. Others were stage-diving during our set. Stage diving! I mean we play house music not Heavy Metal. We had insanely good times here and it’s always exciting to come back.

“Super House” is a term you’ve coined to describe your music. What three elements do you think makes “super house” better than OG house music?

We would never say it’s any better than other styles of electronic music. It’s just the way we interpret and feel the music. It’s not even that we plan to do something different. It’s just what comes out of us when we are in the studio. But let’s try to pick out three elements.

1. It’s organic, crispy, and not taken from any sample kit library at all

2. It allows us to go in every direction

3. It’s original. Even if it’s a drum loop you can hear the Andhim fingerprint.

Your events, Superfriends, have had a number of massive acts like Kölsch, H.O.S.H., Roman Flügel, Henry Saiz, Guy Gerber, and perform alongside yourselves. Is Superfriends really just about getting all the massive acts in the club (who just happen to be your friends) to play together?! What’s the drive behind these events?

Superfriends is mainly about having a good time. We want to create an intimate atmosphere and share the friendship and love with the people. We love to bring together our DJ friends, idols, and people we respect in the industry. It’s not really about big names although we are very lucky to name some of the top DJs as our friends. We always try to add befriended local DJs to each lineup – from club residents we met during our career to friends from home. We are trying to break down the barrier between the artist and the audience like we always do. There’s no such thing as inequality. We are all the same so let’s be friends 🙂

Andhim has really embraced social media and created a fun and lively image for yourselves. How important do you think social media is today for an artist’s success?

It’s definitely an important tool but it has to be authentic. If it’s not or moves away too much from what you actually do, then you’ll fail. I mean there are some artists posting meme after meme after meme. At one point you start asking yourself if they are still doing music. It also really depends on your personality. You can’t force it. As long as it represents you and your work in an authentic way social media can help your career wether you are posting studio tutorials or funny images.

Do you follow any other artists on social media? Who do you think does a great job on social media?

Of course, we do. Our friend Butch does a great job too for instance. And he does so because he is obviously copying us 😉

So, you’re about to make the next video for your latest release – you have full creative control – describe what the video would look like?

We’re constantly thinking about video ideas. It’s so much fun. And btw, we are in full creative control of our videos at any time. Every video idea was written and directed by us. But we need someone paying for the videos; this would be more helpful, haha.

But here’s our next video idea for a track we’ve been working on recently. Exclusively for BBM, we’ll let you know the story (I didn’t even tell Tobias but he has no choice anyway):

Tobias and I work very boring 9-5 office jobs. Grey, monotonously, and depressing. After work, we pull on our bad-ass customized skating dress and our old-school roller skates and cruise through the city. Weird skating skills, cheap tricks but always with style. We are wannabe bullies. We steal the kid’s ice cream; we go through a red traffic light; we ride the one-way street in the other direction. We are the kings of the streets. After this day full of dopeness we pull back on our suits and go home to prepare for another lame day at the office.

How pumped are you to return to Australia?

We’re beyond excited to be back. During these two years, we always wanted to come back but due to our busy tour schedule and the crazy travel it takes to come to your beautiful country, we couldn’t make it earlier. We wanted to come so bad that we said we’re gonna do it even for only one weekend. This means we’re now traveling around 50 hours to spend 72 hours in Australia. This is true love!

How has your set changed since your last visit?

Oh wow…it changes so often. A set is always influenced by your mood, your surroundings, the sound, the people, the vibe and so many other factors. But it’ll definitely be energetic. We really can’t wait to play for you guys!

Credits: Original Interview by Work & Tavel Magazine Australia