Interview with Rockster

Rockster: Like you already said, it is a very energetic name. So I guess that’s why my music fit’s perfect to the name… Honestly, back in the days when I started DJing at birthday partys or little privat clubs the crowd always told me “Man - you really rock the party”. After I heard that like a hundred times I decided to choose my name because of that. But I’m not a Rockstar. So I took the E instead of the A and created a new name. That’s the true story behind the name “Rockster”.

EDM Nightlife: In your most recent single feat. Paul Cless titled “How I Feel”, your portray yourself as a child once the “party starts”. Tell us how the idea of becoming a child manifested..

Rockster: I think there is a little child in everyone of us. But we’re getting older and have our daily routine. So I think a great party night is the best way to let out this hidden child… So we (me and my label) decided to create a story with me and Paul Cless as little kids. For my opinion it’s a funny image and not the typical dance/pop video entertainment.

Rockster: It was a huge shoot. We shot in Frankfurt and organized all the equipment, the actors, the spots and sets by ourselves. Paul Cless came from hamburg (which is on the other end of the country), the director (Steve Glashier) came from london and I arrived at 6 in the morning (shooting day 1) from France where I played a show. We had a three day shoot. And it all went very well, except that we had no time to sleep. Every single day we shot 14-18 hours. We shot at a club, in the redlight district in Frankfurt and at a poker spot. It was very cold. So especially the outdoor rooftop studio scenes weren’t very comfortable. But we made it… The two boys (Luc & Leonard) were great. They did an awesome job. Almost every scene was a “one shot” - like big professionals.

Rockster: It helps definitely. Today you’re able to produce music with software instruments and the right plug ins. So nowadays you only need a computer, headphones and maybe a midi keyboard to realize your ideas. Really important is the experience and the musical know how. That’s what makes a producer an original and your productions your specific sound.

EDM Nightlife: What kind of gear did you use to produce “How I Feel”? Did you go with the inboard gear or outboard gear approach? What do you think the difference is?

Rockster: Back in the days I produced a lot of songs with outboard gear. Today I just use it for vocal and guitar recordings. The sound of outboard gear is just “warmer” and “nicer” - not so clean. How I Feel is basicly produced with inboard gear (except the vocals). It’s more easy to handle. But I recognized that I need some external gear for the mastering. The results are much more better.

To name someone who’s alive it would be Justin Timberlake. For my opinion one of the most talented musicians on this planet. He always has his own sound and individual style. Thats why he’s going straight to the top with everything he does. So Justin if you read this — HOLLA AT ME —

EDM Nightlife: We’re in the US enjoying the new-found EDM culture coming to the top.. Where do you see electronic dance music heading in the next 5 years?

Rockster: EDM is a global phenomenon… It’s great that it finally arrived at the U.S. market. There’s no place on earth where the shows are greater, the stages are bigger and the crowd wants to be entertained more than in the U.S.A. Also it’s a great way to collaborate between Europe and America. It opens a lot of doors. 5 years are a long time in the music industry. But I think the next big markets now and in the future are the united states, Mexico, asia especially China and Russia.

Rockster: Right now the big guys like Paul van Dyk and Markus Schulz. But mostly I don’t get my input from other EDM producers. I have my eyes and ears everywhere and try to let inspire me from all different kinds of music to create my own “EDM Sound”.

Rockster: Definitely raves and clubs. Nothing compares to the love and energy that a huge crowd can give you. That’s the reason why I’m doing this. To share my emotions, my music and my love with the crowd is one of the greatest things in the world.

Rockster: I just shot the video to my second single in Los Angeles two weeks ago. I’m already looking forward to release the follow up song. We had such a great time over there and worked with a great team, so I’m very excited. You can expect the “Rockster Sound”… I’m working on my album with talented songwriters and singers from all over the world. So I hope the U.S. market is ready for some fresh upcoming Rockster songs…

EDM Nightlife: Rockster, thank you so much for the great response! Is there anything else you would like to add to this article?

Rockster: Thanks for having me… like I said - I had such a great time in California. So I can’t wait to come back to the states and play some live gigs. Until then I’m working on new songs to reach more people out there and try to make them listen to my music.