Tensnake: There is NOT a German disco revival

Marco Niemerski, better known as Tensnake, is the highlight of this Thursday’s Adventures In The Beetroot Field. Easter Bank Holiday Weekend wouldn’t be the same without Fabric’s indoor, one-night-only festival, and with the German king of disco-tinged techno at the helm, 2011′s is set to be the best one yet. Marco took some time to talk to Kara Simsek about secret collaborations, where his samples come from, and how he’s looking forward to showing London there’s more to him than ‘Coma Cat’.

Notion: What can people expect from your set at Fabric?
Tensnake: It will be a colourful mix of disco, boogie and house. I’m very excited! I will play a 1 hour live set stuffed with my own tracks, remixes and edits. I am very excited about the Fabric show as I get the chance to reach a lot of people with my music and also to show more of my stuff to people who are maybe only familiar with ‘Coma Cat’.

Notion: Most DJs in London last year focused on some of your signature tracks and remixes like Congolal, Coma Cat, and his Goldfrapp remix. However, I think In The End (I want you to Cry) is one of your best. It’s a strange name for a track, where did it come from – is it an old sample or does it actually have some meaning to you?
Tensnake: Thanks! The breakdown is based on vocal sample from a 1982 boogie track but the original lyrics are different. After I cut the sample and put it together again, I thought the lyrics sounded like ‘In The End (I Want You To Cry)’. I also think the angry note of the title fits the energy of the track.

Notion: Are there any UK artists you would like to collaborate with?
Tensnake: Yes quite a few. I am in touch with some people regarding an album collaboration, but do not want to spoil the fun here.

Notion: Your sound is more disco than techno – which is what most UK people associate with German electronic artists – is that something to do with being based in Hamburg?
Tensnake: No I don’t think so. Apart from the fact that a couple of friends are into the sound as well I don’t think Disco is very much related to my hometown. Hamburg has a great tradition when it comes to guitar music, but I would say Munich has much more contributed to the Disco era than Hamburg in the past. I hope I am not wrong here!

Notion: How does Hamburg differ to Berlin in terms of vibe, creativity and nightlife?
Tensnake: I would say it is a bit quieter and less hectic than Berlin. I find it easier to focus on work if there is less distraction. There is so much stuff going on in Berlin every weekend. But I would say Hamburg has a nice little scene as well. We got labels like Dial, DIY or Liebe Detail which have an amazing output over years. Unfortunately I have not had the time to go out much in Hamburg lately.

Notion: Who are your biggest influences?
Tensnake: I do not have musical idols but I do get inspired by a lot of people everyday. there is so much stuff to discover.

Notion: Is there a disco-revolution going on in Germany that we aren’t aware of?
Tensnake: No no no!

Notion: When did your love affair with disco begin?
Tensnake: I think I was maybe around 9 years old when I discovered the record collection of my older brother. it was a massive archive of all the beautiful early and mid 80s boogie sound. I fell in love especially with the bass sound of that era. Unfortunately my brother sold all his records when he was moving years later. And even worse: it was not me who bought them.

Gutted!

AITBF, Fabric, April 21st. See http://www.fabriclondon.com/ for more info and tickets

Look out for the Tensnake Live + limited edition set that’s being released via Vinyl Factory in May.