A name that rolls rather smoothly off the tongue, Lorenz Rhode, was kind enough to share some time with us and discuss the past, present and future for a new school producer trying to bring some funk back into today. Here's what went down :

Where did your love for disco and funk first spark ?

The first music I remember that was somewhat funky was the so called Acid Jazz wave around 1990, then I kind of went backwards, getting to know the originals. Or Michael Jackson, first i loved his music, then i discovered he'd had a band before, and so on.

Word is that you started out on the house circuit, why did you decide to evolve to disco ?

It was just logical. It took me some time to realise that many of my favourite house records were actually sampled disco or funk tunes. There's nothing wrong with sampling! But personally I am still fascinated by the sheer musicality those 80's synth wizards managed to put into their dance tracks. Today people mostly talk about the 80's sound, but there's so much more to it. I don't think i'm done with house music though, i've had a lot of fun experimenting with styles that are somewhere in between. Maybe you've heard my remix of Malente & Dex - 'Lions'. The pitched up bass drum fill is a straight imitation from Stonebridge's famous 'Show me Love' remix. I've always wanted to use that sound, because its a bit silly - house music is best with a dose of humour, imo.

We just want to say, big up's on your remixes of Strip Steve & Moullinex, they have been on high rotation for us. Are there more remixes coming out in the near future ? Or are you working on a new EP ?

Thanks! Coming up next is a remix for French Electronic Group Yelle, to be released very soon. Then there's one more remix waiting to be released, unfortunately I have no idea when. During the last months I had to take a timeout for writing my diploma, so there will be a small break before my next release... I hope you'll still stay tuned, there's plenty of half-finished tracks lying around here that I intend to finish soon.

What persuaded you to learn how to play keys?

My parents, who else Not the synthetic kind of keys though.

What music do you jam to when you find the time to relax whether it be at home or travelling ?

I started listiing to 70's dub music latley, but i'm no way an expert on that. Otherwise, here are some random songs I enjoy right now: D-Train - Keep On, Fat Freddy's Drop - Shiverman, Smokin' Beats - Look Who's Lovin' Me & Herbie Hancock - Stars in your Eyes.

Do you prefer to play in a more relaxed club vibe with a few drinks, good people, good music, that kind of thing. Or do you prefer to big room clubs/gigs ?

Well, I'm just getting started with playing live, in the next weeks actually! So i can't tell yet, but from some test gigs i'd say not too big. In smaller clubs people can see and care for what you are doing on stage.

Do you have a particular plan of what you want your tracks to sound like before you head into them or does it all come together as you do it ?

When remixing, I spend a lot of time on the overall direction and attitude, because it's tricky to find the right connection between your own sound and the original song. My own tracks are usually based on short demos or by-productis that are several years old. the inspiration often comes in an instant, then i seem to need time to tell which ideas are worth finishing. The final song may end up in an entirely different style or genre then the original demo. It's a bit like remixing yourself.

Is there anyone or anything you look to for inspiration ?

I try not to copy someone in particular, but there are of course many artist's that have inspired me in a big way. The 80's music I talked about is inspiring because club music didn't have to be so functional back then. It was much more playful. On the other hand, I grew up with modern, tight beats and loop-based productions. Combining these two approaches is very interesting to me.

Is there any talk of you hitting our shores anytime soon?

No plans yet, But I'd love to! I've been getting very nice feedback and comments from Australia, thanks for that!

Talk of Australia, are you a fan of any Australian artists at the moment?

I'm not up-to-date at the moment, shame on me.

What are the plans for Lorenz Rhode in the next few years?

Just making music without getting bored of myself, really. Trying a few new things in every song. And of course I'd like to get the music out to more people. Next I'll get to work on the next Ep, and a remix I'm trying to squeeze in, then there's an older record I'd like to revisit. And if it makes sense, I'd like to make an album

So there you have it. Another down to earth dude just finding his feet in the ever expanding world of music. Check the preview for his latest remix of Yelle below! The full remix will be released on the 4th of October on Kitsune.

Yelle - La Musique - Mini Mix