Terminal V Podcast 019 || Marcel Fengler

Berlin has long been regarded as one of the capital cities of techno and Berghain could be seen as the home stadium of the genre in Europe. If this analogy is accurate then Marcel Fengler would be one of the midfield playmakers. One of the first Berghain residents to ply his trade there since 2005 Marcel has crafted a career above reproach by being a truly versatile artist.

Marcel is the real deal. His uncompromising DJ sets have long been stamped into the history books of Berlin techno and the fact that his first ever release was on Berghain’s in-house label Ostgut Ton really should tell you all you need to know. The unassuming German is most definitely not known for resting on his laurels and made the decision to focus on his already established imprint Index Marcel Fengler.

It is this constant reinvention and re-imagination that keeps him at the top of his game and we are blessed to present an exclusive mix from the man himself. Since the mid 90’s Marcel Fengler has been blazing a trail and you can trace his dedication his craft in this very mix.

 

 

How are things on Planet Fengler at the moment?

Hey guys, basically I’m really doing fine, thank you. Although it’s been a very strange year for all of us and so it was quite challenging for me too. Spend a lot of time in the studio and was working on several projects.

The last 12 months have been tough for the music industry, how have you been processing things?

At the end I´ve got the time to rethink future planning and how to move forward as an artists as well as with my label IMF. Nevertheless I got the chance to focus on projects that under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have time for. So there are some interesting collaborations coming up where I was able to combine my music with fashion or sports.

Has the last year influenced your music direction at all?

Even though I´m not touring you´re digging a lot of music in terms of delivering mixes for several podcast and streaming platforms. This still requires a lot of hours listing to music where I also discovered a lot of young very talented artists who will be also releasing on my label later down the year.

Techno has gone through a lot of changes at the moment, what is your take on the genre at the moment?

Changes are mostly a good thing and a positive impulse to move things forward. Although I´ve got the feeling there´s a quite big roll back on trancy music from the 90´s that is not really my cup of tea at all.

Any changes for the good?

Well, at least I noticed that the groove and funk is still out there and coming back in DJ sets and productions more and more. Appreciating that!

Moving on to your own label Index Marcel Fengler. Tell us about where the label is now?

After the big 3 parts compilation in 2019 it was definitely quite on my label. But some really amazing releases are planned this year that includes also a new EP of mine. On top of it all my label turns 10 at the end of the year. That will be celebrated with a proper compilation released on double vinyl. So you´ll find some familiar artists names who released on IMF already and will deliver amazing new music. Furthermore there will be some new rising artists and I’m proud that could sign some of my favourite producers.

Thank you, M x

 

Interview by  Stu Todd