As she gears up to play Below’s fifth birthday, ROB CHADWICK talks to the first lady of Harry Klein, Julietta
Julietta has become a stand-out DJ on the German music scene over the past few years, winning over fans at the likes of Panoramabar, Robert Johnson, and Cocoon, not to mention Munich’s Harry Klein where she became a resident in 2007. But this year she should really break through into the international scene, partly because of her excellent house and techno sets, but also due to the fact that last year she helped set up Harry Klein Records. And given the reputation this club has, we reckon the label side of things is going to fly. The debut release – a double A-side featuring Dario Zenker’s ’92 and Marco Zenker’s Think Twice – landed at the start of the year, and there’s loads more in the pipeline. We caught up with her to talk about the club, the label and her upcoming set for Birmingham bash Below…
How did you first find your way into house music?
I discovered acid house in the early ’90s while watching an English TV show called MTV Partyzone. I was so fascinated by this new kind of music that I recorded every single episode with my tape deck. I was a little bit too young to go to clubs, but a couple of years later I stumbled into one of Munich’s first house parties – just by coincidence – and I saw a DJ mixing two records together to create a new track. From that moment on I spent all my time at these parties and in record stores, always looking for some nice Chicago and Detroit tunes. Back then I didn’t really have any plans to become a DJ – I was just totally in love with the music.
What was the thinking behind starting the Harry Klein label last year?
At Harry Klein we have a collective of talented residents with a big passion for music. Some of them have been producing for many years now, so we had the idea of bringing all this potential together, no matter whether it is house or techno. Artists like Dario Zenker and Marco Zenker have already done a lot of releases on other labels, but kid.chic, for example, has just finished his first release ever. It’ll be a sweet dub house bomb, so watch out…
Any new artists on the label we should keep an eye open for?
There will definitely be some new artists on the label. But who they will be is still a secret…
The Below fifth birthday is just around the corner. Are you looking forward to playing there?
Absolutely! I played at Below’s forth birthday last year, which was one of my highlights of 2009 – I really mean it. So I can’t wait to come back. They do a very special party which is not like most other events. And the crew around Adam Shelton is so lovely – they have a real eye for detail which is important for a good party. And they always have an innovative line-up and – most important – an outstanding crowd. Last year I had so much fun that I didn’t want to go home. This time I’ve booked the last flight back…
How does the UK scene compare to Germany’s at the moment?
If you want to have a good party, the UK is definitely one of the best places at the moment. Many good labels are based there, the underground house scene is growing a lot, and you have lots of young talented upcoming artists. But if you prefer partying 24/7, then you’d better go to Berlin.
What does the summer hold for Julietta?
I honestly cannot wait for the opening of the new Harry Klein Club, which will be in the few next weeks. Harry Klein found a new base in the centre of Munich which is going to be awesome. So of course, I’m looking forward to playing there: new rooms, new sound system, new atmosphere – I’m almost counting the hours.
92/Think Twice is out now on Harry Klein Records. Visit www.myspace.com/lajulietta, www.harrykleinclub.de, www.myspace.com/harrykleinrecords. And you can hear Julietta playing out at Cocoon in Frankfurt at www.soundcloud.com/julietta/julietta-at-cocoon
Below’s fifth birthday – with Julietta and Matthias Tanzmann – is on June 5 at The Rainbow in Birmingham. Visit www.myspace.com/belowdaytime
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