35 ATB

35 ATB
UP 21

Style:
“Energetic and emotional dance music.”
Best known for:
“’9PM (Your Love)’.”
Tune of the year:
“Toni Palucci ‘Skywalker’.”
From: Germany
Rising star DJ/producer of 2021: “Barkley.”
It’s been an exciting year for André Tanneberger, aka ATB, despite the first half of 2021 being consumed very much with Covid-19; he finally released a remake of his epic trance anthem ‘9PM’ with Topic and A7S. “In the last 20 years I’ve received so many requests for collaborations, remakes and cover versions,” he begins to explain, “but I turned them all down because I was never really satisfied.” Embracing life with his one-year-old son has played a massive part in making this year extra special, he says.
As with so many DJs, artists and performers, the past 18 months have given him a whole new perspective on life in general. After spending much time working on his eleventh album, planned for release next year, ATB also isn’t shy to talk about precious family time. “I have once again become very aware that work is not the most important thing and that one should find a healthy mixture of work and enjoying life.”
How was your first gig back after lockdown?
“It was just insane. I had goosebumps all over. I’ve been used to being on stage since 1993, and this was the first time since then that I hadn’t been in front of an audience for more than two months.”
How have the last 18 months changed how you view your work/life balance?
“When you’ve been on the road for so many years, it feels at first as if time has stopped. You think that it will soon go on, but then you realise that this is not the case.”
What further steps should the industry take to combat climate change?
“Energy from green power should be used by the industry (streaming platforms, festivals, clubs, record labels, artists etc) or more sustainability at events that generate large amounts of plastic waste.”
What’s the best bit of tech you’ve added to your studio or DJ setup this year?
“My new flight simulator platform that I built into my home studio.”
What’s the best album you’ve heard this year?
“No favourite album in 2021 so far.”