Niklas is a musical polymath, with previous experience as a percussionist, singer, DJ and synth twiddler, working on numerous solo and collaborative projects over his career. Starting off in the world of jazz, rap and psychedelic rock, Niklas brings a refreshing, multi-disciplinary approach to his productions. 

With expertise in percussion, his passion is present in every aspect of his productions, which encompass tribal house, trance, warming tech house and beyond. His newest offering on LOTR is a collaboration with Amsterdam based Retromigration and takes you through the realised potential of analogue synths, 90’s inspired grooves, amen breaks and ethereal vocal cuts.

How has your music style and process changed over the last couple of years?

My musical journey is a long and winding one with lots of different styles played and many detours along the way. One thing I notice over the last couple of years, though, is that I approach dance music in a more functional way than I used to in my days of unfettered eclecticism and eccentricity. An interesting task to retain some of that weird edge within a bit more conventional framework and to have my background in drumming shine through a bit in the segues. At the same time, I still maintain my band Neuzeitliche Bodenbeläge and do free improvising sessions, both as a kind of adventure playground where anything goes without considerations of functionality.

How do you unwind?

In the sauna, but most likely at the dinner table prepping some slow-cooked stew, and as a possible add-on uncorking a nice white.

Did you adapt your style in any way for this collaborative EP?

Not really, it just clicked straight away. Our objective, if you can call it that, was to make tracks that work really well on the dance-floor - and I guess you just automatically have your respective points of view or your personalities flowing into the production.

What is one niche area of the internet you’re enjoying at the moment?

Too many but if I had to narrow it down, i’d highlight Hyraxes, Big John Fisher, small men theatrically cutting steaks in Dubai, the very informative daily messages of one Akthar Khan, glitzy Southern Italian interior architecture with the Versace Home tiles, Persian traditional dancing and young men playing the drums while going down the highway on the back of a trailer in Cairo!

What is one thing you would change about the music scene at large?

More substance, less surface

If you could have any item in the world delivered to you while you’re performing what would it be?

Shredded chili beef, Singapore Style Rice Noodles and Prawn Crackers from the Blue Orchid in Romford, of course

Meme you can’t get out of your head?

Surely the 1 Pound Fish guy…

How did you meet PARAMIDA and get involved with Love On The Rocks?

Retromigration made first contact, so to speak, sharing the bill with PARAMIDA in Amsterdam and sending her some of the music we were working on. I met her at the in-store release for E-Talking’s “Cosmic Egg” at Sound Metaphors shortly thereafter. We started talking more regularly and, to our amazement as long-time fans of PARAMIDA and LOTR, she started playing our tracks and soon after wanted to release them. I remember going to Panorama Bar to see her play last April and having a tune by us come up straight away. A lovely way to spend a morning! Next thing you know there’s a record coming up. Just marvellous!

Have you played in London before?

Yes! Last time at Giant Steps with my old chap Jan Schulte aka Wolf Müller aka Bufiman.

What is one record that still influences you to this day?

“Quique” by Seefeel

Have a listen to the mix HERE