Patrice Bäumel is an internationally renowned Dj and producer currently living in Amsterdam. 2017 was Patrice’s most successful year yet, the culmination of many years travelling the road, a positive change in lifestyle, lots more hard work, fun, and spreading the love. From being invited by Radio 1 to contribute to the esteemed Essential Mix series, to his Afterlife released single ‘Glutes’ being voted one of the biggest tracks of the year, 2017 was a year to remember for Patrice, and a sign of things to come…

We caught with Patrice to talk about his last gig of the year, The Cityfox Odyssey, and plans for 2019.

Electronic Groove: Hey Patrice, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. How has 2018 been for you this year? Any particular highlight worth mentioning?

Patrice Bäumel: Hey guys, thanks for inviting me. From a professional point of view, 2018 has been the best year of my life. Internally it felt like lots of ups and downs. I try not to think in terms of highlights anymore, often the special moments are small, seemingly insignificant encounters and conversations, moments where I’m gaining a valuable insight or shedding a weight from the past. The big party moments come and go, I love my work but it’s the human interactions, often one on one, that enrich me the most.

EG: We read that your father was a music journalist. What kind of influence did that have on your interest in music and how your sound has evolved to what it is today?

Patrice Bäumel: He simply played a lot of music at home and invited me to listen, to be curious and develop my own taste. There was never any ambition to groom me into something, he was simply sharing his passion. My sound evolved organically, I soaked up everything like a sponge and followed my interests. At some point you arrive at a place, wondering how you got there. It’s a random process.

EG: Going back in time your Essential Mix was one of the best in 2017. How did you go about making your track selections?

Patrice Bäumel: I just created a big pile of records that I liked at the moment and then tried to make sense of the puzzle pieces, looking for combinations that are greater than the sum of their parts. Often, music writes itself, it all happens intuitively.

EG: Who are some up and coming Dutch producers we should be keeping an eye on?

Patrice Bäumel: I spend so little time in the Dutch scene that I am not an authority on the subject.

“So many DJ friends are playing on The Cityfox Oddysey, excited to see them all”

EG: What’s your studio set up like? Any favorite pieces of equipment that you can’t live without?

Patrice Bäumel: I have a few hardware synths, like the Poly Evolver, Sub 37, Make Noise 0-Coast. Currently, my bread and butter synth is the Prophet 6. I love how dominant it is. Lately, I have been rediscovering a few soft synths. Omnisphere is incredible, I think if I had to choose one desert island synth, this would be the one. As long as I have Ableton and a computer I feel I can make music without any problem. I sample a lot, too.

EG: You’re on the lineup for Cityfox’s New Year’s Odyssey. What are you most looking forward to about playing at Avant Gardner?

Patrice Bäumel: I want to see the big warehouse in action, I have never seen a party there. Spending NYE in New York adds a special note. I am curious how good the fireworks are compared to Amsterdam.

Get your tickets here >> http://bit.ly/2BPRc8O

EG: Any artists on the lineup you’re most excited to see?

Patrice Bäumel: So many DJ friends are playing on The Cityfox Oddysey, excited to see them all – Jon Charnis, Atish, Tim Green, Tale Of Us, Adriatique…the list is long.

EG: Are you planning a big one for New Year’s? What’s the hangover cure you swear by?

Patrice Bäumel: I’ll keep it professional, I’m there for the people, not my own entertainment. I haven’t had a hangover in years, but I would opt for a greasy old-school dinner breakfast.

“Often, music writes itself, it all happens intuitively”

EG: What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Patrice Bäumel: Get fit.

EG: What are you working on at the moment? Anything on the cards for 2019 you can share with us?

Patrice Bäumel: Remixes for Claptone and Fairmont, then there’s the new Global Underground compilation and a single for Kompakt.

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