Back in Mumbai for another techno-house gig, German DJ Boris Brejcha speaks about his music and being inspired by Indian sounds
DJ Boris Brejcha was teased in school for the scars he received after being severely injured during the Ramstein air show disaster in 1988. With over 10 albums to boot, his 2024 release, Level One is what he is itching to play for his Mumbai’s fans
German DJ Boris Brejcha is returning to India this weekend after almost a year but his excitement to play his latest mix here is refreshing as always. Performing as a part of his Sunburn Arena tour today and tomorrow in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, respectively, he promises an unforgettable night because he believes Mumbaikars can start a party anywhere. It will only get better because he sets the vibe not only with his music but also with his Venetian-inspired joker mask that is a nod to Brazilian carnivals.
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Known for his techno and house music sounds, the music producer has also carved a niche with his ‘high-tech minimal’ style of music that has found many fans not only around the world but also in India. The music, Boris says, was a way of expressing himself, after being teased in school for the scars he received after being severely injured during the Ramstein air show disaster in 1988. Ever since he started releasing music in 2005, almost 12 years after he started making music, he has made up for lost time with over 10 albums, with the one in 2024 being ‘Level One’, that he must be itching to play for the Indian audience.
How does it feel to perform in India and what can fans expect at your performance in Mumbai?
It’s always a great feeling to perform in India. India has such an incredible energy. The fans here are so passionate about music, and I’ve always felt a special connection when performing in the country. I’ve been to India a few times in the past, but it's always exciting to return, especially because the scene is growing so much here. Fans can expect an energetic and intense performance, just like in all my shows – I bring my signature 'high-tech minimal' style, with deep, atmospheric sounds mixed with some hard-hitting rhythms that really connect with the crowd. It's going to be an unforgettable night. I was in India about one year ago and every time I return, it feels like the scene gets more vibrant, and the crowd is always so welcoming.
Ever since you started releasing your music in 2006, how have you seen techno and house music and evolve around the world?
It’s been amazing to witness the evolution of techno, house, and the broader electronic music scene over the years. When I first started producing and releasing music in 2006, the scene was already vibrant, but it was a bit more underground. Over time, I’ve seen these genres grow exponentially and become more mainstream. I think the internet and streaming platforms have played a huge role in this, giving artists and fans more access to new music and allowing the scene to become more global than ever before.
Techno, especially, has evolved in many directions. In the beginning, it was all about the raw, minimalist sounds – which I still love, and which is what I focus on in my music. But over the years, we’ve seen a rise in different subgenres, from more melodic and deep techno to darker, industrial styles. The lines between genres have blurred, and now we have things like "tech-house," "minimal-techno," and "progressive techno," which all have their own dedicated following.
In the process, how have you seen your music evolve as a DJ and music producer?
As a DJ and music producer, I’ve definitely seen my music evolve over the years, and it’s been an exciting journey. When I first started, my focus was primarily on creating raw, minimalistic techno – that was the sound I was drawn to and what I felt connected with. Over time, though, I realized that I wanted to experiment more with different layers, melodies, and rhythms, while still staying true to my roots in minimal and techno. This led me to create my own sound, which I now call 'High-Tech Minimal’. I think my evolution as a producer reflects how I’ve grown as a person and as an artist. With every new track or project, I’m always challenging myself to try new things, whether it's adding more atmospheric elements, experimenting with different tempos, or blending in melodic or progressive elements that might be outside the traditional minimal box. I enjoy exploring new sounds while maintaining the energy and intensity that defines my style.
While you started making music at 12 after being teased by classmates, why did it take you another 12 years to release your music into the world?
It’s an interesting journey, and looking back, I can see how much has changed both in my personal life and in the music scene over those years. When I started making music at 12, it was purely out of passion. At that age, I didn’t really have a clear sense of what I wanted to do with it. I was experimenting with sounds, trying to figure out what worked, and playing around with the software and equipment I could get my hands on.
Music was a way for me to express myself, especially when I was being teased in school. But at that age, it wasn’t about releasing music or performing. It was more about the joy of creating. By the time I was 24, I had enough experience and had developed a sound that I felt was ready to be shared. I’d also had time to build the confidence to put myself out there. That was when I released my first tracks in 2006, and it was a pivotal moment. The response to my music was much more positive than I had expected, and that really encouraged me to keep going. It was a combination of growing as a producer, gaining more experience, and finding a way to navigate the music industry that finally made me feel ready to take that step.
You will come to India yet again to perform. Do you have a favourite city here and does Mumbai feature in them?
India is always a special place for me, and every city I’ve visited has its own unique vibe. It’s hard to pick just one favourite, because each place has its own energy and character. I love how diverse the Mumbai is, and how open the people are to different styles of music. Whether it’s a big festival or an intimate club gig, the city always brings a lot of energy and excitement. The city is full of life, and the people here know how to party, which makes it a fantastic place to perform.
Have you been inspired by any Indian sounds and do you plan on experimenting with them in your music?
One of the most fascinating things about Indian music is its intricate rhythms and scales. The use of tabla, sitar, and other traditional instruments creates such a distinct texture that you don’t often hear in Western electronic music. As for the future, yes, I definitely plan on experimenting more with these influences. I’ve already experimented a bit with incorporating Indian percussion or melodic structures into some of my tracks, but I think there’s still a lot more to explore.
Beyond your music, what are you looking forward to in terms of the food and culture in India and Mumbai? What is Boris Brejcha doing when he is not making music?
To be honest, I'm not a culture freak. I rarely go out. Mainly because there's usually not that much time between gigs. But I love Indian food. We always enjoy eating it extensively. In my privacy… well, I try to find balance in my life. Music is my passion, but I do enjoy some downtime away from the studio and the stage. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures – that’s one of the best things about being a DJ, getting to explore the world. Besides that, I’m a big fan of technology and gadgets. I like to stay up to date with new tech, especially when it comes to music production tools and software.
What are you currently working on and what can fans expect in the near future?
Yes, I’m really excited about the release of my latest album, and the response has been amazing so far. Right now, I’m still in the creative flow. After finishing the album, I’ve been taking time to reflect on what’s worked, what fans are loving, and where I want to take my sound next. The new album really pushed me to experiment more with melodies and structure, while still keeping that strong foundation of minimal techno and high-energy beats. But as with every album, it’s also a stepping stone to what comes next. I think the future of techno is moving towards deeper, more emotional journeys, so I’m exploring that direction. On December 24, I will also publish my annual Christmas mix. There's a lot to come next year and you can be very excited about that.
ON December 8; 7 pm onwards
AT NESCO Hall 4, Goregaon.
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