How was 2018 for you?
Lars Behrenroth: It’s been a great year. I was able to play in a few places I haven’t been in years plus new ones like Tallinn, Estonia; Paris, France; Phoenix, Arizona; Alicante and Madrid in Spain on top of two outstanding tours all over South Africa.
Highlights?
I’ve also been celebrating 16 years of my radio show, Deeper Shades Of House, and the ten-year anniversary of my label, Deeper Shades Recordings. Before the year is over I will also premiere the first official music video for a release on my label, Amadlozi! Very excited about that one.
Lowlights?
It took me a while to get back the excitement to release on my label. Declining digital sales and most digital stores not caring about the majority of labels whose music they sell weren’t helping either. I was able to come up with a new concept though where I am able to have people pay what they feel is right for the releases and the response has been outstanding. So my motivation and excitement came back towards the second half of the year.
Song of the year?
This is always very hard for me. Well, I’m sure not only for me. There’s sooooooo much good music out there. Outstanding though is “Kiss Of Death” by Ruff Stuff, released on Berlin Bass Collective. I’ve been playing that pretty much at every one of my gigs.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I’m not a fan of resolutions. It feels a bit forced and usually gets abandoned quite quickly. Overall though I am planning to expand the merchandise section of my Deeper Shades brand and FINALLY start releasing vinyl.