MODESELEKTOR

DJs and producers Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary, aka MODESELEKTOR, really need no introduction at this point. Since the early 2000s, the duo has been a defining force in the Berlin techno scene, deeply rooted in the East Berlin area of the 2000s until they—through tireless touring—established themselves as a globally successful act. Along the way, Bronsert and Szary also founded their label “Monkeytown Records,” which quickly became a creative cornerstone of the Modeselektor universe, not only releasing Modeselektor’s music but also providing a home for acts across various genres.

It quickly becomes clear that Modeselektor’s core has always been friendship and openness—as well as an eclectic approach to electronic music. IDM, hip hop, UK bass, breaks, house, and ambient were all familiar territory to MODESELEKTOR, resulting in a diverse and consistently exciting body of work. Not to mention, of course, numerous collaborations with international producers,
musicians, and—once again—friends. For example, Thom Yorke of Radiohead appeared twice on their album “Monkeytown.” Modeselektor has also collaborated with Thommy Cash, Flohio, Siriusmo, Blixa Bargeld, Iggor Cavalera, Catnapp, Otto Von Schirach, Paul St. Hilaire, Omar Souleyman, Anti Pop Consortium, Miss Platnum, and many more.

Szary and Bronsert are inseparable, and so over the years there hasn’t been a single side project in which the two haven’t made music together. But then came Moderat—the project with their best friend Sascha Ring, aka Apparat. Moderat also opened up a whole new world for Modeselektor: sold-out concerts, a project that established itself as a band in its own right, and one that almost magically blended melancholy, grandeur, excess, and modesty.

And then what?

Sascha Ring continues to work as Apparat, and Modeselektor need a well-deserved break. As a sort of research project. Gathering ideas and reflecting to answer that one recurring question: What to do? The duo decides to return to their roots. To their beginnings. On K7! Modeselektor releases their contribution to the highly acclaimed DJ Kicks series. After all, DJing was where it all began for Modeselektor. While working on the DJ Kicks compilation, Modeselektor was able to reconnect with their music and experience a “back to the roots” feeling that sets the course for everything to come.

With “Classics Vol. 01” (MTR139 – CV1), Modeselektor are releasing a special edition that functions like a musical résumé. It’s no coincidence that CV stands for Curriculum Vitae. Szary and Gernot originally intended to re-record old tracks from their first
two albums, “Hello Mom!” and “Happy Birthday!” But what began as a reconstruction almost entirely transformed into something new: a fresh collection of tracks that captures the spirit of their early releases without simply copying them. The duo looks back while creating the future. “KILL BILL Vol. 4,” “Tetrispack,” “Black Block,” “Suckerpin,” “Ziq Zaq,” “EM Ocean,” and “Edgar” served as source material; they were taken apart and reassembled countless times, reinterpreted, and then, in most cases, used only as abstract inspiration. The result is a retrospective that has broken free. A bold experiment, a failed attempt in the very best
sense.

“Classics Vol. 01” builds an unexpected bridge between the past and the future, encapsulating everything that defines Modeselektor: curiosity, chaos, humor, and an unwavering need to continually draw something new from their own history. But one thing is clear: more music is finally being released again on their own label, Monkeytown... And what better way to celebrate this return to roots, this new creative surge, and this burst of energy than with live shows!

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍