"I don’t have to feel bad to produce melancholic music": David August Interview

Jasmine Phull listens as Germany's David August shines a light on his recently carved but solidly built dance music career.

'It must be a surreal experience to watch the greats play events such as Ministry of Sound, only to stand in the same booth a mere 7 years later' I query. Germany’s David August only nods in accordance. It’s a nod that speaks volumes. 

With less than a quarter of a century under his belt the now Berlin-based DJ and producer tips his hat to fellow musical compatriot Solomun, who’s inevitably helped August find his direction in the dance music scene. Listening to old disco music as well as classical music, the 21-year-old finds inspiration most noteworthy when it originates from experiences completely detached from the music scene. 

David August - Diynamic Radioshow - October 2011 by davidaugust

You were based in Hamburg but just recently moved to Berlin. What does the city give to you and your music?

I moved to Berlin a couple of months ago. I really enjoy my life here. The creative atmosphere is maybe more inspiring than in Hamburg.

If you could uproot what country would most advantage your music output?

I’ve just been to Asia for vacation, and the stay over there was a big boost for my mind. I accumulated so many ideas, because you are not confronted with anything which has to do with electronic music. So the culture was most significant for that. But well, this is just a tale of a vacation; I don’t know which country could give me the most output. Maybe Germany is still number one.

You have also worked with producer Solomun. He’s even been described as your mentor. What draws you to him and what do you learn from him?

Well, I didn’t really work with him on tracks. He always gives me good advice, which leads me to make the right decisions - in the musical way as well as in the social way.

The Internet has played a big part in the revolution of the music world; can you imagine something else, as influential as the Internet, appearing in the future?

I can’t think what will be next but honestly, I think we are all very thankful for the comfortable things the Internet has brought to us.

Is your music emotionally inspired? Do you avidly seek mentally challenging situations in order to feel and in turn create music?

I don’t have to feel bad to produce melancholic music. There are already different moods in my mind that I try to translate into music.

Is there anything defining from your youth that shaped where you’re at today? When was the moment you knew this was the life you would lead?

Definitely when I had my first piano lesson and also the fact that I still practice it. Without that education I wouldn’t be where I am.

The one piece of advice you’d give the you starting out?

Keep your feet on the ground. No famous person is better than any other.

Is there another genre of music that influences your own productions?

Yes, classical music.

Are your remixes as personal as your original creations or do you always feel slightly detached when working on something somebody else has already created?

It really depends on the track. Sometimes it touches me and I feel like I can put my personal input into the remix.

How important is it for an artist to not only DJ but also produce music?

It helps you to develop your creativity. Being a DJ means, being an entertainer in a way and it also means to respond to the people that are listening to you. When you produce music you have no borders and you are totally on your own. But it’s difficult to explain it in English.

Last song you listened to?

Superfunk – Lucky Star.

First artist you listened to?

Pink Floyd.

Interview by: Jasmine Phull

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