Berlin-based DJ/producer DLV will kick-start his new label venture, Misguided on April 12th with ‘Untold Secrets’. The 4-track EP includes newcomer KTK on the credits and presents an auspicious new dawn for DLV seeing him move into a new musical direction, shifting his style from his previous work. Misguided rebels against mainstream trends, a vision to have a label that embraces diversity and creative freedom. Breakbeat, techno, house, it will be a home for all.
DLV has been on a fast track towards techno prominence ever since the release of his acclaimed Rave Instructor EP. His industrious work ethic has gained him recognition from scene torchbearers such as Amelie Lens, Dax J, and Kobosil. KTK, a female with Greek heritage is based in Berlin, where she carefully crafts narrative into her sets.
The EP’s title track, ‘Untold Secrets’ bolsters syncopated percussion atop a creaking, yawning underbelly of bass and boasts a “blink and you’ll miss it” like energy that surges through each beat. ‘Flamma Magica’ dials up the g-force even more – a theme that remains constant throughout – accelerating the melody through a cosmic mist of rumbling low end into a breathless crescendo of “bass!” – as per the vox effect.
“Basic Instinct” rolls back on the trance influences that crept in on the first half of EP to make way for staccato stabs, densely packed drums, and wintery synth blasts. ‘Beam Of Light’ rides a superlunary techno highline that never veers too far off its chosen course, making for a solid display of DLV’s production prowess to close a matchless inaugural release for a potentially boundary-pushing label.
KTK to DLV
What other musical genres do you listen to besides techno and how did that influence our EP’s direction?
Besides techno, I listen to a wide variety of different genres, but what I’m mostly into at the moment are dubby and housey genres. My love for hip-hop never dies, but my playlist contains a lot of atmospheric and broken-beat stuff.
You can clearly hear these influences in the sound design approach, which contains a lot of atmospheric, glitchy, and organic sounds that are put together in a context that creates something clearly unique.
Considering your recent shift in sound direction as both a DJ and producer, how has this evolution unfolded and how would you describe it?
This evolution unfolded from a deep feeling of disconnection with the current hard techno scene. If you’ve been following me for some time, you would know that I was known for a relentless and very driving type of sound. However, at some point, hard techno became something I couldn’t align with my vision anymore. Instead of compromising my authenticity by following the trend to keep up with the scene, I decided to take a turn and devoted myself to exploring other spheres of techno. And therein lies its beauty: techno is such a rich genre that you can really dive deep and explore endless variations. So, I was looking for something that was closer to the essence of the techno I deeply feel connected to.
Who are your greatest inspirations as artists and what specifically about them has influenced you the most?
My view on how I perceive inspirations has shifted dramatically in the past few years. In the beginning, I was influenced by the music and performance of certain artists. Now, I’m more into feeling connected to their artistic intention. Therefore, I am influenced by artists from different fields. But speaking of music generally, I really like what Fabian Mazur and Mario Veraci are doing.
What are the five key values that define you as an artist?
I’m very curious and open-minded. I crave authenticity and seek connection through art. Dedication, resilience, and empathy are also integral to my artistic identity.
Considering this was our first collaboration, was there anything unexpected or surprising about working with me?
Considering the fact that you’re still very fresh in the producing world, I was really surprised by how much love you were putting into the details that really added to the whole vibe of the EP. Working with you felt effortless and very natural. I can’t wait for our next collaboration.
Questions: DLV to KTK
What aspect of our collaborative production process for this project did you find most rewarding, and what valuable insights did you gain from it?
The collaborative production process for this project was incredibly rewarding for me, especially considering my relatively new status in the production world. I gained valuable insights that will support me in the future, as I’m currently working on my debut solo EP. Learning fundamental aspects such as where to commence when starting a new track, key focuses in the different stages, and techniques to maintain organization and focus, as it sometimes can get overwhelming when the inspiration is flowing. The rapid pace of the process allowed for immediate idea capture and transformation into sound, which was fulfilling. Additionally, our communication was exceptional, with a clear understanding between us that facilitated our respective roles and enabled a seamless creative flow.
In what ways do you believe our shared DJ experiences influenced the creative direction we took with our music?
Our shared DJ experiences significantly influenced the creative direction we took with our music. As our sound may vary, we share a common approach on the dancefloor – to move the mind, body, and soul, creating a collective energy that takes the audience on a journey through time, space, and sound. This same ethos guided our track creation process, resulting in tunes that are catchy, bouncy, dreamy, and powerful. They resonate well on the dance floor, immediately capturing everyone’s attention and bringing them into the present moment. In a world consumed by thoughts of the past or future or distracted by screens, there’s nothing more valuable than immersing the conscious mind in the eternal now. <3
If we could hit the reset button, what specific changes would you envision making to our work, and what drives those choices?
I strongly believe in the concept that everything unfolds for a purpose and happens for a reason. Even if given the chance, I wouldn’t change a single detail, as I’m more than happy with the outcome of the EP. It represents a harmonious blend of both of us, incorporating our different perspectives and energies into a seamless symbiosis. Any deviation in the process would have led to a different result, which, in my opinion, would have been tragic Hehehe.
What sets our EP apart from others in its genre, in your opinion?
Let’s consider that the entire EP defies categorization within a specific genre. It surrounds a myriad of influences and elements from various subgenres, resulting in a wholly original and fresh creation that sidesteps classification. It pushes the boundaries of what we already know, a fact that fills me with pride. Each listener interprets it uniquely, reflecting its richness and different facets, which is truly beautiful.
If our musical partnership were likened to a famous duo or band, which one do you think reflects our dynamic, and why?
That’s a challenging question because no duo or band quite matches the energy we generate when we’re together. We’re both highly energetic individuals, but when we unite, it’s like igniting a nuclear reactor; I can’t think of any other duo that reflects that same intensity. However, if I had to make a comparison, it would likely be a fusion of Neo and Trinity, Aristotle and Alexander the Great, Bonnie and Clyde & Romeo and Juliet.
