Till von Sein

The Berlin producer on ice cream lust, shoe addiction and why money’s more important than art.

Why music?

Because I love it. There is nothing else I love more in this world. You could leave me naked on a lonely island, as soon as certain songs pop up I’m the happiest guy around.

If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?

Run an agency and taking care of artists and their bookings, etc. Oh wait, I’m doing that already… So maybe I would run a shop and sell kicks and clothes.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A teacher once told me to “just forget it, you will never make it in this lifetime”… Thanks again, bro!

What inspires you?

Music, my friends, sports, clothes, movies, travelling.

What’s the next big thing?

The next big thing will be Germany winning the World Cup in Brazil 2014! So far no European team won a World Cup outside of Europe, so it’s about time for us to break with that.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

I once worked for a close friend of our family who is a gardener. He fired me on the first day after I told him he should maybe do certain things in a different way to save time and power.

How do you know when a track’s finished?

I don’t. Maybe I’m just too lazy to spend more time on it, but when there’s a deadline… Afterwards I always regret it when I hear the track again, but, well… c’est la vie.

The next big thing will be Germany winning the World Cup in Brazil.

When did you realise you could give up your day job?

I still have a day job and I’m more than happy about it. I don’t think I will ever quit it.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

The Pharcyde – ‘Runnin’. Well, Dilla made the beat which is of course a classic and the second verse by Slimkid Tre just nailed it for me, when I was 18 – and still when I hear it now I’m the loudest one rapping along to it.

What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?

I regret sampling a Tribe Called Quest and Erykah Badu on ‘Ovas’, which I did on Dirt Crew Recordings back in 2009. Catz ‘n Dogz did an amazing remix, which was a big hit back then, but still, hearing those samples now I could punch myself in the face.

Recommend us a book.

Der Klang der Familie by Sven von Thuelen and Felix Denk, a book about the history of techno and clubbing in Berlin during the 90s. As I wasn’t part of that scene 20 years ago it’s a great journey into the past for me.

What or who is underrated?

Andre Lodemann. I never saw him DJing, but as a producer he is one of my faves. He always surprises me and puts more ideas into a song than most people do on a whole EP.

What are you addicted to?

My girl might say shoes. That might be the only thing I really spend money on. I’m wondering if it will ever stop or if I’ll end up like Imelda Marcos.

What do you lust over?

Ice cream. Even during long cold winter days I have to sneak out late at night to my lil’ corner joint or gas station to get ice cream. It can be everything from Ben & Jerry’s to Snickers or home-made Italian ice cream, as long as it’s frozen.

What one thing would most improve your life?

More time.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?

I guess there were a few where I didn’t get my vibe on and just sucked.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?

Rich creative experience – always! I love to work with other peeps and to learn from them.

What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?

Ableton. I do all my music in Ableton, so without it I’m lost.

Art or money?

Money. Art doesn’t pay for my rent, my food and my new Jordans…

Strangest place you ever wrote a track?

At Costa in Beirut, Lebanon. It was so hot outside and the AC in the hotel I was staying in at the time didn’t work so I had to run to the nearest coffee joint just to be able to breathe. That was also my first and last ice latte experience.

What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?

Dealing with people who are not in it because of music itself, but who are only seeing it as a career opportunity.

Art or money? Money. Art doesn't pay for my rent, my food and my new Jordans…

Favourite label?

Keinemusik. I’m always impressed by the way the guys handle their business. Everybody wants to be in a ‘crew’ today, but these guys are really a crew/family and I guess we will never see someone else except them release on that label.

What’s your motto?

Just do it.

Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?

“Nicht verzagen, krueger fragen…” So, better work on your German now, fellaz 🙂

Till von Sein’s Da Beach Bum EP is out now on Suol. Find him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.