At Home With… Marc Romboy

Art & Culture

From acid house epiphanies to orchestral collaborations, Marc Romboy is a German electronic institution. From the dancefloors of Hamburg’s Front Club to performances with the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra, his career spans three decades.

With his studio space serving as the spiritual centre of his carefully ordered world, we took a look around the abode of Mr Marc Romboy, whose Mönchengladbach home reveals peculiar habits and unexpected sanctuary. His spiritual home isn’t some posh sitting room, but his studio – a “spaceship” where vintage gear receives proper reverence. “Every time I arrive and enter the room, I salute the analogue machines there… I think the synths and drum machines have a soul.”

As we explore the home where this veteran of Berghain, Fabric and Womb recharges, we unearth thoughtful minimalism across the space – from a methodical approach to studio organisation to his carefully curated surroundings that include a Joseph Beuys exhibition poster, a garden terrace with mirror ball, and Cosmo, a Norwegian forest cat who apparently shares his owner’s appreciation for electronic music.

Between running Systematic Records and getting orchestras to play techno, Romboy lives in both an immaculate hideaway and a peculiar shrine to electronic obsessions.

Share with us your favourite recipe. What is the go to meal/ or perfect romantic fine-dining experience for yourselves? How did this recipe come about and any tips for our readers?

Well, due to the fact that my studio rooms are four miles away from our house and that I don’t have a classical kitchen setup, I most of the time prefer to create a fresh salad. I always use ingredients which are seasonal and from the farmer’s market and put some pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts on top. And yes, of course the organic olive oil from the South of France is not to miss.

What’s your favourite room in your home and why?

My favourite room is, of course, the studio room itself. Every time I arrive and enter the room, I salute the analogue machines there. It might sound funny, but I think the synths and drum machines have a soul, and it´s a kind of appreciation to say hello to all of them.

What’s in your fridge right now? How often do you clean it?

There are always several bottles of Rosé from Provence and sparkling water, which I love so much. Also, black olives from Turkey and coconut water are items not to be missed. There are also a few bottles of champagne somebody gifted me at a festival or party, but I rarely drink champagne, to be honest.

How would you describe the decor in your home?

A: I´m a big fan of minimal decor. There is one poster from an exhibition of Joseph Beuys in Antwerp

Are you handy at DIY or do you get someone in?

Believe it or not, DIY is not my thing at all. But thank god my wife Tascha is skilled in crafts (ha ha).

What do you eat for breakfast?

Nothing. I’m into intermittent fasting.

Do you have a nutri-bullet? Have you ever used it? If so, any health boosting juices you would recommend?

I love green smoothies, less sugar and more vegetables are the right thing in 2024.

Bath or shower?

Shower, 100%.

Has your neighbour ever seen you naked, accidentally or on purpose?

As far as I know, no (laughs).

Have you ever locked yourself out? What did you do?

Yes, once but our neighbor owns a second key, so all good.

It’s a lazy evening, no time for cooking. What’s your takeaway option? Who do you use? Do they know you and expect the usual order from you?

A: We live in Mönchengladbach in the West of Germany and our friend Babak is running two nice little bars called Mamomi and Moshi Bar. Really yummy, so we order there.

Do you eat your dinner at the table or on your lap?

Table, only table.

Do you have a local shop or are you a supermarket slave like the rest of us?

There is one amazing shop called „Nik The Greek” in our neighbor town called Neuss. You can buy yummy deli and the freshest fish for i.e. sushi there. We have a Japanese community in our area and a lot of Japanese folks go there which is always a good sign.

Is there a view from your window, balcony, front door, terrace? Can you share that with us?

We have an amazing view on a garden with a terrace and a mirror ball. Best view.

Is there a piece of art or ornament that holds particularly fond memories for you, from childhood or travels perhaps?

Not really. But behind my decks there is a poster of an exhibition of our favorite artist Joseph Beuys in Antwerp.

Animals. We love cats here at R$N, but just love people with pets. Is there a special furry/ feathered/ scaly creature in your life, tell us a little about them?

We have one Norwegian forest cat called Cosmo. He is the good soul of our place. And he loves electronic music by the way.

A: Space ship. Look yourself.