Taking the Introducing spotlight, qrauer and Tapeshifter explore the interplay of live instruments, machines, and rhythm in their electronic sets
Who are you?
We are qrauer and Tapeshifter.
Where are you from?
We’re from Dresden, Germany.
What do you sound like?
Our sound is shaped by live instruments, drum computers, samplers, and tape players. We love rhythmic structures and enjoy weaving in plenty of surprise.
Why should we follow what you’re doing?
Watch us inspire each other through performance – then take that energy, dance or create, and send it back our way. It’s a never-ending and playful feedback loop.
Which of your tracks sums you up? Why?
The title track of our first EP Herzblatt. It’s bass-driven, highly rhythmic, a little dark, yet still full of humour.
What have you got coming out in the near future?
At the moment, we’re recording and jamming a lot – often sharing it on Instagram to stay connected with listeners. We’re also working on a remix for Dapayk and our next EP.
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
Aphex Twin, HudMo, Flying Lotus, and Gaslamp Killer. For us, it’s all about the combination of human and machine – a touch of analogue instruments, live drums, or a particular feel in the beat.
How did you get into DJing/producing to begin with?
qrauer: I began producing as a teenager, influenced by hip-hop and electronic artists of the ’90s. My music taste has always been diverse, never tied to a single genre.
Tape Shifter: I grew up in the ’90s immersed in techno culture, going to events like the Love Parade and Mayday. Although my path shifted towards jazz, I never lost touch – and through my band ÄTNA, I returned to electronic music.
What are three things on your studio shopping list?
An analogue stereo compressor, a Leaf Audio Soundbox, and another ginTronic transparentSea.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
It’s usually family and friends who have to step back.
What’s been your favourite place to play so far?
The aftershow party of the Come to the Woods Festival. Der Rote Kakadu is a historic, Soviet-style club that feels as though it’s stepped straight out of a David Lynch film – it added a remarkable atmospheric twist to our music.
Where can we hear your music?
Our music fits best in clubs and at artsy festivals. Or on Spotify or Bandcamp.
What motivates you?
Reaching the flow zone – a state where the brain, heart, and nervous system align, and time disappears. Playing live brings us into that space again and again.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
We’re both indie pop drummers.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a…
…playchild.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received?
Do your own thing.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
The question could just as well be: where will you be in 20 years? We’re here to stay and explore – and that never gets old or boring.
Find qrauer on Instagram. Find Tape Shifter on Instagram.
Follow Attack Magazine
Attack Store
Dance Music Producers’ Power Book Bundle
Get 2 best-selling music production books. Buy more, spend less.
The Secrets of Dance Music Production
The world-leading book on dance music production. Comes with samples too.
The Producer’s Manual
Everything you need to take a mix, from initial recording to final master.
Secretos de la Producción de Música Dance
La guía definitiva para producir música electrónica de vanguardia.
Max For Live: Chance Engine V2
Add controlled yet random fluctuations to your most important parameters.
Underground Resistance: The Final Frontier Poster
Anti corporate, political, powerful and progressive the power house of Jeff Mills, Robert Hood and "Mad" Mike Banks needs little introduction.
