Das Mörtal took some time to answer our questions about his music and how he makes it. Let’s see what he has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
I just wanted something that could be easy to find if you were to look for it online and that had some sort of “punch” when you would pronounce it.
The umlaut over the O was just for aesthetics like the “metal umlaut”. Other than that, there is no meaning to the name, it’s not even german like some people think.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I was a lot into early 90’s IDM music, when it was still very melodic and less mathematically cold. I would make lots of very random beats with a melancholic layer of synths and pads. Eventually I just felt like I wanted to make something less complex but still very melodic.
How would you describe your sound?
I always have a hard time describing my style because I feel like my formative years, which were filled with almost every type of electronically produced music possible, has influenced my sound. Right now I feel like my sound is an emo version of electro but that might describe a 3rd of what I release.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Probably Aphex Twin and Depeche Mode. I obviously sound like none of them but, there are lots of emotions that their music has given me that I try to convey with mine.
What’s the last song you listened to?
I just went to see Mareux perform his new album live, so I would say whatever track he played last. Don’t know the name but it sure was good.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Right now it’s probably the algorithms of YouTube. I also like to just browse Bandcamp a lot and find stuff that is still very raw and not overly produced.
Who is your dream producer?
I really don’t know. ABBA maybe or who ever produced the early Enya albums which probably has Enya herself in the producer seat.
But to be honest it’s not something I really care about, but if I were, I would like to see how stuff used to be produced in the 80’s/90’s rather than seeing how stuff is produced nowadays which can all be done on the same laptop.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Probably Depeche Mode, since I grew up with their music and have influenced mine through the years.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I just like playing keyboards. I’m not good at it at all but I really like playing with them. It’s almost like a fidget toy for me.
So eventually I started trying to make melodies on them which led to making actual songs. When the computer arrived in my household, I could do even more than just a keyboard could. In time, I took to music making more seriously and kept at it. Nowadays, I make music when I need to take a break from my everyday job in the tv/film industry.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
I usually sit in front of the computer for 2 hours just trying stuff out. Eventually I end up trying to make either a beat or simple melody as a loop. If the next day I can listen back to that loop and still appreciate it, I will try to make a full track out of it.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Mostly Instagram. I do most of my promo through it and it’s also how I keep up to date with the bands I like as well. I try to reply to most of the comments and messages when possible and I got to say that people have been very supportive on the platform but also in other places like YouTube, Bandcamp and at shows. I love having quick chats with fans when they come to the shows.
Bandcamp – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – TIkTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Bio:
Das Mörtal began his journey in Berlin, inspired by artists such as Steve Moore and Aphex Twin. The producer forges a dark and nostalgic sound, skillfully mixing influences that range from German techno to horror and sci-fi film soundtracks. With several EPs and albums released, he has performed in several major festivals such as Osheaga, Transmusicales de Rennes, FME and Meg Festival while opening on tours for Vitalic, Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, etc.
Now part of the world’s leading synthwave producers, the enigmatic artist offers a more personal sound, a unique musical signature charming a growing audience worldwide. With over 20 million streams on Spotify alone, Das Mörtal receives media and radio support in a dozen countries, as well as on several influential pages on Youtube. On stage, he has racked up nearly 100 shows since 2015, including more than 70 dates in the U.S. and Europe (UK, France, Scandinavia).
