INTERVIEW: Henning Baer
The Grounded Theory boss returns to Australia for the first time since 2016…
Following a jam-packed 2019 touring schedule that’s already taken him down the eastern USA coastline, across Europe and Asia, Henning Baer is finally returning to Australia for the first time since 2016. Of late he has become a flag bearer for progressive, no-holds-barred techno, his meticulous sound a hallmark of an artist with the highest of standards.
His record label MANHIGH has become a legitimate home for those seeking techno with a bite (check our recent feature on the label here). And to top it all off, he recently enlisted the help of industry heavyweights Helena Hauff and Tham & Stranger to celebrate 10-years of his Grounded Theory night. Yes, Henning Baer is a busy man. On the eve of his return, we spoke to the underground mainstay about Tresor, his Grounded Theory label, Revolver and more…
1. This isn’t your first time playing down in Australia, as a DJ what are some of the differences you notice playing back home in Berlin vs playing for crowds here?
Indeed it is my second time down in Australia. I am very excited to return this year. Honestly, most of the scenes differ from my home scene, as almost everything is different from Berlin. Especially closing times make a huge difference in how you experience a party I think. In general, it’s different for me to notice differences because I focus on making people dance and enjoy themselves and normally this is what all scene have in common: the desire to have a good time!
2. You’re going to be playing at Revs, one of Melbourne’s best-known clubs. Have you heard about it before, and do you have any expectations so far?
Oh sure I did hear about Revs. A friend of mine said when I told her that I’m going to play there: OH GOOD OLD REVS! I’m spending a few days in Bali after China last week and I met an older couple and when we spoke about what I am going to do in Melbourne even they knew Revs… So expectations are high. You better bring it on! ;))
3. It seems you have developed quite a following and name with the Grounded Theory parties and working as a booking agency. When other people think of Grounded Theory is there anything that you would like it to be known for?
First of all Grounded Theory is an event series my friend Micha Baldé and I run for 10 years in Berlin. We started back then at Arena Club. Moved to the legendary Stattbad Wedding after three years (unfortunately the officials closed it down on the day of one of our events). These days we call Tresor our home. Every lineup is curated with a lot of attention to the details. We are focussed on achieving gender balance and background diversity on our lineups. Another important aspect is our flyer artworks. Each is carefully selected to match with the lineup.
4. With your GT parties at Tresor is there a unique sound and/or atmosphere you try and create?
We are focussing on all spectrums within our genre. Old-school acts sound as well as contemporary artists. It’s the mix that makes it special. The Tresor environment adds its own uniqueness to it.
5. Do you have any favorite GT parties? Why were they memorable?
A few years back I referred to the first party with Ben Klock as the most memorable. That one happened back at Arena Club but as many years and parties have passed so I could name a few actually. I could fill a book, to be honest…
6. Are you working on anything exciting for Grounded Theory, or personally, at the moment that you would like to share?
I am a person that needs to check-in on my own situation every now and then. ‘Where am I, who am I, and am I happy?’ I think I am in one of theses phases where I am trying to adjust myself to myself, if that makes sense. I reflect deeply into myself and try to figure out where I am at right now. Self-care is important as well as new and refreshing input.
7. Are there any specific people or styles that you would recommend to other fans to listen to that are currently coming out of Berlin?
I am a big fan of the new wave of artists that recently emerged, not only from Berlin. The list is long, DM for info…
8. With techno increasing in popularity is there any advice that you would give to those trying to get started? Such as people trying to start their own parties or even trying to start to DJ and produce on their own?
I’d tell them: Do it with passion, be focussed, don’t expect anything and take nothing for granted.
