Recently selected as one of Tomorrowland’s ‘Future 4’ artists, and debuting on Purified Records with Fading, German artist and producer Frank Klassen has spent every moment of 2022 dedicated to his craft. Fusing raw instrumentals with house and techno sensibilities, he has become one of the scene’s most intriguing talents. Reflecting on his most prolific year to-date, Frank puts his own unique spin on Alar & Atlantis’ Agony in his stirring official remix and we caught up with him to chat about the release and lots more.
Hi Frank! Welcome to Only Techno! How are you today and where are we speaking to you from?
Hey guys! Thanks for having me. I’m writing this while I’m sitting in my studio in Germany.
As we are in the final month of 2022, can you tell us some of your highlights this past year?
This year was one of the most decisive years in my music career until now…
I think having a Beatport Top 10 Chart Song, being able to perform at some of the most legendary clubs and festivals in the world (like Pacha Ibiza, Ushuaia Ibiza, Parookaville Germany, etc.), and got chosen as one of the “Future Four” by the Tomorrowland Radio is for me just emotional.
We love the way you incorporate the live cello into your productions. How did you get into the music scene and when did you start to combine these elements?
Happy to hear you like it 🙂 Well I started off playing cello when I was a little boy by the age of 5 but was only taught classical music. After 10 years of studying this music I had a break, but picked it up after a couple of years. Now I’ve been in the music industry for about 6 years and producing my own songs for the last 3 years.
How do you find inspiration for creating new music?
Sometimes looking out of the window while listening to music. Sometimes by just sitting down and seeing what comes to my mind. But also by listening to a lot of music.
Congratulations on your upcoming remix of Alar & Atlantis’ ‘Agony’. How did it come about and what was your approach to putting your own spin on it?
Thank you 🙂 Well the ZEHN Records label owner Marko from Tube & Berger asked me if I would be up for doing a remix. When I heard that song I had a feeling that it could be something special. Basically I just used the vocal stems and put them into a whole new arrangement. For me the groove in the drop but also the break are so special as I tried to put in as many emotions and energy as possible. Recorded live acoustic cello and approached this remix in many different ways.
What do you have planned over the next few months? Are you working on any big projects you can discuss?
I have some last shows this year in Austria and Portugal and I’m in the middle of songwriting sessions. I think 2023 will be really exciting and I’m looking forward to sharing my energy and love through art!
What are some of the places you have yet to play, and are hoping to soon?
I’d love to play in America. From south to north…
What advice do you have for up-and-coming producers looking to get into the scene?
Be you. Try out different things and learn as much as you can 🙂 Ah – and never give up 😉
If you could put on your own full-scale event, where would it be, who would be on the lineup and what would be the signature drink on the menu?
That’s a cool question haha… So the festival would be in the middle of nowhere on a huge mountain where you also can view the sea behind the stage. That would be the stage with artists playing like Rüfüs Du Sol, Keinemusik, Monolink, Tinlicker, Ben Böhmer, 2wei, Worakls, Jordan Arts, Two Lanes, but in the night we are switching to more harder sound for example Akki, Will Sparks, Kaspar, HI-LO and many more. Perhaps two or more stages would be better to have all these great artists here haha…
What would you like to change about the music industry?
More together instead of against each other…
Any final words for our Only Techno community?
Trust the energy, it never lies 🙂 Cheers FK
Follow Frank Klassen on Instagram.
Pre-save remix HERE.