Denis Rodd

2017 Rewind: Denis Rodd

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Denis Rodd

How was 2017 for you?
Denis Rodd: Really great, because my own label [Cochlea Music] started, with the first two releases in April and November. Unforgettable year!

Highlights?
My first two releases ever as a producer [on my label] and see how they are received by the people, DJs and media. More important, health in all my family and friends!

Lowlights?
Some political statements and seeing how many countries are thriving in populist ideas. Personally, at the end of some days, after doing so much (managing the label, making music, working) these moments make me a bit pessimistic. But the next day, after sleeping, I am again fresh. It takes a lot of work to have a label, more than I thought, but it feels amazing the most of the times!

Song of the year?
Really difficult to say only one! Let’s say Objekt’s “Theme from Q” (Objekt #4 EP, white label series).

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To make more and better music and release it; improve many small details of the label; send some new music to other labels; make small steps and keep constant with the music and label like I did this year … and to stop smoking!

@Denis Rodd

Denis Rodd 5 Tracks of the Moment

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Denis_Rodd

Last month we introduced you to Berlin-based DJ/producer Denis Rodd. The proprietor of Cochlea Music, Rodd’s expansive sound explores house and techno.

In April Rodd dropped his excellent Embryo EP, a strong release espousing his tech-house manifesto, and we were extremely pleased to world premiere his glistening track “Crisalida.”

As we await future releases from Rodd and his imprint, we asked him to share five tracks that are currently rocking his musical world. Continue Reading →

Premiere: Denis Rodd – Crisalida

Darren Ressler 1 Comment

Denis Rodd Embryo EP Cochlea Music

Berlin-based producer Denis Rodd is exploring the axis where house and techno meet. He’s about to add to the musical conversation with his stunning Embryo EP due out April 7 on his Cochlea Music label. The EP is a deep, cinematic offering of meditative tech-house with elegant dollops of funk, funk and more funk.

We’re extremely pleased to world premiere opening cut “Crisalida,” a smoldering production informed by analog synths and head-nodding groove. Read on to learn how Rodd came to realize the track, and hit the play button below.

I did all the drums in the drum machine Analog Rytm. It’s great to tweak very deep and to have all the control of every beat and how to arrange them together, from kick drum until hi-hats. The idea is always to do funky and groovy drums, as I understand that funky is at the roots of the dance music and great to dance to.

Then I recorded everything in the box with Ableton Live, and I added a bassline which fits with the drums. Many of the sounds are samples or loops which I edited later to have its own character and to make them fit in the track, rhythmically and musically. I also used the analog synth Analog 4 connected to my master keyboard to play it by myself instead of triggering or sequencing it and again recorded in the box.

Of course I use classical effects (reverb, delays, and so on), but one I really like is the NI Molekular, which is a modular multi-effects unit, perfect to get this kind of happy accidents by making music and which helped to me to get this musical breaks in the track.