ICYMI: The Singular Sound Of Stephan Bodzin And Herzblut
ANY SON OF AN EXPERIMENTAL MUSICIAN GROWING UP AMONGST MODULAR SYNTHESIZERS RATHER THAN THE USUAL TOY TRAINs, IS probably A SHOE-IN TO BECOME A MUSICAL PRODIGY…
The son in this equation is none other than your late night favourite Stephan Bodzin; the man who has become synonymous with evolving and emotive global techno, and the timeless bald-head/black frames combination.
Born in Bremen in Northwest Germany, Stephan started his career working as a theatre composer’s assistant. From here, he owes his ticket into the underground world of techno to one sir Oliver Huntemann. With a strong knowledge of analogue hardware, classical composition/sound engineering, and a penchant for ambient, experimental music, Bodzin was already set for success.
Although there was a 7-year gap between his first studio album ‘Liebe Ist’ and his last album ‘Power Of Ten’, Bodzin maintains a level of continuity within his work which includes showcasing the diversity and complexity that can be woven into electronic music. Even though he has released on labels such as Systematic and Life And Death, the German-born musician seems to favour releasing most of his work through his own Herzblut Recordings. With releases from the likes of Marc Romboy, Maceo Plex, Shall Ocin, Pan-Pot and Extrawelt, Hertzblut is definitely one of this decade’s more defining European record labels.
To commemorate the decades of deliciousness that Stephan Bodzin and the Herzblut family have gifted us, let’s take a look at three of their most iconic releases thus far…
SUPERFLU - ‘BRINK’
The work of German pair Superflu and their 2008 EP ‘Brink’ released on Herzblut records are reminiscent of an early Stephan Bodzin. The duo who credits Bodzin for being a massive influence on their creations has produced a jittery disjointed masterpiece in this two track EP. The use of real-world percussion overlaid with various synthesisers that peak and swell with perfect synchronicity, prove that Superflu belongs within the Herzblut family.
TRAUMER - ‘TAKT’
Similarly, the 10 track sonic monument ‘Takt’ erected by French electronic producer Traumer in 2014 is within the realm of the quintessential Herzblut Record sound. Inclusive of all the record label's key elements, such as tension-building soundscapes and distorted drum patterns, Traumer brings the temp down a notch, sitting around 100bpm for a majority of the album while still forcing listeners to hit the dance floor in droves.
LUNA SEMARA - ‘YUL BRYNNER’
Arguably the most exciting recent release on the Bremen-born label is the work of none other than Luna Semara, the French-born, African-raised producer, who has not only become a regular to appear on the Herzblut label but who also works quite closely and collaboratively with Stephan Bodzin. Her 2018 EP ‘Yul Brynner’ exhibits her love and fascination with analogue synthesis and creating a natural soundscape using artificial sound, painting a dark and brooding narrative that has the potential to one day match and surpass the work of her mentor, Stephan Bodzin.
Words by Marli Grosskopf
