SInce 1998, Steve Bug’s Berlin-based Poker Flat stable has been churning out the finest in dancefloor weapons by the likes of Alex Niggemann, John Tejada, Trentemøller, and more. His label’s latest offering, youANDme & the Analog Roland Orchestra’s Reflection EP, is no exception.
A collaboration between Berliners Martin Daniel (youANDme) and Michal Matlak (the Analog Roland Orchestra), the title cut is a simmering tech house roller that delivers deep, pulsing 303 basslines, crisp 909 programming, and a well-timed female vocal. Perfect for early evening chill-out sessions or late-night after-hours DJ marathon sets.
Get into the premiere of “Reflection,” featuring Black Soda, below, and read on to find out about the inspiration behind their track, what it means to them to be on Poker Flat, and more.
What’s the inspiration behind the track?
Martin: The inspiration behind the track was the acid line, which was done by Michal. He sent me the track, and I built something around it starting with the beats, and later we added the other synths and melodies. After we finished the mixdown, we asked our good friend Black Soda from South Africa if she would like to contribute some vocals. Her voice is, every time, a kind of magic; to have her on the record is like the cherry on the cake.
Michal: Love, sex and darkness.
Martin: Not with me! Haha...
How did you end up collaborating on it?
Michal: A little weird thing, I guess. We’ve known each other since quite a while, living in the same city. I even used to live in the same area as Martin, but instead of hanging out in our studios jamming, we always ended up meeting in our favorite bars. So, the only way to share material was via internet.
“Reflections” is a good example for a dynamic development. I recorded a demo track called “Flexi City,” sent it to Martin; he kicked out the stuff he did not like, rearranged it (actually, he only kept my bassline), and sent it back to me. I told him what I liked (and what I didn’t), and we ended up with three versions we both liked. To get the velvet voice of Black Soda on top was what we call a “Sahnehäubchen”—a real beauty, not only waveform-wise.
Martin: We are good friends and share many interests. Behind all this beer stuff, we also sometimes make music with old and obscure machines. It’s our first record that we did together, and maybe more will follow if we find a way to go to the studio instead of the bar.
What’s the perfect time of night to play it, and why?
Michal: Martin, you are the DJ…
Martin: There are five different versions, which you can use for every part of the night. There is the original version and an amazing remix by Hyenah, and both work perfect for the peak hours. We did a special deeper “Dub Tool” with less percussion and synths to make the beautiful vocals shine bright. For people who are not into the vocals and synths, we also did a stripped-back “Acid Mix,” which features only the beats and the acid line. The last version has some nice dub chords that create a really peaceful feeling. It’s called “Morning Light Mix,” and the name says it all.
What’s the reaction been so far?
Martin: The reactions are really nice. Every time I play it in my DJ sets, it works really well. There is also so much other good feedback from DJs like Âme, Dixon, Mano Le Tough, DJ Koze, Jimpster, Joris Voorn, Maceo Plex, Acid Pauli and many more.
Michal: So far, so good.
What does it mean to be releasing it on a respected Berlin label like Poker Flat?
Michal: A lot!
Martin: It’s a pleasure, because Poker Flat has a really long history, and they’ve released so many good records and are still on fire. We are really happy to be a small part of the story now.
Who is the DJ you most enjoy seeing live—your own personal “DJ’s DJ”—and why?
Martin: It’s not easy to pick only one, but if I have to, I would say Laurent Garnier. He is always really inspiring, because he can play every style in a set, and the way he plays it totally makes sense. Not many DJs can do it like him.
Michal: Borrowed Identity! He makes the women dance. I like women; I like dancing.
Any upcoming gigs/US touring you’re excited about?
Martin: I’m really excited to play an Asia tour end of the year, and in January, I will get to South America. I hope I will also be back in the US soon.
Michal: Some little special events more into the ambient-ish direction.
What’s next for you?
Michal: Launching a naughty X-rated video for “Reflection” and enjoying the reactions.
Martin: I have two upcoming records on Brasil’s D.Edge-Club label, a new record with Brothers’ Vibe, a remix for Pablo Bolivar, my first Drumpoet Community with Quarion & Washerman remixes, a new Rotary Cocktail Rec. with two remixes by Timo Maas and Shinedoe, and some other projects to be announced soon. I include some of the upcoming stuff in my new podcast for Poker Flat .
Anything to add?
Martin: We have to go for a beer tonight! :-)
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