Image credit: Klaus Pichler
Pioneers of their craft, Austrian techno band Elektro Guzzi are worth getting to know, whether it’s by the music they create to the members (Bernhard Hammer, Jakob Schneidewind and Bernhard Breuer) behind it. Their music is progressive and driven, with an unmistakable energy infused into each creation. The real kicker here is that it’s all created with the instruments (and passion) of a rock band.
Stream ‘Prototyp’ on Spotify – iTunes
The trio have also announced the release of their upcoming EP, Triangle for March next year, promising for more revolutionary goodness coming our way. For now, ‘Prototyp’, their newly dropped single, is more than getting the job done and providing some sonic goodness for our headphones. Join us as we learn more about the band and their inner workings in the exclusive interview below.
What are your earliest memories of techno music?
As a band
Tell us about some of the struggles you’ve faced and overcome while creating techno music with traditional “rock” instruments.
I remember when we first played some concerts in Japan in small venues, we went to a big techno club in Tokyo after our show. We were wondering if we will ever create such a huge and at the same moment clean sound with our instruments. So from that moment on, we concentrated on that. It´s still a challenge but after playing in such clubs later we were very happy that it is possible.
Tell us more about how your latest release was conceived and created.
In the past, we had many different approaches to creating a new album, like composing and having concrete tracks before we go into the studio. This time we wanted to capture the pure energy which we also create live on stage. So we met in the studio without prepared material to record different tracks which are created in the moment of playing together. After that, we just mixed the tracks without overdubs or any cuts.
What are the key pieces of gear or software that you are using when producing music?
Each one of us uses many effect pedals like Distortion, Reverb and Delays. On the drums, we try to mix the acoustic sound with the Norddrum Modul. Besides the effects, we experiment a lot with preparing the instruments.
What is your favourite part of the creative/production process?
The moment when every one of us is happy with the studio set up and the sound in his headphones and then to press record and just follow the flow.
What is the most memorable response you’ve had to your music?
The most intense reactions happen during live concerts. One of the best was moments was at the Mutek Festival in Montreal where we had a great slot and people were dancing from the first second of our live set which got really magic.
You’ve recently begun touring again, with several performances lined up all the way into 2022. What is your favourite part of returning to the stage?
We love to play in clubs when a DJ did a good job before us and people are already dancing. If we enter the stage we can really lose ourselves and create energetic techno music in the moment. We are really looking forward to doing that again.
Outside of music, where do you draw inspiration from?
That’s a difficult question because you can´t always tell why you are inspired and where it comes from. But in general, it´s all different kinds of arts like books, paintings, films…..
What is your favourite subgenre of techno music and why?
I would say we like all forms of techno that have an experimental approach. This could be Industrial/Noise to Minimal/Dub but also old school house music
Tell us about your upcoming releases or projects
The next album called “TRIANGLE” will be released on March 18th 2022. This will be the main focus for 2022 and it will be followed by a tour in spring and summer. After that, we are planning a release with string orchestra.
What’s your favourite song from the upcoming LP? Which track shouldn’t listener’s sleep on?
At the moment, I would say the first single ‘prototyp’ for which we also did a video. But in general, the album should work as a whole because that´s also how it was recorded.
One last thought to leave your fans with?
Hope to see you at our next concert to dance together.
Follow Elektro Guzzi:
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
