For two decades, Lauer has been a vital force in the Frankfurt and Offenbach dance music ecosystem. A longtime staple at the legendary club Robert Johnson, his signature sound is heavily shaped by 80s influences, driving house music, and an unapologetic love for hardware.
Now, he is teaming up with Brooklyn-based imprint Melodize the label run by lawyer, musician, producer and Dj Beartrax for his latest EP, “K1m Fantasy”, which is available on vinyl and digitally (grab it here). Affectionately dubbed a “studio brontosaurus”, Lauer proves that sometimes the best sounds come from trusty, older gear – like the Kawai K1m module that inspired the EP’s title, and his ever-present Oberheim Matrix 1000.
We caught up with the seasoned producer to discuss the new release, how he navigates the endless sea of digital promos, his surprisingly practical use for AI, and the hilariously honest advice he would give himself after 20 years in the game.
What is the inspiration behind “K1m Fantasy”? And for the uninitiated, what – or who – is a “K1m Fantasy”?
Well, tbh finding titles or names for stuff is not always the easiest part of the process. But since some main sounds on those for tracks came from my very cool looking Kawai K1m modul.. I just had to add Fantasy.
How did the collaboration with Beartrax and the Brooklyn-based Melodize come about?
I’ve known Ehsan for a while now and have done some remixes on Melodize, so doing a full EP was kind of a logic next step .
You’ve been called a “studio brontosaurus” because of your love for gear. What is one piece of equipment that has remained a “must-have” for your signature sound throughout the years?
I actually once had a label called Brontosaurus! Using older (not neccessarily expensive) hardware digital or analog has always been a part of how I make music.. I’d have to say my Oberheim Matrix 1000 with a Stereoping controller is something like that for me – it’s on everything I guess ; )
Having been a fixture in the Frankfurt/Offenbach scene and at Robert Johnson for so many years, how do you feel is has shaped your personal production and DJ style?
I went to Robert Johnson a lot and the boss Ata played a huge part in shaping my taste in dance music..iwith heavy influence from 80s music and House…
In an era of endless digital promos, how do you personally find those “hidden gems” for your sets? Do you still have a specific ritual for discovering music?
I listen to a lot of music all the time and when something pops out I’ll try to hunt it down.. I also follow a lot of artists and labels on Bandcamp, which helps to stay updated with what they put out. And I receive a lot of promos – I’m trying to check those too… Sometimes Instagram is a good starting point to investigate stuff…Somebody using music for a post can send me down a rabbit hole..
If you could go back to the Lauer of 2006, what is the one piece of advice you’d give him about surviving – and thriving – for 20 years in the music industry?
Maybe: Be 70-75 % less moronic and more appreciative in general. something like that..
What is the most common mistake you see young producers making today?
None. Young producers are doing great! Don’t make the mistake of not doing your thing!
In light of recent industry shifts like Bandcamp’s ban on AI-generated music, how do you feel about the rise of AI tools in the studio? Can a machine ever replicate the “human feeling” of a melody?
I’m not sure if that’s ever possible…So far I haven’t seen that happen. It’s close but never 100% – when it comes to “generating” original ideas. I do use AI though. I make it read all those manuals of my synths and explain stuff to me.. It rocks!
How do you see the future of electronic music evolving?
I guess the eternal carousel of genres will keep on spinning … For recorded music in general i hope this fiasco of how streaming services operate will be fixed.
Besides the Melodize release, what else is coming up in the Lauer world?
There are 2 more EPs coming on Altered Circuits and XXX and I’m currently working on a new album …Plus remixes and touring of course!
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