Focus on Poland: Damon Wild

Focus on Poland: Damon Wild

23 November, 2010 | 6.46AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: damon wild, focus on, synewave

A true techno veteran, Damon Wild celebrates 20 years in the scene next year. A native of New Orleans, he moved to New York in the early ‘90s, quickly earning critical and club acclaim for his acid tracks and tunes like “Rave Generator,” which entered the UK top 10. He launched his own label, Synewave, in 1995, releasing cutting-edge techno from the likes of Joey Beltram,the Advent, Adam Beyer, Heiko Laux, and Jeff Mills.

Six years ago, Wild moved to Poland, where he continues to run Synewave and record material for labels like Drumcode and Naked Lunch.

We spoke to the expat producer about his journey; read on for the interview.

What’s your own history with electronic music—how did you discover it, and how did you come to start making it?

I got into electronic music mainly when I began DJing in New Orleans, Louisiana. That’s when I was really into new wave, industrial and Chicago acid. Loved groups like Anne Clark, DAF, Kraftwerk, Ministry… Then later I moved to Brooklyn, NY and worked at Sonic Groove Records, where there I really got into the NYC house and acid music. There was also a big influx of imports coming from Europe, so all of this really got me inspired to make my own music.

What styles of electronic dance music are most popular in Poland, and who are the key Polish venues, labels, DJs and producers we should know about?

When I first moved to Poland, about six years ago, it seemed most of the techno scene here was very hard and somewhat say “industrial.” I heard a lot of Surgeon, Downwards and harder beats like this, but over the years it seems it changed towards the minimal and tech click house. Now, it seems, that has ended. Some good producers and talent are here some names such as Peter Sliwinski (Echoplex), Jurek Przezdziecki, Relativ Noizik, and many more.

Is there much in the way of underground parties in Poland—warehouses, unlicensed open-airs, etc.—or is most activity combined to nightclubs?

Hmm. Honestly, I do not go out too much here, I live in Warsaw and do my music and label here. From what I have experienced so far here that there are some nice clubs around Poland, good crowds, but some dodgy promoters. I have played in Poznan, Warsaw, Sopot, Krakow, and soon Katowice. It seems the open-air festivals are getting quite popular in the summer, but the clubs and warehouses are always happening too. I think there is a lot of potential here, just needs time.

Poland is celebrated for its progressive-thinking jazz and rock scenes in previous decades; did they have any impact on the shape of Polish electronic music today?

I do not really know that much about the history of Polish jazz and rock, but it seems there always could be a creative link. I think there are many creative people living here, with creative and artistic minds, so this is where the electronic music scene merges together. I actually like a few of the rock groups here I have heard while living here, now if I could only understand the lyrics!

Enough about music: what food should visitors to Poland seek out?

Ah, the food… that is one of the better things in Poland! I like the pierogi, mushroom soups, the many variations of potatoes. Kielbasa is usually great too. Breads here are excellent and often there are many kinds of breads to choose from. I like the rolls with pumpkin seeds or orchid seeds. Food is often served in large amounts, so you never feel hungry. Polish beer and vodka is top-notch too!

Damon Wild

Synewave

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