André Galluzzi is a man who should need no introduction. Originally from Hamburg, he has been spinning records since the age of 14. He was the first resident at the legendary OSTGUT club in Berlin, and then at Berghain when it opened. Now the owner of two record labels; ARAS Music and Taski Records, he has an extensive back catalogue of exquisite creations which he showcases in his marathon sets in both Ibiza and Berlin, as well as having releases on Cocoon and Ostgut Ton – two of the most prestigious imprints around. As well as providing us with over an hour of pure heat in our MEOKO mix 086, we were privileged to be able to ask him some questions to get his own perspective on his music, his heroes, his love of vinyl, his relationship with Berghain and his neverending love of the party.

MEOKO mix 086 - Andre Galluzzi

First of all, thanks for taking the time to speak to MEOKO… could you tell us a little about ARAS Music and your relationship with Dana Ruh?

ARAS Music was formed on the idea of cooperation and the London influence on electronic music. The label ARAS records then came and relocated to London, and I followed as well in 2013. With ARAS music we bring events like the ARAS label night and ‘We Play Vinyl’ to the UK and we are more focused on productions with young, international artists. My relationship to Dana is really nice, I think we have a lot of respect for each other. We have found a very good way to work in common as a team; at the studio we have our own language and I love to play with Dana...she is a good DJ!

What made you want to start the label initially? Aside from the sound, does the ethos differ from your old label Taksi records?

The idea of the new label ARAS came about when we decided to produce what we really wanted to. If you make a record for an external label, your style needs to meet many different requirements and expectations. On your own label you can free yourself in an artistic way and work more experimentally. So, take Taksi for instance: even though the sound changed (as Taksi originated in the early 90s), the atmosphere still reflects my DJ sets today.

What’s generally your favourite element of a track? The bassline? The percussion? I’m at hatman…

Actually, I don’t really have a favourite element, I just take what I love: hypnotic basslines, drums and voice sounds. Sometimes you start with a bassline, sometimes with a groove - it depends on which idea you are following. Just need to find a way to get all the elements in harmony. Fitting together, that’s what it is about for me. The elements have to tell a story, a journey, a trip...[laughs]

You’ve been producing for years now, and technology has changed significantly as time has gone on. How have programs like Ableton & Reason changed the way you make music? Is it easier to be creative?

Well, you know, in the early 90s we produced with Cubase and one very old Atari. Everything was analog: synthesisers, drum machines, and so on. Today we are producing with Logic...it’s fantastic to work with all the possibilities but it’s never going to touch your message. The message of ARAS comes from it artists, not from any program.

Despite all the changes in light of the digital age, we understand you have a strong affinity with vinyl. What is it about the medium that makes it special to you?

Oh this is difficult to explain....It’s less an affinity, it’s my passion! You know, vinyl means everything to me. I have that vision of keeping vinyl alive and I’m very happy to see that vision happen, especially in our We Play Vinyl parties. The next one is coming up soon...we work with many young artists, who play vinyl even though they are growing up in the digital age. That makes me proud!

And talk to us a little about Berghain. What makes it such a special place?

Berghain is a very special place, a different world… a kind of playground for adults. The people are completely mixed. You find heteros, gays, lesbians and so many travellers, and the crazy opening hours allow for much more quality time. I have a very special relationship to Berghain. The story started in 1997, with the very first ever OSTGUT; the location was near, but a bit rougher. At that time, I was the first resident and I got the chance to play extremely long sets. When OSTGUT closed, I started to play on the main floor of the new Panorama Bar, and at the garden as well. Then I did the first compilation for the OSTGUT label...so yes, those memories of its early years still keep that special, familiar atmosphere for me.

You have spent most of your life in the club, mixing marathon sets, sometimes for over 10 hours! Do you still enjoy going out to parties even when you’re not behind the decks?

DJing is a lot more than just spinning some records. I always had and still have a vision. I still love to play long sets. I like to build up my sets and fall into the music, take my crowd with me. The longest sets ever I played were at the OSTGUT club. And if there is some free time left and I like the DJ, yes, I still enjoy going out!

Going back to where it all began, what inspired you to get into DJing in the first place?

My first contact was at the age of 14. My brother helped me to work in a club near Frankfurt and I started mixing at home with very cheap equipment. Half a year later...I just asked the boss from the club if I could play! One day I got my chance to play behind the decks. I also started to play in a band as a drummer at the same time, from that point on there was no way out of becoming a musician.

You play round the world as part of the Cocoon Heroes parties, but who are your own heroes?

For me, heroes are people who create things in a new and different way. Take my followers, and the promoters as well. Every single set is like a ping-pong game: you get what you give, and without the crowd, there would be no heroes. They give me the energy and power to get creative.

Can you give us a track that holds some particular significance in your life, and explain why it does so?

‘Rez’ from Underworld - this record stays for my hypnotic side. 

‘Moment’s In Love’ from Art of Noise – this track stays for my dreamer side.

‘Bring Forth The Guillotine’ from Silver Bullet- stays for my hard and provocative ways.

There are many, many more but... [laughs]

Outside of electronic music, are there any other styles in particular you are drawn to?

There were many styles touching on electronic music in the beginning. I remember it rose up in 1988 from artists like Michael Shrieve, Pink Floyd, Yellow, Kraftwerk, Art Of Noise…as well as Hip Hop from 1990,with De la Soul or Soul II Soul. Later on, Sven was the only DJ who played them all. I was absolutely fascinated! Then two years later techno, acid and house music were born.

What are the three most important things in life?

To love my lovely girlfriend and my family.....music…and good food! 

Thank you, it was a pleasure speaking to you! 

The pleasure was all ours...