Superb interview, this gentleman truly gets it. As a 45 year old DJ that came up in the NYC underground House Music scene I whole heatedly agree. Festivals and clubs have made the DJ’s the “Star” when the reality is the music, the journey and the emotions are the “Star”.
I would give ANYTHING to have seen the Underground Rave scene of the 80's / 90's --- it looked so much BETTER and higher QUALITY than the new Festival scene.
@@KentKaliber What happened then was people got off their asses and made something happen, because that was all we had. It was new, fresh, it barely had genres, it was just house & techno. I DJ'ed myself in the 90's, never self promoted, never had a face on a flier. I wasnt interested in mix tapes even. All that mattered was that moment in the club.
He nailed it perfectly, real djs must serve the sound, festivals often are made to make big money n glorify some ego, tomorrowland is only a circus, who cares to see flag from different nations, House, Techno is universal
Agreed a real set with a crowd that’s just there for the music and a dj that knows how to turn the chaos into magic it didn’t matter who u were everyone had somin in common the music
This is why I prefer the rave era of the late or mid 1980's - mid 2000's. Because they let the music do the talking along with the skills of the DJ. Both rave and club music then makes you want to dance.
Absolutely agree! John Digweed said: "If you're the biggest DJ in the world, you're in a position where you can play stuff that people don't know and blow people's minds, but if you just chose to play stuff they know just to get a reaction, that's just being lazy.There's no challenge there." "Now you could be the No. 1 DJ and everyone knows your records in your set from start to finish before you've gone onstage, so there's no surprise there,"
i remember that! so on point.. i always said something similar.. plus.. meritocracy and technocracy used to be one of the most cool things in electronic music.. and because of that i'm super thankful for that underground..
Yes, that's kind of a education for DJing in electrical music. 1. never play a track twice, to often. 2. play what people don't already know. 3. You need a good taste for some grooves, which are special. I was getting that from Sven Dohse one day. Whatever.
@@daniel223243as a DJ myself,you play a mixture of what people do know and don't know,people lose interest fairly quickly if your playing obscure tracks they've never heard,you need to lock them in and then keep them so they can discover new tracks as well as get the buzz from hearing something they know every few songs.iv played sets of absolutely killer unknown tracks that get no reaction but if you throw in a few tracks that do know to keep the vibe,everyone keeps dancing.at the end of the day the job of the DJ is to keep people dancing
Showed a DJ friend of mine with 23 years exeperience this video. They said that you are perhaps one of the few DJ's that fully GETS IT. I am so glad that I got into this music because of you (saw you and ben In SF few years back) Truly A DJ's DJ. Thank you Zack. Keep doing your thing. The real recognize. You inspire me.
Idk, I think lots of us get it, but the constitution of most people who get it is one that make us not want to engage in or compete with the current party scene.
As a 20 year old that just fell in love (and i think its for real) with club culture and electronic music this is such a crazy interview thank you so much for this
Hey, its been a yr! Checking in to see if youre still you being you 😉 i hope so. Be you, if ya grandma knits ya a hat, rock it! Be you and youll make whatever scene you dance with more vibrant and less bot like. Create more than you consume🎉
lol the Toronto "underground" scene is as commercialized & competitive as any other...from all accounts, MTL and Vancouver are much more grassroots and collaborative
Hola from Toronto team. Zak was here two weeks ago - would be great to have more options like these. We are definitely getting bigger names but feels like the audience is different
What an awesome interview and pretty much explains what i have thought about current music scene. Also the bit about dancing next to speakers is spot on. I used to go straight to the massive speaker and dance all night feeling the bass and hearing rhe crystal clear sounds coming out of it. It was an awesome experience. Would be good to know how his club night with no visual of dj, is doing and how sucessful it has been. I have been thiunking of doing a similar night here in sydney.
He is so right! That's one of the things that's turned me away from current parties. They make it so much about who's who, rather than freedom of this genre of music.
That's really my feeling in the last decade too. Does someone know Carlos Alkalina? That was my last time having a real pleasure clubbing weekend in terrible Berlin.
I've lived in berlin for more than 3 years, going clubbing 2-3 times per month. This guy is the best dj around. The way this guy is able to connect to such a broad audience is fuckn unbelievable...and he's not doing it by playing "well known crowd triggerin" tracks. He builds it, he's really experienced and the more you go clubbing the more you get it. He's the kind of guy who can gets you high just doing his job. Never cared about technique but if you go clubbing often at some point you start making yourself some questions and eventually understand how a fade should be how the volumes should be levelled between a song and another one. this guy is genuinely something GOoD! Best sets i've experienced in the last 3 years where made by him and Parrish Smith
I recommend sisyphos & berghain as well as watergate, these are amazing to experience at least once. Hidden gems like Club des visionaires (or Hoppetasse) and Point blank are also great imo..
@@zentek777 The best advice i can give you is to be open, be nice to people and just enjoy. There's no perfect club. you might also go to Saule...Is in the same building of berghain but a differente room (they won't be open at the same time)
It's difficult to get into Berghain depending on the bouncer and your crew. Me and my two buddies from America were denied so we went to a different club. Berghain is known as one of the hardest clubs to get into.
DVS1 played Berghain this past weekend and his ability is crazy. He was playing fun/danceable tracks and then launching right back into pure chaos as if he knew that’s what everybody wanted.
damn dvs1 i could listen to you all day. these 30 min felt so short.. you literally speak my mind, and i also learned some new perspectives. this was awesome - thank you
Zak, I am looking forward to hearing you tonight in Denver. I'd love to shake your hand sir, this and other interviews that you did are speaking the truth about the scene through the eyes and brain of an old school raver. We have so much in common when it comes to the opinions of the scene. Well done dude.
From my perspective, this interview perfectly shows the times we are living. Its time to move forward, it is high time we spoke out about what´s going on, no matter what if its about electronic music, our lives, politics, unfairnesses, etc. let´s all be the driving force for the generations to come!
I was lucky enough to play all sorts of venues back in the day (47 year old BTW), now I play at a bar (every few weeks) that can hold 40 people max and i love it. The punters appreciate a real vinyl set (not to disrespect other DJing methods). DVS1 is articulate and speaks with knowledge and passion.. Fantastic interview. Thanks for posting.
I’ve heard him once in London’s Cable club(which unfortunately closed permanently)during after hours, the sound system was so powerful that when he played his “Polyphonic Love” track, thought I could now literally die, the bass was soo rich and simple that it went through my body and like he mentioned on this interview, It shifted shapes inside of me. Really great experience I had. Huge respect for DVS1!!
thank you so much for this!!! I wish everyone could hear this. Im a dj in NYC and Miami and this is the words I needed to hear. I say this all the time about people judging and not knowing what they are talking about. Great interview! blessings
i truly wish DJs were hidden more often. i always prefer to dance close to the back of the crowd, where i have space to let my body go wild & really utilize the space. the whole trend/habit of people cramming up onto the DJ box without space to move is just so restrictive & limiting. once you limit your body you are limiting the experience. as Zak says, electronic music is body music. remove the sight or focal point of a DJ box & people would be there purely to experience the music. awesome wanna go to one of his parties!!
one reason I like to dj in front of the dj is because I want to show my appreciation to the music and really feel the experience of someone who understands how to make music. If the dj is bad though I prefer not to dance.
@@VittamarFasuthAkbin same I feel connected when I'm facing and can see the DJ playing. If I'm just dancing i can enjoy the music but it's not as good as I feel more connection when i can see the person playing the music
@@deanslife1 Me too, like our crew always tried to position itself near the DJ, and then i made rounds to see what the DJ was doing with the mixer and shit. But I understand what Zak is trying to do.
On top of being an absolute genius when it comes to the dynamics of sound, Zak is one of the nicest, most down to earth people you will ever meet. The mid 90's rave scene in Minneapolis was truly a magical place to be! Very proud to see him getting the recognition that he deserves. #612forlife.
Amazing interview, wonderful points made. Thank you! I just started getting into edm in the past few years, and I need people to watch this to understand my disappointment with the current trends. I've had to explain to people that there is a surrender necessary to have a full experience in this context, that you have to be willing to take the time to be brought to new areas of inner space. Art is a mutual thing, you get what you are willing to give.
Completely resonate with everything said... however at 15:50 when he says "...stop saying you're going to see the DJ, you're going to hear the DJ"... ironically he hit the nail on the head - the (sad imho) reality is that many people are in fact just going to "see the DJ" - opportunities for instagram, etc. The music being played is secondary...
In the early 90s I went to underground DJ events mostly at pubs (Adelaide SA) that were failing or had failed. No flashing lights, just brilliant music.
I always felt lost at massive events, like the vibe was completely missing opposed to being in a smaller venue with a group of people on the same mission as you. Easy to get lost in the idea that bigger is better when in fact a much more intimate experience leads to a deeper connection.
I have heard him playing twice, the first time was all night long party, beautiful experience. This is the kind of interview you will see within a few years and everyone will say "he knew it".
This is an incredible interview. The intimacy of they way it was back in the day was incredible. Raves in the South East were amazing back in the mid 90s.
love the experiment of taking the DJ's presence out of the dance experience... but I do appreciate the choice of either falling back on the dance floor and closing my eyes (for hours) - or seeking to connect to the DJ and their physical engagement. The body language of a DJ vibing with their own mixing and selection, how they anticipate their music, react to their music or react to the crowd is not necessarily taking away from my dancing. I don't dance in isolation. The dancefloor experience is about sharing moments, reactions and emotions - with other dancers, but also the artist. So much in DJing seems to be about reading and connecting with the crowd. Vice versa, and especially in long and more artistic sets, your presence allows me to understand where you're coming from, where you'll take things. Seeing the DJ's demeanor and body language can help establish the level of "trust" based on which I might follow the "left and right turns" blindly, in the end.
i totally agree. Thats why I prefer places with smaller, lower dj booths, not the big festival ones. I don't really need to see the dj all the time but I like the though of them being with me "on the dance floor"
As someone who has played in a small intimate setting with a huge sound system I can confirm that the music becomes the main point of the night. When I have attended huge festivals with large crowds and huge stages it changes the vibe, the most enjoyable experiences are when you are shoulder on an intimate dancefloor with less lights and visuals.
Lucid and thoughtful words from a true devotee to the art of the craft. No fame chasing here, just really really good advice and respect for quality music. Thank you.
I totally get what he says now. I went to my first "underground" party a couple months ago. Was convinced by a friend to go because he's a big fan of Baba Stiltz. I stepped in and the vibe was great. Just a crowd of around 100-200 dancing. For a moment I was worried I couldnt see the DJ but as the night progressed I grew to not care. I didnt even realize Baba didn't show up until 3 hours in. All the DJs had amazing back-to-back sets. I never knew I had so much energy to dance since I was awake the whole day(?). After that show, I just want to chase that feeling now. I'm slowly un-learning the commercial aspects of attending shows. I'm starting to see how much "seeing" people at festivals affected my relationship to the art they wanted to portray.
I totally have your back on this.. a passionate artist here from the Uk, Who wants to do everything for the scene and community over here.. so much truth here. this video is amazing for finding out who those passionate ones are around the world... Zak, as a fellow artist, producer and lover of the underground, I would love to meet you one day.. I could learn the world from you!
Thanks dvs1-san, I’m now addicted to make techno tracks on my laptop and holding some party in my local. I sometimes feel loneliness in local groups, they do not has passion or real motivation for purely music. And I’m planning to go out for music passion. I go for techno. I die for techno. Thanks.
I kind of agree with his take on club vs. festivals, but I think there's room for both. I've been to festivals like Dekmantel with around 30 000 attendees and love that I can see such a wide range of DJs and live acts during the course of three days. I also like when some acts put on big shows with lazers, strobs and other trippy visualz; you can rarely get that experience in a regular club. Having said that, most of the time I prefer to go to smaller clubs. Usually the sound is better and the DJ can play more intricate tracks, without losing details in the music. The balance between dance functionality and musicality is better. Also, I'm not 20 anymore and partying three days in a row is just too much for me.
True. Festivals like Timewarp are a unique experience. Amazing productions & educated crowd make it a proper festival. Others like Sunwaves & Exit festival are quality too
Major respect for the obvious love he has for the music and the scene. Doing it for the passion of the music is the only true reason to become a DJ. I'd love to know more about his experiences organizing a scene- I am currently trying to get a community together in Birmingham, AL centered around a love for house, deep house, and techno. I have a good bit of experience in organizing parties in Amsterdam, but the infrastructure and the commercial nature of doing events there is so different than the DIY experience I've had in Birmingham so far. I'm sure I could learn a thing or two from DVS1!
Thank you DVS1. I have only been listening to techno for about 4 years now but it really saddens me out to see techno changing so quickly here in Holland especially. However i still believe the core values are still for most people what gets their attention (the intense bass, special vibe, freedom to enjoy music as you like). I just hope we can keep the purity alive that's driven by passion for music and show more people to focus on the basics for a great party instead of being distracted by the 'sick' line-ups.
Go to Rotterdam rave. The real spirit still lives there, or if you feel like going for a longer drive, go to Kompass in Gent. Best warehouse/club experience you can get in Benelux
DVS1 I absolutely agree with everything you said in this video. I have been in this scene for the past 20 plus years as a DJ, promoter, and supporter of this culture. I equate the festivals now as no more than the modern day equivalent of an 1980's hair metal concert spectacle. That's fine if that's your thing, but that's not what got me into the music. It was the feeling of the music on massive well-tuned sound system and not knowing what or who was playing just as long as your mind and body were blown to another dimension in the process. (RIP K.F.) I live in Birmingham, Alabama and we have no underground music scene here. I gave it my best effort to make it happen during the 1990's to mid-2000's but now it's devoid of any underground substance musically speaking. Regardless of my place in life, or success (what little I have known) with this global scene, I'll keep my passion and love for house music...forever. They can try on the next fad or flavor of the month and like always, move on to the next. Kids want to go to festivals now. Can't blame them. I just won't join them. Now get off my lawn! Respect.
Good post!! Cannot beat the Underground scene. Great music always evolves and gets commercialised and in most cases, always for the worst. But there will always be Underground scenes, that are fresh and pure for us proper music heads!! We just let the art and creation of the music speak the loudest in little dark places, away from the bright lights and attention.
I just cant see why one wouldnt ve able to do the same thing at a festival though? I'm going to a festival (so I'm a bit biased I suppose) but I'm not going for the line up. I want to feel the bass on my body, share the experience with more people and feel a connection. I feel that there should be space for both. I feel like, just like there are people who like more intimate settings, theres people who Dont like that and rather have a more....open party I guess. Just a perspective. Personally, I feel like I can enjoy the music (yes, still without knowing the dj) even if it's at a bigger festival. The music doesnt change for me. Just the setting.
oh my gosh! Zak is such a clever human being... fortunately he's putting a great amount of common sense into the scene with his words. Pure wisdom, pure passion for the music...that´s it! Thank u so much!
He is very honest and wise as fuck about things. Very refreshing to hear a DJ who sticks to his roots and artistic credibility. No sell out and let the passion be the driving force!
Colloquially , I have a pocket full of things to say regarding this very raw & honest interview . Where does one begin ? How about this . . “ It was music to my ears “ upon hearing Zac's comments . . Respect to you for keeping it real. I am quite sure other passionate music lover , lover’s , producers & dj's like myself agree with the content of your interview. 26 years ago I can safely say most Dj’s were “ Marching to the same tune “ with “ Only one thing in mind “ . . And that was to creatively spin & actually mix records live with the intention of providing a soulful experience enhancing the journey for us all. Oh . . " How times have changed ". We're have the freaks gone . . ? After a working week going to a club or abandoned warehouse supporting your local talent was the thing to do. It was a release cut'n loose & bust'n out. Dj's were credited for reading the crowd adjusting their set's accordingly, taking you on that journey to cloud nine. I think the theme song for this interview should be . . “ Fat Boy Slim - Star 69 “. ^V^ P.L.U.R
Music Festivals are like a circus. Many acts and you have the clowns who try and make you laugh but cry within. Festivals are big money, less music and a cult to be seen at. The passion within DVS I flows because he passionately followed his dream, the vision of being yourself and let your music speak. Few can voice an opinion like he has, this man has a conviction and is proud of it. Cheers boy 👍👍👍 A DJ is a DJ when he can handle a club playing for 6 hours.....and tell a story.
@10:48 Man hes soooo right on what he is saying, underground techno IS Body music and that example he was talking about i think we have all experienced it, when you hear an amazing track for the first time at a party and then you go home and find the track and listen to it with your PC speakers or even headphones.....it aint the same, not bc of the sound but bc of how it FEELS. On point with that one DVS1, this was a tremendous interview, really great.
i can't stop pounding my heart cross arm with my fist when I hear this man speak! I need to reach out and have a conversation with this man! Body Music! Bass frequencies and water
When DVS1 talks about massive sound systems used in Midwest Raves I think of Woody McBride’s Wall of Sound, and The Jak sound system out of Scarsborough Ontario Richie Hawtin used for some of his classic Detroit Parties.
Excellent interview! DVS1 articulated his points and views on the topics discussed very well. His knowledge is vast and telling throughout. You know he truly lives the techno lifestyle and gives all around great insight when comparing clubs to festivals. He speaks his mind and knows what he want. A true legend.
He’s speaking a lot of truths . At 37 I still go to techno Gigs , festivals . Not as many as I would like to . But Sometimes when they 5,6,7 hours sets it can become stagnant . They play 2-3 hours and your attention is captured for the full set , you leave thinking wow . Each to their own at the end of the day 👍
This an insightful, amazing interview . I had the opportunity to go to a few (illegal “uncommercial” raves in the 90s.) - in the northeast USA and in England and Germany . I never knew where the dj was. it wasn’t my thing at the time, but I went with friends and definitely noticed a “feel”, and I wish I could go back becuse id appreciate it more . Here 30 years later it’s still not my “thing”, but I very much appreciate it- when it’s done well- and that feeling has stuck with me the whole time. I agree with his points regarding the whole experience . Seeing clips of these festivals on TH-cam has always made me feel just kinda sad that the magic is gone . I do think you have to be careful to not give in to the “I’m more punk than you” mentality . Still, agree with him that the two scenes are totally different and shouldn’t be blurred .
I'm only mid-way through the interview, but i can already say this is the best f***ing interview i've ever listened to. It's like i'm a younger clone of you, same ideas, same mindset, same visions. You my friend, are my new inspiration to push my music production even harder now. Zak , i hope i can meet you one day in person. Cheers
Superb interview, this gentleman truly gets it. As a 45 year old DJ that came up in the NYC underground House Music scene I whole heatedly agree. Festivals and clubs have made the DJ’s the “Star” when the reality is the music, the journey and the emotions are the “Star”.
I would give ANYTHING to have seen the Underground Rave scene of the 80's / 90's --- it looked so much BETTER and higher QUALITY than the new Festival scene.
@@KentKaliber What happened then was people got off their asses and made something happen, because that was all we had. It was new, fresh, it barely had genres, it was just house & techno. I DJ'ed myself in the 90's, never self promoted, never had a face on a flier. I wasnt interested in mix tapes even. All that mattered was that moment in the club.
Said that for a long time, it all started changing when the DJ moved out his wee dark corner.
@@KentKaliber it was ! unforgettable !
@@KentKaliber Check out Quadrant Park - 1990. the clips look totally amazing.
This man has some serious integrity. Thanks for the interview.
He nailed it perfectly, real djs must serve the sound, festivals often are made to make big money n glorify some ego, tomorrowland is only a circus, who cares to see flag from different nations, House, Techno is universal
Daccord! Eso es! Yes you nailed it! Nagel auf Kopf!
Who cares to see flags ... haha ... hilarious view ...rofl.
Lol “real Dj’s” “real artists” what a community of open hearts and minds 🙄
Agreed a real set with a crowd that’s just there for the music and a dj that knows how to turn the chaos into magic it didn’t matter who u were everyone had somin in common the music
Mate exactly my thoughts aswell. Eeverybody glorifying Tomorrowland but its nothing more than the 'songfestival' of festivals. Carnafalesque indeed.
I could listen to DVS1 talk for hours and hours. He's so keyed in and such a refreshing voice of reason.
Man, this resonates. The commercialization and idolization of DJ's has devolved most parties into cringe-fests...
This is why I prefer the rave era of the late or mid 1980's - mid 2000's. Because they let the music do the talking along with the skills of the DJ. Both rave and club music then makes you want to dance.
Great Video, very deep and thoughtful, I love it, wish more people could speak up and move culture in right direction.
I can listen to DVS1 talk for days, so inspiring
Absolutely agree! John Digweed said:
"If you're the biggest DJ in the world, you're in a position where you can play stuff that people don't know and blow people's minds, but if you just chose to play stuff they know just to get a reaction, that's just being lazy.There's no challenge there."
"Now you could be the No. 1 DJ and everyone knows your records in your set from start to finish before you've gone onstage, so there's no surprise there,"
i remember that!
so on point..
i always said something similar.. plus.. meritocracy and technocracy used to be one of the most cool things in electronic music.. and because of that i'm super thankful for that underground..
Yes, that's kind of a education for DJing in electrical music. 1. never play a track twice, to often. 2. play what people don't already know. 3. You need a good taste for some grooves, which are special. I was getting that from Sven Dohse one day. Whatever.
@@daniel223243as a DJ myself,you play a mixture of what people do know and don't know,people lose interest fairly quickly if your playing obscure tracks they've never heard,you need to lock them in and then keep them so they can discover new tracks as well as get the buzz from hearing something they know every few songs.iv played sets of absolutely killer unknown tracks that get no reaction but if you throw in a few tracks that do know to keep the vibe,everyone keeps dancing.at the end of the day the job of the DJ is to keep people dancing
There’s really nothing like dropping something that you know no one has heard. That gives you a feeling that you want them to feel too. ❤
Man I can listen him whole day whole night, Never get bored!
Showed a DJ friend of mine with 23 years exeperience this video. They said that you are perhaps one of the few DJ's that fully GETS IT.
I am so glad that I got into this music because of you (saw you and ben In SF few years back)
Truly A DJ's DJ.
Thank you Zack.
Keep doing your thing. The real recognize.
You inspire me.
Same, big up
This was a fantastic interview..
Idk, I think lots of us get it, but the constitution of most people who get it is one that make us not want to engage in or compete with the current party scene.
Pants down.
As a 20 year old that just fell in love (and i think its for real) with club culture and electronic music this is such a crazy interview thank you so much for this
Hey, its been a yr! Checking in to see if youre still you being you 😉 i hope so. Be you, if ya grandma knits ya a hat, rock it! Be you and youll make whatever scene you dance with more vibrant and less bot like. Create more than you consume🎉
@@Skunkhunt_42 cute!!
I'm so glad that the Toronto underground scene is still like this!!
lol the Toronto "underground" scene is as commercialized & competitive as any other...from all accounts, MTL and Vancouver are much more grassroots and collaborative
Much love from Toronto. There’s a lot of us out here making great, little spaces and smaller festivals. ❤❤❤
Hola from Toronto team. Zak was here two weeks ago - would be great to have more options like these. We are definitely getting bigger names but feels like the audience is different
Oh my, it's so amazing to hear someone talk your thoughts
DJing on a big stage absoutely sucks tbh. Give me a basement at eye level every time over a festival stage where everyone is 20 meters away
“Don’t do it for the success, do it because you love this music...one day it will get back to you” . His passion is pure.
he is moving with the beat from the beginning of the set to the end...
Seen you many times in Detroit, you are a true legend and I can't thank you enough for this inspirational talk.
What an awesome interview and pretty much explains what i have thought about current music scene. Also the bit about dancing next to speakers is spot on. I used to go straight to the massive speaker and dance all night feeling the bass and hearing rhe crystal clear sounds coming out of it. It was an awesome experience. Would be good to know how his club night with no visual of dj, is doing and how sucessful it has been. I have been thiunking of doing a similar night here in sydney.
He is so right! That's one of the things that's turned me away from current parties. They make it so much about who's who, rather than freedom of this genre of music.
That's really my feeling in the last decade too. Does someone know Carlos Alkalina? That was my last time having a real pleasure clubbing weekend in terrible Berlin.
I've lived in berlin for more than 3 years, going clubbing 2-3 times per month. This guy is the best dj around. The way this guy is able to connect to such a broad audience is fuckn unbelievable...and he's not doing it by playing "well known crowd triggerin" tracks. He builds it, he's really experienced and the more you go clubbing the more you get it. He's the kind of guy who can gets you high just doing his job. Never cared about technique but if you go clubbing often at some point you start making yourself some questions and eventually understand how a fade should be how the volumes should be levelled between a song and another one. this guy is genuinely something GOoD! Best sets i've experienced in the last 3 years where made by him and Parrish Smith
Any recommendations for a first time visit of Berlin? I am really into Techno, Dark Techno. I will be going for a 1 week trip in June :)
I recommend sisyphos & berghain as well as watergate, these are amazing to experience at least once.
Hidden gems like Club des visionaires (or Hoppetasse) and Point blank are also great imo..
@@zentek777 The best advice i can give you is to be open, be nice to people and just enjoy. There's no perfect club. you might also go to Saule...Is in the same building of berghain but a differente room (they won't be open at the same time)
It's difficult to get into Berghain depending on the bouncer and your crew. Me and my two buddies from America were denied so we went to a different club. Berghain is known as one of the hardest clubs to get into.
DVS1 played Berghain this past weekend and his ability is crazy. He was playing fun/danceable tracks and then launching right back into pure chaos as if he knew that’s what everybody wanted.
damn dvs1 i could listen to you all day. these 30 min felt so short.. you literally speak my mind, and i also learned some new perspectives. this was awesome - thank you
Legend explaining business techno
Zak, I am looking forward to hearing you tonight in Denver. I'd love to shake your hand sir, this and other interviews that you did are speaking the truth about the scene through the eyes and brain of an old school raver. We have so much in common when it comes to the opinions of the scene. Well done dude.
This is one of the best DJ interviews I've ever seen. It really, really makes me want to go hear him live.
its out of this world
Heared him twice @club118 barcelos who sadly closed few weeks ago
Would love to go back to one of this nights.
Do, he's an incredible DJ.
heard him 2 weeks ago, he's amazing
Much admiration and respect from Portugal 🙌
From my perspective, this interview perfectly shows the times we are living. Its time to move forward, it is high time we spoke out about what´s going on, no matter what if its about electronic music, our lives, politics, unfairnesses, etc.
let´s all be the driving force for the generations to come!
Dvs1 keeps it real.
The word underground used to exist really but now it’s gone. It’s just sad ….
great great interview. thanks for putting this out
This is honestly one of the best DJ interviews I’ve seen. I’m not even into Techno/House that much, but even I wanna go and see him DJ now! 😂
I was lucky enough to play all sorts of venues back in the day (47 year old BTW), now I play at a bar (every few weeks) that can hold 40 people max and i love it. The punters appreciate a real vinyl set (not to disrespect other DJing methods).
DVS1 is articulate and speaks with knowledge and passion..
Fantastic interview.
Thanks for posting.
I’ve heard him once in London’s Cable club(which unfortunately closed permanently)during after hours, the sound system was so powerful that when he played his “Polyphonic Love” track, thought I could now literally die, the bass was soo rich and simple that it went through my body and like he mentioned on this interview, It shifted shapes inside of me. Really great experience I had.
Huge respect for DVS1!!
thank you so much for this!!! I wish everyone could hear this. Im a dj in NYC and Miami and this is the words I needed to hear. I say this all the time about people judging and not knowing what they are talking about. Great interview! blessings
i truly wish DJs were hidden more often. i always prefer to dance close to the back of the crowd, where i have space to let my body go wild & really utilize the space. the whole trend/habit of people cramming up onto the DJ box without space to move is just so restrictive & limiting. once you limit your body you are limiting the experience. as Zak says, electronic music is body music. remove the sight or focal point of a DJ box & people would be there purely to experience the music. awesome wanna go to one of his parties!!
one reason I like to dj in front of the dj is because I want to show my appreciation to the music and really feel the experience of someone who understands how to make music. If the dj is bad though I prefer not to dance.
@@VittamarFasuthAkbin same I feel connected when I'm facing and can see the DJ playing. If I'm just dancing i can enjoy the music but it's not as good as I feel more connection when i can see the person playing the music
@@deanslife1 Me too, like our crew always tried to position itself near the DJ, and then i made rounds to see what the DJ was doing with the mixer and shit. But I understand what Zak is trying to do.
i wanna see more of his interviews 😿
such a great interview, such great knowledge. So much respect
On top of being an absolute genius when it comes to the dynamics of sound, Zak is one of the nicest, most down to earth people you will ever meet. The mid 90's rave scene in Minneapolis was truly a magical place to be! Very proud to see him getting the recognition that he deserves. #612forlife.
Amazing interview, wonderful points made. Thank you! I just started getting into edm in the past few years, and I need people to watch this to understand my disappointment with the current trends. I've had to explain to people that there is a surrender necessary to have a full experience in this context, that you have to be willing to take the time to be brought to new areas of inner space. Art is a mutual thing, you get what you are willing to give.
Completely resonate with everything said... however at 15:50 when he says "...stop saying you're going to see the DJ, you're going to hear the DJ"... ironically he hit the nail on the head - the (sad imho) reality is that many people are in fact just going to "see the DJ" - opportunities for instagram, etc. The music being played is secondary...
In the early 90s I went to underground DJ events mostly at pubs (Adelaide SA) that were failing or had failed. No flashing lights, just brilliant music.
Bro i am very glad to listen this. I am very happy and lucky.
I always felt lost at massive events, like the vibe was completely missing opposed to being in a smaller venue with a group of people on the same mission as you. Easy to get lost in the idea that bigger is better when in fact a much more intimate experience leads to a deeper connection.
Totally how I feel! I don't like big venues as you lose that vibe that small venues have
I have heard him playing twice, the first time was all night long party, beautiful experience. This is the kind of interview you will see within a few years and everyone will say "he knew it".
This is an incredible interview. The intimacy of they way it was back in the day was incredible. Raves in the South East were amazing back in the mid 90s.
love the experiment of taking the DJ's presence out of the dance experience... but I do appreciate the choice of either falling back on the dance floor and closing my eyes (for hours) - or seeking to connect to the DJ and their physical engagement. The body language of a DJ vibing with their own mixing and selection, how they anticipate their music, react to their music or react to the crowd is not necessarily taking away from my dancing. I don't dance in isolation. The dancefloor experience is about sharing moments, reactions and emotions - with other dancers, but also the artist. So much in DJing seems to be about reading and connecting with the crowd. Vice versa, and especially in long and more artistic sets, your presence allows me to understand where you're coming from, where you'll take things. Seeing the DJ's demeanor and body language can help establish the level of "trust" based on which I might follow the "left and right turns" blindly, in the end.
i totally agree. Thats why I prefer places with smaller, lower dj booths, not the big festival ones. I don't really need to see the dj all the time but I like the though of them being with me "on the dance floor"
As someone who has played in a small intimate setting with a huge sound system I can confirm that the music becomes the main point of the night.
When I have attended huge festivals with large crowds and huge stages it changes the vibe, the most enjoyable experiences are when you are shoulder on an intimate dancefloor with less lights and visuals.
Lucid and thoughtful words from a true devotee to the art of the craft. No fame chasing here, just really really good advice and respect for quality music. Thank you.
I totally get what he says now.
I went to my first "underground" party a couple months ago. Was convinced by a friend to go because he's a big fan of Baba Stiltz. I stepped in and the vibe was great. Just a crowd of around 100-200 dancing. For a moment I was worried I couldnt see the DJ but as the night progressed I grew to not care. I didnt even realize Baba didn't show up until 3 hours in. All the DJs had amazing back-to-back sets. I never knew I had so much energy to dance since I was awake the whole day(?).
After that show, I just want to chase that feeling now. I'm slowly un-learning the commercial aspects of attending shows. I'm starting to see how much "seeing" people at festivals affected my relationship to the art they wanted to portray.
eccies
interesting to read an american pov. in Europe, this is not the same.
Welcome to the scene!!! Enjoy
This was inspiring, both as an electronic music enthusiast and as a person trying to build a (non music related) career. Thanks!
I totally have your back on this.. a passionate artist here from the Uk, Who wants to do everything for the scene and community over here.. so much truth here. this video is amazing for finding out who those passionate ones are around the world... Zak, as a fellow artist, producer and lover of the underground, I would love to meet you one day.. I could learn the world from you!
Couldn't have put it better bro!
Thanks dvs1-san, I’m now addicted to make techno tracks on my laptop and holding some party in my local. I sometimes feel loneliness in local groups, they do not has passion or real motivation for purely music. And I’m planning to go out for music passion. I go for techno. I die for techno. Thanks.
Amazing interview. Right to the point.
HE IS NAILING IT LIKE IT IS !!
So true ! so honest! This is the most amazing interview i ve ever seen ! 🖤🖤🖤🖤
I kind of agree with his take on club vs. festivals, but I think there's room for both. I've been to festivals like Dekmantel with around 30 000 attendees and love that I can see such a wide range of DJs and live acts during the course of three days. I also like when some acts put on big shows with lazers, strobs and other trippy visualz; you can rarely get that experience in a regular club. Having said that, most of the time I prefer to go to smaller clubs. Usually the sound is better and the DJ can play more intricate tracks, without losing details in the music. The balance between dance functionality and musicality is better. Also, I'm not 20 anymore and partying three days in a row is just too much for me.
True. Festivals like Timewarp are a unique experience. Amazing productions & educated crowd make it a proper festival. Others like Sunwaves & Exit festival are quality too
i agree about festivals. but in an underground club i like when the dj is part of the party and transmit that vibe.
this guy is real, he sounds humble, I like him.
Major respect for the obvious love he has for the music and the scene. Doing it for the passion of the music is the only true reason to become a DJ. I'd love to know more about his experiences organizing a scene- I am currently trying to get a community together in Birmingham, AL centered around a love for house, deep house, and techno. I have a good bit of experience in organizing parties in Amsterdam, but the infrastructure and the commercial nature of doing events there is so different than the DIY experience I've had in Birmingham so far. I'm sure I could learn a thing or two from DVS1!
Good advice, not just for music but for life
as a whole. Great video, and very inspiring.
Thank you DVS1. I have only been listening to techno for about 4 years now but it really saddens me out to see techno changing so quickly here in Holland especially. However i still believe the core values are still for most people what gets their attention (the intense bass, special vibe, freedom to enjoy music as you like). I just hope we can keep the purity alive that's driven by passion for music and show more people to focus on the basics for a great party instead of being distracted by the 'sick' line-ups.
Go to Rotterdam rave. The real spirit still lives there, or if you feel like going for a longer drive, go to Kompass in Gent. Best warehouse/club experience you can get in Benelux
DVS1 I absolutely agree with everything you said in this video.
I have been in this scene for the past 20 plus years as a DJ, promoter, and supporter of this culture. I equate the festivals now as no more than the modern day equivalent of an 1980's hair metal concert spectacle.
That's fine if that's your thing, but that's not what got me into the music. It was the feeling of the music on massive well-tuned sound system and not knowing what or who was playing just as long as your mind and body were blown to another dimension in the process. (RIP K.F.)
I live in Birmingham, Alabama and we have no underground music scene here. I gave it my best effort to make it happen during the 1990's to mid-2000's but now it's devoid of any underground substance musically speaking.
Regardless of my place in life, or success (what little I have known) with this global scene, I'll keep my passion and love for house music...forever.
They can try on the next fad or flavor of the month and like always, move on to the next.
Kids want to go to festivals now. Can't blame them. I just won't join them.
Now get off my lawn!
Respect.
Good post!! Cannot beat the Underground scene. Great music always evolves and gets commercialised and in most cases, always for the worst. But there will always be Underground scenes, that are fresh and pure for us proper music heads!! We just let the art and creation of the music speak the loudest in little dark places, away from the bright lights and attention.
I just cant see why one wouldnt ve able to do the same thing at a festival though? I'm going to a festival (so I'm a bit biased I suppose) but I'm not going for the line up. I want to feel the bass on my body, share the experience with more people and feel a connection. I feel that there should be space for both. I feel like, just like there are people who like more intimate settings, theres people who Dont like that and rather have a more....open party I guess. Just a perspective. Personally, I feel like I can enjoy the music (yes, still without knowing the dj) even if it's at a bigger festival. The music doesnt change for me. Just the setting.
Amen to that! @@benji.B-side
I hear you man. You and I come from two different perspectives on vibe is all. Respect.@@paupau93
Cool to see other perspectives though! Respect :)
Cymatics is the term he was searching for. Great talk--so much this.
oh my gosh! Zak is such a clever human being... fortunately he's putting a great amount of common sense into the scene with his words. Pure wisdom, pure passion for the music...that´s it! Thank u so much!
He is very honest and wise as fuck about things. Very refreshing to hear a DJ who sticks to his roots and artistic credibility. No sell out and let the passion be the driving force!
Wonderful.. Five thumbs-up
Sound to Shape = Cymatics. Great interview!
what great interview.. i always dive back to it..
Vital vinyl and The Quest were my goto to find out about the warehouse parties n loft afters at first
The Quest. Oh yea
Tadros and MrBlaq ftw
This guy nailed it!
💯 agree with everything especially about how big festivals encourage/promote the lowest common denominator-ifacation of the music.
Much respect and love for underground dance music culture world-wide, then, now and always. Know your roots, then get back to them.
Colloquially , I have a pocket full of things to say regarding this very raw & honest interview . Where does one begin ? How about this . . “ It was music to my ears “ upon hearing Zac's comments . . Respect to you for keeping it real. I am quite sure other passionate music lover , lover’s , producers & dj's like myself agree with the content of your interview. 26 years ago I can safely say most Dj’s were “ Marching to the same tune “ with “ Only one thing in mind “ . . And that was to creatively spin & actually mix records live with the intention of providing a soulful experience enhancing the journey for us all. Oh . . " How times have changed ". We're have the freaks gone . . ? After a working week going to a club or abandoned warehouse supporting your local talent was the thing to do. It was a release cut'n loose & bust'n out. Dj's were credited for reading the crowd adjusting their set's accordingly, taking you on that journey to cloud nine.
I think the theme song for this interview should be . . “ Fat Boy Slim - Star 69 “. ^V^ P.L.U.R
What an amazing person with great values.
Yes!!!! I have mad respect for this dude.
Music Festivals are like a circus. Many acts and you have the clowns who try and make you laugh but cry within.
Festivals are big money, less music and a cult to be seen at.
The passion within DVS I flows because he passionately followed his dream, the vision of being yourself and let your music speak.
Few can voice an opinion like he has, this man has a conviction and is proud of it.
Cheers boy 👍👍👍
A DJ is a DJ when he can handle a club playing for 6 hours.....and tell a story.
You Sir, are a breath of fresh air. Thank you .
Love the devious one!
Big up brother!!!!! Couldn’t have said any of this better!
@10:48 Man hes soooo right on what he is saying, underground techno IS Body music and that example he was talking about i think we have all experienced it, when you hear an amazing track for the first time at a party and then you go home and find the track and listen to it with your PC speakers or even headphones.....it aint the same, not bc of the sound but bc of how it FEELS. On point with that one DVS1, this was a tremendous interview, really great.
i can't stop pounding my heart cross arm with my fist when I hear this man speak! I need to reach out and have a conversation with this man! Body Music!
Bass frequencies and water
When DVS1 talks about massive sound systems used in Midwest Raves I think of Woody McBride’s Wall of Sound, and The Jak sound system out of Scarsborough Ontario Richie Hawtin used for some of his classic Detroit Parties.
Very good interview with wise words! Thank you!
DVS1 one of the coolest most stand up guys!
So true...miss the early days of underground techno so much ! nice artist ..
Top interview with a top artist!
Very nice. Inspiring. And in your face interview.
Such a good perspective on modern dance music "consumption" Needs more views, spread it out!
Excellent interview! DVS1 articulated his points and views on the topics discussed very well. His knowledge is vast and telling throughout. You know he truly lives the techno lifestyle and gives all around great insight when comparing clubs to festivals. He speaks his mind and knows what he want. A true legend.
That was spot on!!!! Tks for the wise words Zak. Peace
So much truth to what he is saying about the culture.
thank you for speaking so pure out of your soul, that resonated big time with me.
He’s speaking a lot of truths . At 37 I still go to techno Gigs , festivals . Not as many as I would like to . But Sometimes when they 5,6,7 hours sets it can become stagnant . They play 2-3 hours and your attention is captured for the full set , you leave thinking wow . Each to their own at the end of the day 👍
This an insightful, amazing interview . I had the opportunity to go to a few (illegal “uncommercial” raves in the 90s.) - in the northeast USA and in England and Germany . I never knew where the dj was. it wasn’t my thing at the time, but I went with friends and definitely noticed a “feel”, and I wish I could go back becuse id appreciate it more . Here 30 years later it’s still not my “thing”, but I very much appreciate it- when it’s done well- and that feeling has stuck with me the whole time.
I agree with his points regarding the whole experience . Seeing clips of these festivals on TH-cam has always made me feel just kinda sad that the magic is gone .
I do think you have to be careful to not give in to the “I’m more punk than you” mentality . Still, agree with him that the two scenes are totally different and shouldn’t be blurred .
Exellent explanation and vision.
Hiding the DJ is everything. I wish this was done waaaay more!
Jason Osunkoya fabric room 2 does that
was normal in chicago in the golden age. people came for the music.
@@organic79 and I love room two the most (room 3 is great also if you know the guys playing)
Jason Osunkoya it’s such a mystery and refreshing!
respect to el jefe !!! speaking nuttin but truth , much love man thank u
I'm only mid-way through the interview, but i can already say this is the best f***ing interview i've ever listened to. It's like i'm a younger clone of you, same ideas, same mindset, same visions. You my friend, are my new inspiration to push my music production even harder now. Zak , i hope i can meet you one day in person. Cheers
Legend! great works master
Very important messages and courageously expressed. Respect.
Respect from Chicago
incredibly articulated. real shit.
Authentic, talented and humble. We desperately need more of this.
This guy gets it!, and he’s a killer DJ to boot. He sets the vibe and takes you on a journey.