Train Wrecks ft. Dustin Zahn

DJ Qu joins us this week as he promotes his new album, Conjure. The highly credible producer started off over 10 years ago with fellow NY producers such as Jus Ed, Fred P, Levon Vincent, and Anthony Parasole. Since then, he has released a number of EPs and two albums. As Qu explains, his unique sound comes from his background as a professional dancer rather than coming up as a traditional clubber. As a DJ, he is regularly playing across Europe and he also does a monthly show on NTS Radio. DJ Qu on Facebook Check out snippets from DJ Qu’s new album: Show Links: Jaydee – Plastic Dreams Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Ryan Elliot is a “DJ’s DJ” who seems to ride the line between house and techno with relative ease. Recently, the Panorama Bar resident released his second mix CD for the Fabric series. The Fabric mix acts as more of a techno-influenced successor to his widely received Panorama Bar compilation which came out two years earlier. In this episode, Dustin chats about Ryan’s process for his compilations and how he chooses the tracks for them. He explains why he’ll never stick to just house or techno. The two also go into detail about what makes mixes a bit less disposable and how to ask for a gig or a record deal without being a total jack ass.   Ryan Elliott in Techno mode: Ryan Elliott in House mode: Ryan Elliott on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

UK Techno legend Steve Bicknell is our guest this week as he stops by to chat about his past, present, and future. Along with his partner Sheree Rashit, he was responsible for inspiring an entire generation of UK clubbers with their legendary LOST parties in London. He’s also responsible for Cosmic Records which has rich discography of his productions along with the likes of Oliver Ho, Phase, Surgeon, and Robert Hood. As he explains during his chat with Dustin, he decided to take a break about 10 years ago in order to spend more time with his family. A few years ago, Steve popped up on the radar again with a remix for Plastikman. He quickly followed with a few releases on his dormant Cosmic Records imprint, some guest appearances on Ostgut Ton, and remixes for the likes of Terrence Fixmer and Dustin Zahn himself. Steve also goes into detail about his revived love for techno and what lies on the horizon. Steve Bicknell on Facebook Steve Bicknell at Radiate Bookings Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Photo by Marie Staggat Kyle Geiger co-hosts this week as we sit down Jon Hester to chat about his forthcoming summer releases. We also speak to Kyle Geiger about his recent gigs in Detroit during the Movement Festival. The three also discuss Berlin and what other options exist for techno newcomers who are looking for a life change along with a healthy dose of techno. Jon Hester may not be a name you’ve heard of, but his story started nearly a couple decades ago. He grew up with the same Minneapolis scene as Dustin Zahn and DVS1. He made his start as a DJ and party promoter before eventually moving to Europe. After establishing himself firmly in Berlin, he started clocking in the studio hours which would eventually lead him to today. With some older releases under his belt dating back as far as 2009, his first new EP in 3 years is about to drop on the Berlin-based record label, Dystopian. The record is already being played by the likes of Rodhad, Radio Slave, Tale of Us, and Zahn himself. As Jon explains, the tracks also caught the attention of Tale of Us. The duo asked him for material for their new label and Ibiza event series entitled “Afterlife,” which sees one original track from Jon Hester and an appearance set for later this summer on the white island. Topics/things discussed on the show: Movement Festival (Detroit, MI) Dystopian Records Afterlife Recordings and Events YAFO Restaurant (Berlin) MP2015 Rotary Mixer by Rane Artist Links: Jon Hester on Facebook Kyle Geiger on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Cosmin TRG is at the table this week, with the return of Truncate on co-hosting duties for this episode! Cosmin TRG started off in the bass/dubstep scenes about 10 years ago, but has spent the last 5 or so years in the techno realm. Aside from his own new Fizic imprint, he has previously released material on techno labels like 50 Weapons and Running Back. He also enjoys long walks on the beach and poetry. Truncate likes beer and techno. It’s always good to have him on the show! He stopped in to have a drink and catch up with us. He has a new record coming this summer on Truncate along with a small handful of remixes. Tune in to find out more. Topics/things discussed on the show: Eventide H9 Effects Pedal Vinyl (TV Series) The Large Hadron Collider   ARTIST Links: Cosmin TRG / FIZIC on Bandcamp Truncate on Bandcamp Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Cosmin TRG is at the table this week, with the return of Truncate on co-hosting duties for this episode! Cosmin TRG started off in the bass/dubstep scenes about 10 years ago, but has spent the last 5 or so years in the techno realm. Aside from his own new Fizic imprint, he has previously released material on techno labels like 50 Weapons and Running Back. He also enjoys long walks on the beach and poetry.   Truncate likes beer and techno. It’s always good to have him on the show! He stopped in to have a drink and catch up with us. He has a new record coming this summer on Truncate along with a small handful of remixes. Tune in to find out more. Topics/things discussed on the show: Autechre “Tri Repetae” – Zahn’s favorite track from the classic Autechre album. ACS Custom Ear Plugs – get yo ears protected! George Foreman Grill – embrace mediocrity! Shamwow Guy ARTIST Links: Cosmin TRG / FIZIC on Bandcamp Truncate on Bandcamp Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Midwest favorite ‘Derek Plaslaiko’ stops by to discuss his love of Dinty Moore Beef Stew on this episode of Train Wrecks. The DJ Veteran also discusses his early days in Detroit all the way up to his recent days in Berlin. He has a new record available this week on Bunker NY entitled ‘Exile on Sesame Straße‘, his first solo release in 6 years. Catch him soon on a small tour in the United States followed by European dates this summer at festivals such as Dimensions and Dekmantel. Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Aril Brikha & Chymera are this week’s guests on Train Wrecks. On this episode, we focus on two producers who lean towards the melodic end of the techno spectrum. Both Aril and Bren (Chymera) give us a quick crash course of their personal history with music before the boys knock back a few Old Fashioned‘s courtesy of Bren. The two also discuss their first breakout hits, with Chymera’s being “Umbrella” and Aril talking about his techno anthem “Groove La Chord.” From there, the three discuss favorite gear, favorite albums new and old, questions submitted by fans, and finally…battle scars from parties! After that, it’s basically just the boys bullshitting over drinks just as you would expect right here on the show! Upcoming Releases: Merrin Karras – Apex [A Strangely Isolated Place] – Album out on June 10th Chymera – Episode EP – [Cocoon Recordings] – July 2016 Aril Brikha on Facebook Chymera on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Paul Birken is in the house! Dustin drops by Paul’s studio to catch up with this fellow-Minneapolis producer and local hero in the latest episode of Train Wrecks. Paul started releasing his first records twenty years ago debuting with the classic “Surfin’ Superior” release on Communique. Since then Paul has more than 40 releases under his name which span various genres, including some with a variety of collaborators. He’s also known for his infamous all-gear live sets that have taken him all over the United States and Europe.   The “Tindy” grab. A whole lotta “NOPE” here. More recently, Paul has injected his tough and quirky sound into the new generation of techno fans by traveling to Europe in support of recent releases on labels like MORD and Ear Wiggle. In 2013, he released a collaborative track with Mike Parker on the Brothers label. Paul has other hobbies too! Aside from being a family man, he likes to draw silly pictures and skateboard with his kids. He’s also an avid snowboarder since the 1980s. We cover these topics and more! One of Paul’s live set rigs. London 2014. New releases from Paul Birken: Paul Birken – Cast003

Luis Flores is a regular part of Droid Recordings along with other releases on CLR & Blank Code. He is known for his excellent production skills and lengthy live sets which have brought him all over the world. How did it all happen? Well, if you think growing up in Europe or the States with a background in Industrial music is tough, try doing it in Mexico. This week, we discuss growing up with niché music in Mexico and the birth of their rave scene. He also tells us about the ups and downs as he navigated through the music industry’s turbulent era in the late 90s. After touching down briefly on the current difficulties of throwing events and club nights during a particularly rough and sometimes violent period for Mexico’s history, we discuss Luis’ move to Europe and his current life. Drumcell & Luis Flores – Submission of Thought from Tiptop Film on Vimeo. Luis Flores on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Here’s part 2 of the chat with Anthony Parasole. In this episode, they go deep into DJ theory. They also discuss how to “make it or break it” on the DJ circuit and how realistic it really is. The boys also discuss technical issues on stage, aka “when keeping it real goes wrong”, tribal music, great live acts, favorite DJs, and why they’re still raving.   Anthony Parasole is associated with his NY crew of friends comprised of producers/DJs such as Levon Vincent, DJ Qu, Jus Ed, Fred P, and Joey Anderson. For example, in 2008 he launched Deconstruct Records with Levon Vincent. Some of his more recent fans my know him from his new label “The Corner” or his releases on Ostgut Ton. As a DJ, he holds residencies at Brooklyn’s Output Club and Berlin’s Berghain. That’s kind of a big deal, eh? Anthony Parasole on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

Anthony Parasole stopped by the house this week! In this two-part interview, the New York native goes in-depth with Zahn on topics like growing up in the NY club scene and the experiences he faces on the global DJ circuit today. Marathon sets at Berghain, tribal house/techno, and great DJs are also on the discussion board.   He is associated with his NY crew of friends comprised of producers/DJs such as Levon Vincent, DJ Qu, Jus Ed, Fred P, and Joey Anderson. For example, in 2008 he launched Deconstruct Records with Levon Vincent. Some of his more recent fans my know him from his new label “The Corner” or his releases on Ostgut Ton. As a DJ, he holds residencies at Brooklyn’s Output Club and Berlin’s Berghain. That’s kind of a big deal, eh? Anthony Parasole on Facebook   Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

On this episode of Train Wrecks, Dustin welcomes Joshua Glazer, the host from the Rave Curious Podcast. The two friends have teamed up for a bit of cross-promotion, where their recent 2 hour chat was split in half to comprise an episode for each podcast. Joshua’s ‘Rave Curious’ took the first hour, where they went in-depth about first meeting each other,  Dustin’s rise as a globally renowned DJ, and hauling speakers! Even if Zahn drives you nuts, we still highly encourage you to check out the Rave Curious podcast on iTunes if you’re interested in hearing Josh interview legendary A-list DJs. Journalists are a fact of life, and Joshua Glazer is one of them. He’s a veteran writer/editor for the music industry who also worked for the legendary Motor club in Detroit. Eventually, he went on to become the editor at URB Magazine, which was the biggest publication for electronic music in North America. In this episode, we discuss Josh’s early days as a writer for a Detroit publication and work our way up to today. We also discuss the impact a writer has on the music industry, including the power to make or break a new record.   These days, Josh is a contributor and editor-in-chief for Thump, the electronic music offshot of from the Vice News Network. Vice also hosts his new podcast entitled Rave Curious, where he has already interviewed the likes of legendary names such as Danny Tenaglia, Chris Liebing, Eric Morillo, Surgeon, Radio Slave, and Tommie Sunshine. Rave Curious on iTunes Rave Curious on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes

Spencer Parker stops by this week for a lengthily chat with Dustin. Spencer found success on Rekids like a million years ago (ok, 10). Since then, he went on to release various EPs for labels like Buzzin Fly, Ovum and an album on Nic Fanciulli’s Saved. Since then, he started a new label “WORK THEM Records” which focuses heavily on techno and house tools for DJs. The label has experienced quite a bit of success since its’ inception 3 years ago. Aside from including his own music on the label, he features established acts such as Radio Slave and Rodhad, plus newcomers such as Anetha and Setaoc Mass. Spencer also happens to be a veteran DJ who regularly finds himself playing at credible venues such as Panorama Bar (Berlin) and Concrete (Paris). Spencer Parker on Facebook Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control’ while clicking link and select ‘Save As…’

John Osborn and Tim Xavier drop by for a group discussion this week. John operates the label “Tanstaafl” which features recent releases from the likes of Henning Baer, Lando, and Tim Xavier. John comes highly regarded as a DJ who falls into the “selector” category. As he explains, he’s never one to shy away from blurring the lines between genres in favor of creating that perfect tension on the dance floor. He briefly goes into his history along with his involvement in the Substance parties that used to take place at Berghain and Panorama up until a few years ago.   Mr. Xavier is currently busy running his new imprint “Face II Face” which features his own productions alongside Jamaica Suk and Deepchild. His new record entitled “1999” is due out soon, so stay tuned for that one. Tim has also been very busy with Man Made Mastering, a company which he founded in 2004. The company which he now runs with Mike Grinser is responsible for mastering and cutting much of the techno and house that comes out of Berlin and around the world. Aside from kissing each others asses, this week we cover topics like Japanese gigs, DJ diversity (the concept, not an actual DJ), being a “techno dad” and why kids are obsessed with ripping songs off of YouTube.   Subscribe via iTunes Download Episode PC: ‘Right Click’ link and select ‘Save As…’ Mac: Hold ‘Control