Fri, 19 Mar 2010 / Post a commentRhythmism.com gets the low down with Philipp (M.A.N.D.Y.) on his move to New York, the trials & tribulations at the label and its future, and what he does in his spare time to get physical...
With an ear for the tunes and an innate understanding of what works on the dancefloor, M.A.N.D.Y. are on a seemingly never-ending circuit, performing their in-demand DJ sets across the globe. Since their formation in 2001 they have carved out a unique niche in electronic music with the aid of excellent productions, in-demand remixes, top-notch mixing skills, and a knack for signing some of the best electronic producers to their renowned Get Physical Music. With renowned mixes, as well as certified dancefloor anthems to their credit M.A.N.D.Y manages to maintain an indescribable sound founded on the themes that they have lived by throughout their career. It is a sound built around quality, eclecticism and the damn right weird and wonderful!
Their full length mix CD’s Get Physical Vol.1 , At The Controls, and Renaissance: The Mix Collection have garnered praise from fans and critics alike. However, it was their bonafide dancefloor smash with Booka Shade "Body Language" which cemented their place, not only in the record boxes of, but as part of dance music’s elite class. The collaborators follow up anthem "Donut" has just been updated for 2010 with new remixes from the likes of Gui Boratto, James Talk, and Logistics. Whether it’s DJing, heading-up Get Physical Music, producing or compiling mix albums, there’s no doubt M.A.N.D.Y. are amongst the most exciting pioneers of electronic music on the planet.
WMC 2010 COUNTDOWN: PHILIPP JUNG (M.A.N.D.Y.)
You have recently moved to New York City. Why did you decide to come over?
After 10 years of intensive Berlin experiences it was time to move on for me. It's of course still a great place, but I needed a change and some new excitement again. And NYC has a lot to offer as well besides the electronic world. So I am very happy to have made the move. If all goes well I would like to stay here for some time. But first I'll go back to Europe, Asia and Australia in April, May and June...
How do you like it? What are some of your favorite places?
So far, I'm really enjoying myself. It's a very diverse and powerful city. Meeting lots of new people. Developing the social skills again and doing lots of different stuff. I'm living in Chelsea and I love to run along the Hudson river, or go to Chelsea market and buy some nice fresh fish, go to the Highline... I bought a bicycle as well, so I'm driving everywhere with it. Very quickly you get to know the city very well. I just love Central Park too. Whenever there's nice weather I'll try to go and have an extensive walk. And there's so much more to explore...
We’ve seen you about town, hanging out at techno parties. How have you found the scene here now that you’re a local?
As for the traditional bigger clubs I like Santos. I played there only once, but I think it's a nice venue with a good sound.
But of course I love all the stuff that is mainly happening in Bklyn. So many vivid, random and spontaneous after parties on Sundays. I only played two of them, but this was a very nice and positive experience. They are many more to come I hope...
You recently started a new mid-week club night with Matthew Dear called ‘Buddies.’ Can you tell us a little bit how that came about?
Since Matt did the Body Language compilation for us, we started playing together quite a bit and we just liked each other from the start. We knew that the stuff we talk at night has still got meaning the next day. That doesn't happen all the time in nightlife as we all know. We talked about that night a year ago and we have many ideas how to create a special unforgettable party. We're still trying it out at the moment, but we'll get there for sure. Sigu is helping a lot by organizing it all...
What are some of the main differences between the dance music scenes in a city like New York and a city like Berlin?
Musically I would say, it is a bit more diverse. But maybe that is just me. I had the impression that everybody in Berlin played the same records. It's more pure house here, in the original sense, sexy and alive. Berlin is still a very important place for our music, but everybody there is a DJ and producer, so I think it's good if some people move out again to get new inspiration. And of course the closing times are very different, but as well, I like when the party stops on Sunday nights and not Wednesday afternoon. But again, that is just me at the moment. There are always pros and cons, depending on what you want in life at a special moment.
For a long time, M.A.N.D.Y. was both you and Patrick Bodmer together. How has the separation been? Do you guys have plan to tour together again?
Yep. We'll get together for three months from April to July and want to work on music. And we want to play the key festivals together and our favourite big clubs. It means a lot more travelling for me, but that is nothing new to me anyway.
What do you think the biggest changes to the [Get Physical] label have been since its inception in 2002?
I would need three pages to answer to this. But of course we suffered and still suffer from the whole development regarding the digital world. We reacted too late to it and paid a high price. We had to let a couple people go and move offices etc. But now we are back on track and looking forward to the new releases. We want to concentrate again on our original strength which was releasing music that made a difference and all six of us was raving about. So putting out less and only music we think needs to get out there.
What is your current role at Get Physical? Are you involved in day-to-day operations at all?
I am the managing director. But more on paper as we have our staff in Berlin who's handling most of the day to day stuff. I am still taking care of the album projects and I'm involved in other stuff too together with Patrick, Thomas and our crew.
What’s coming down the pipeline for the label in 2010?
Just releasing the Booka Shade album together with the Coop label which I think could be a huge success, Luca & Anthony from Audiofly are preparing their album, I'll see Noze in Paris in April to listen to their new album and Tim Green is actually in the studio too. A new Body Language compilation from DJ Hell is due in the next two months... So as always enough work to do. And of course we have new promising acts and DJs on our sister labels Kindisch and Get Digital.
Outside of anything dance music related. What are some things on your New York City to do list?
I try to do as many sports as I can do. I was a bit lazy these last few years, so that's something I love to do and gives me a lot of strength. I want to see more concerts and performances. I love the left field stuff and theaters like the host from the box, Raven O., with his first ever show at the Bleeker theater and Gonzalez with Princess Superstar which was just hilarious. I also want to see some good musicals, and do some weekend excursions to get to know the outskirts a bit. So much to see...
How many years have you been coming to WMC
My first year was 1996... Sad, but true %-)
Biggest change at WMC since you’ve been coming
Where should I start. At the time, there were a maximum of 2-3 parties each night where everybody wanted to go. There was Armand Van Helden and Masters of Work and everybody was there. Today every online label celebrates its first release which gives a total of 996050 places to go. Not sure if that is good, but that's how it is...
Most memorable/craziest WMC experience you’ve had
Of course and as always these things need to stay private... But there were many amazing ones!
What are your ideas for making the WMC a better conference
I honestly think, it's hard to really change some essential stuff. People always go to Miami to have a good time and to party and to lay at the beach. So, that's what people do down there which is absolutely fine. And spring break is very often at the same time, so these people don't want do get some higher experience. They want to party their butts off. It's totally different when you go during the art Miami in December. This was a truly unforgettable experience. Loved the vibe and the people. Very different to how I used to know Miami.
Favorite place in Miami to eat/drink/chill and why
DJ Hell, Patrick and me have the tradition to just hang at the Delano beach after long nights, order nice food and talk about last years experiences and many other stuff. And of course the pool at the Standard is one of a kind. Best place to hide. No techno at all, just a nice view and fast bartenders....
Favorite Miami hotel
I'd say the Standard due to the pool area
Artists you’re looking forward to checking out in Miami
Need to check the schedule. But in Miami you don't have too much time as everybody is playing quite a bit too. But I will try and see other artists of course.
The best way to cure a Miami hangover
To fly to La Osa in Costa Rica and take it ez for a week.
Best clubbing moment of 2010 so far
For sure it was Sacbe in the jungle close to Playa del Carmen. This location is unique in the world. It's owned by a rich hippy architect and he built a truly surrealistic spot with unbelievable construction in the middle of nowhere. Played 4 hours back to back with Damian, just 80s and disco. Only afternoon til midnight. But it was insane. And the little after party I played in Bklyn with Taimur and Alexi Delano, unforgettable too...
You have traveled the world as a DJ, released some of the last decade's biggest tracks, and run one of the industries most respected labels Get Physical Music. What is next for you to accomplish?
To balance my life a bit more and find a place where I want to live for some years. Maybe it will be the city that never sleeps...
