Ben Kaczor’s approach to DJing is instantly recognizable: The Swiss artist builds his sets patiently and carefully, leaving vast spaces for contemplation between dubby sounds, tech-housy rollers, and techno tracks that allow for maximum depth. His contribution to our podcast series, recorded at now defunct club .TAG in Chengdu, is no exception.
What did you have in mind when recording this mix?
Well, I always improvise my mixes and go from track to track—the moment will tell me where to go next.
Where did you record it and which setup did you use?
I recorded it at .TAG in Chengdu, China. It’s also the last time I could play there because it had to close lately, sadly. I lived and worked there before COVID and now came back almost seven years later to say goodbye. This mix was the last thing I did there—a very nice way to honor it and let go. Technically, I used 4 CDJs and an Allen & Heath Xone 92.
What’s the most memorable gig you played so far?
Probably last year at Above Below Festival UK. My live setup didn’t work, and I had to switch last minute to a DJ set. So many nice people were there, such a vibe—happy me.
Can you name a secret weapon that you use frequently?
There are a few—I’m very honored to have here and there some unreleased things with me from my favourite artists and friends, like LB Honne, Orion, Martinou, Ben Oyefeso, Idealist, Dolomea, or Philipp Priebe.
Three recent releases that caught your attention?
Lucien Balconi – Pierre ☆ Feuille ☆ Ciseaux
Jari Antti – Real
The Mountain People – Memorandum
What do you have coming up?
An EP on Small Steps, an EP late this year via Philipp Priebe’s Stolar, an experimental and ambient LP via St. Odes, and a few remixes and tracks on super nice VAs.
Track list:
Ben Kaczor – dust/glitter
Sa Pa – Captigon
Vand – Trialism (natural/electronic.system. Remix)
R.O.W.S – unreleased
Lb Honne – unreleased
French Fries – Working on a Dream
Ben Kaczor – Tohatsu
Agonis – Food Tool
Traumprinz – Freedom
Lb Honne – Unreleased
Levon Vincent – Woman Is The Devil
Ben Oyefeso – Sequenzenmusik
Oscar Mulero – En un círculo vicioso
Eduardo De La Calle – My Own Transition
S II P – Elegant
Martinou – Thy Cometh
Idealist – Details IV
Eletun Selona – Safe (Ben Kaczor Acid Remix) [unreleased]
Harvey Rushmore & The Octopus – Beneath The Sun
