As Ideal Audio celebrates its fifth birthday, we put the label boss to the test with our quick-fire Q&A and discover the importance of mashed potatoes, gabba and coffee.
Why music?
Never asked myself. I only follow my path.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Stop at red light.
What inspires you?
Travelling.
What’s the next big thing?
Gabbahouse.
Best club experience?
Playing a twelve-hour set at Stammheim in Kassel.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
I just know it – it’s something you feel.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
I don’t think that way. I love playing tracks of other artists and they deserve the respect and fame for their ideas. I work hard to be satisfied with my own stuff.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
There is no easy way. You always have to work hard to be successful.
Which song do I wish I wrote? I don't think that way. I work hard to be satisfied with my own stuff.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Please don’t remind me.
Recommend us a film.
Recommend us a book.
KLF – The Manual (How To Have A Number One The Easy Way).
What or who is underrated?
Istanbul because this enigmatic melting pot deserves to be the next Berlin.
What or who is overrated?
Vegans.
What are you addicted to?
Mashed potatoes.
Istanbul deserves to be the next Berlin.
What is your greatest regret?
Life’s too short for regrets.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Rich creative experience – at the most.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Portishead – ‘Roads’.
Art or money?
No art without money.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
My studio’s never been to strange places.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
The development of sales for underground music and the music-for-free mentality.
Favourite label?
I have to say my own label, Ideal Audio.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Too much coffee and less sleep.
What’s your motto?
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Less is more – keep it simple while following your heart.
Oliver Huntemann presents 5ünf – Five Years Ideal Audio compilation is out now on Ideal Audio. Find Oliver on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.