Inside the mind of Gorge

Inside the mind of Gorge

28 June, 2010 | 2.46AM

• Written by: Justin Jack
• Filed under: Music News: 8bit, gorge, mannheim

Gorge, aka Peter “Pit” Waldmann, has been releasing music under various aliases for a decade now, but it’s the past few years that have seen his profile really take off, thanks in large part to the 8Bit label, which he runs with his friend Nick Curly.

A cornerstone of the so-called “Mannheim” sound, 8bit has been influential in the scene’s recent shift towards tracky, minimalist interpretations of deep house and tech house. But Gorge’s new album ‘Mood’ shows the producer’s considerable versatility across a mixture of downbeat toe-scuffers, starry-eyed jack tracks, and forceful, peaktime people-movers.

It is, above all, an exceptionally grounded sound, from its roots in Chicago tradition to its deep-diving basslines. That should hardly be surprising, because Gorge himself clearly has his feet firmly planted on the ground, as he reveals in his Inside the Mind interview.

What is your current state of mind?

Well, finally summer arrived in Germany and I’m feeling really balanced at the moment. Most of my work for the next months is done, and I’m trying to relax a bit during this warm period and spend some more time with friends and the family.

When and where do you prefer to make music?

The best place for me is my studio in Mannheim. I have my setups and know my room and its acoustics. I’m not the traveling producer working on the plane or in the hotel room. I have Ableton on my laptop and sometimes I get inspired and make some basics during traveling after a gig, but most of my ideas begin and end in my studio. The most inspiring time for me is spring and summer.

What is your greatest fear?

Not to make music anymore one day!

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I’m a quiet, calm person and not the poser a DJ needs to be sometimes! :-)

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I hate self-centered people who aren’t caring of others.

Which living person do you most admire?

My son and my wife.

Which artist would be your dream collaboration?

Róisín Murphy. I love her voice and the way she works with it. I really absorbed the album she did with Matthew Herbert!

What is your greatest extravagance?

I love good food and always spend too much money on this… :-)

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

I like real women. Not overdressed, and firmly planted in real life and not only in the club and party scene.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

To be open minded, accept responsibility and take care of women.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Alter” and “dude”.

Who are your favorite up and coming producers?

Uhm, there are a lot of talented producers at the moment. The guy who delivered the track of early 2010 for me is Dixie Yure. Amazing vibes in his music, excellent production and sound.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Hmm, I think I have none.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My little son!

What do you consider your greatest musical achievement?

My debut album released in June 2010. I was my biggest detractor, but I have a lot of positive feedback now and I’m really happy I released it.

Which cities inspire you?

Barcelona is really inspiring me. It’s a great city with all its little bars and tapas restaurants.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

The development of mankind. Everything becomes more skin deep without ethical values. The best example is music: People download stuff from the internet for free without respecting the artists who invested a lot of time and money into their music. Really, really bad.

What do you most value in your friends?

Respecting me when I have no time due to traveling and working for long periods. And they always tell me the truth and give honest criticism.

*Photo credit: Natascha Romboy

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