Getting Loose

Born in Michigan, nurtured in Detroit and made in Berlin; so goes the tale of techno DJ/ producer Seth Troxler.

Since beginning his production career in 2005, the outspoken and charismatic American has released original cuts and remixes on labels including Spectral, Wagon Repair, Crosstown Rebels, Bpitch Control, Circus Company, Items and Thing, Esperanza, Leftroom, Adults Only and Beretta Grey. The plaudits have come thick and fast since then, while 2009 saw Troxler's star rise further in the form of a Top 10 finish in Resident Advisor's DJ Poll.

The free-speaking personality is now set to hit Brisbane this weekend as part of the Winter Sound System line-up. When Scene catches up with him, however, he's driving round the Motor City with friends Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves as they prepare for their appearances at 2010's Movement event, better known as The Detroit Electronic Music Festival.

Much has changed in Detroit since Troxler emerged in the early 2000s working at Melodies and Memories record store. The city's continued decline has seen its music scene take many hits, and Troxler admits events like Movement are few and far between in Detroit these days.

So while it was working at Melodies with the likes of Theo Parrish and Reggie Harrell that led him to embark on a DJ and production career, it was his decision to move to Berlin a few years ago that really saw him hit his straps as a producer and emerge as an exciting new talent on the minimal house scene.

Along with long-time friends Crosson, Reeves and Lee Curtiss - who also moved from the US to various parts of Europe - Troxler now spends his weekends playing anywhere from Milan to Barcelona. It is all, he admits, a long way from Detroit club The Works, but while he laments the current lack of a wider scene in the US, he does see some hope there still.

“There's something kinda new happening in Detroit, it seems like a little bit,” he says. “Because over the years there has been such a death in what was Detroit dance music culture. It was really kind of sad to see; there's not been anything going on here for maybe eight years, anything really kind of super significant. I think it's due to a lot of factors, and particularly the lack of enthusiasm towards dance music in America.

“It is a reflection of the country as the whole but right now, overall, there's a lot cool things happening in New York, LA and San Francisco; you can feel a vibe here that's unlike any place else in the world at the moment … it's interesting to see what the future holds.”

While the US is very much a hit-and-miss affair for Troxler, Berlin and Europe appear to be floating the man's boat. His latest Boogybytes mix CD, released on BPitch Control, is still being raved about, and with regular tours keeping him up to date with the latest big tunes, Troxler's musical education continues. What's surprising is his suggestion that Berlin's revered club scene may already have peaked and that new areas in Europe are now jostling for its crown.

“Berlin is Berlin,” he says, “but it's not quite the scene it used to be. Places like Romania however, are going off; it's so cool to go there. Europe is always so super fun.”

While constant touring is providing exposure to fresh sounds, Troxler reveals he, Crosson and Reeves have a few side projects on the cards.

“We're all starting a label together,” he says, “[and] I think we'll go to Burning Man together; we're just hanging out more than anything, making music.”

Hanging out, I ask? “Yeah, maybe some pool parties with some girls; kinda just trying to make other people’s dreams come true while losing our own.”

One thing's for sure, Troxler has vowed to step up this weekend at Winter Sound System; just make sure there's some 1210s on hand. “I don't actually know how to use CDJs,” he admits. “I play a mixture of vinyl and Serato. I'm an old record store guy so expect tech house, deeper house, techno … anything disco … whatever the crowd’s up for more than anything. “But I DO wanna get loose! I was really into that when I was down there so I'll get loose again!”

Catch Seth Troxler at Winter Sound System at Doomben Racecourse this Sunday June 13.