DVS1 Talks

Zak aka DVS1, is one of the most prominent figures in the Midwest/US dance music landscape today. A local DJ favorite since the mid nineties, DVS1 continues to move floors with a combination of deep musical knowledge and unparalleled enthusiasm. With crazily well received releases on the legendary Transmat, Ben Klock’s Klockwork and his own label HUSH already under his belt we caught up for a chat with Zak before he touches down on these shores. 

Youve mentioned in recent interviews that youre planning some new original material as its been a while since any DVS1 output have you firmed up any plans?

Hush 02 is coming out march 5^th after 2 years since the first one.

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Ive also got another klockworks done and scheduled to come out closer to summer.

Whats the biggest hindrance to getting original material done for you now? Or do you sit on tracks and wait to put them out when you feel the time is right?

Time is the obvious answer, but as well, my travelling and home life. I live between 2 cities, Berlin and Minneapolis and its difficult and not always convenient to have everything I need depending on where I am. 

Its not long since you were in the UK last, having done a house set in London. Do you see yourself doing more house sets or is the ultimate goal to have more bookings were youre just allowed to do as you please?

Not necessarily more or less Im a techno DJ first, but I enjoy going into the roots of my upbringing and playing house every so often. I come from an appreciation of proper house so its a nice break away 

from the constant techno sets I play to bring a completely different vibe. Although I do have to say, that having the freedom to play anything, anywhere would be great!

If you have a long set and a strong crowd, where else do your DJ sets wander or where would you want them to wander?

I think its more about vibe and feeling rather than musical genre at that point. If the crowd is there and the sound is good then I feel comfortable to just be 

me and do whatever I feel at that moment. 

With Mistress, your new imprint, are you building a family of artists?

Not intentionally, but I guess I am. The guys who are releasing with me will continue to put out music on mistress in the future as well.  But the door is always open to new artist and hidden gems.

Will Hush be upping the release quota in 2014?

There are no expectations nor schedules for hush.  Since its my label, no remixs, only original music, I will put out what I feel, when I feel its right.

Youre playing for Machine in London this weekend, a night that limits itself to new music with such a vast record collection is it a challenge to limit yourself to the new?

Ive got plenty of new music to play, so that wont be a problem!

With this being your second trip to London in just a few months and both parties having distinct caveats on what youre playing, is it right to assume that London is a place you feel particularly comfortable playing?

Yeah, you could say that.  Ive made some great friends in London and I feel good when I know Im heading over.

If your sound was a visual thing, what would it look like? 

Colorsalmost like a kaleidoscope image. 

What was the music of your teenage rebellion? 

House and techno was already part of my life in my teens!

First and last record bought? 

Dont remember what the first wasand the last pick one from the bag of 20 I bought..!

Whats the best piece of music youve ever heard? 

Im discovering new and old music every day that becomes better than the last.

Whats your favourite place on earth? 

I havent found it yet

Are you a kick drum, hi hat or a snare? And why? 

None of them I pick the Clap! It snaps you into place!

What are you obsessed with at the moment? 

Hunting through my new addition of 25,000 records That came from the late DJ MAN X.  From Minneapolis.

What’s your answer to everything? 

Music.

DVS1 plays Corsica Studios this weekend. Full details