Liam Miller
Fabian Krooss is a true innovator in the world of electronic music, known for his fearless genre-blending and dynamic storytelling through sound. With roots in Berlin’s vibrant scene, Fabian has taken his unique style to global stages, from Ibiza to Zanzibar, captivating audiences with his playful, bouncy sets that transform dance floors into immersive experiences.
Over the past eight years, Fabian has released more than 50 tracks, including a chart-topping debut album on A Tribe Called Kotori, and has collaborated with industry legends like Oliver Koletzki. His music reflects a deep passion and commitment to artistic freedom, making him a standout figure in the electronic music landscape.
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Fabian to explore the creative mind behind the music that continues to surprise and inspire.
Your recent release on Flow Music has garnered significant attention. Can you share the inspiration behind the production and how this release reflects your evolving sound?
When I’m being asked what my music sounds like I mostly say something like ‘it’s bouncy, playful and groovy’ – Falling to Pieces captures all that. Groovy and bouncy with some nice harmonies and a very playful and signature arpeggio in the break. I’ve actually made this tune about 2 years ago already, so I can’t say too much about the inspiration behind it – I just know I still really like it and love to play it (which is not a given).
You’ve performed at some of the most iconic festivals and clubs worldwide. How do your experiences from places like Africa Burn influence your music and live sets?
Over the past years I’ve been touring more and more and with every gig I play abroad I learn more about each culture, what works and what doesn’t. There are places where I feel like I need to adapt, at Africa Burn though I’ve felt particularly free to play the music I love. I very much enjoyed the freedom this place had to offer. To play at many artcars and camps that are, unlike on normal festivals, run by people just for the love of connection and creation, rather than monetary incentives.
There’s something really special about that place which certainly had a lasting impact on me as a musician and human. To get to the point, the music that comes out of me is a result of how I feel and if a place or a certain time makes me feel good it will subsequently be translated in some form into my music.
With more than 50 releases under your belt and a debut album out in 2024, how do you keep reinventing yourself musically while staying true to your roots?
With every track that I’ve produced and released I’ve grown. I learned what works on the dance floor and what not, also the understanding of how my mixdowns translate in the club environment also grows consistently.
I strive to get better and better to create music that has a lasting impact, music that’s different from what’s out there. I want to transmit joy and happiness, take people on a journey with my music and bring solace in this hurting world. Besides that I just have a very particular taste in music. What I produce comes quite naturally out of me and it is evolving with every year that I spend on this planet 🙂
Sitting down in the studio also calms me down a lot. I love touring and bringing my music around the world but at the same time being on the road for a couple of months a year can also be quite tiring. Constantly being surrounded by people and being in clubs and festivals a lot also takes lots of energy out of me.
To compensate I sit down in the studio and put my phone away and just dive into the sounds that come out of me and my synthesizers. It has a therapeutic and meditative effect on me (mostly at least hehe). As a result I feel recharged again and ready for the next adventures, excited to play what I’ve just created.
You’ve collaborated with a range of artists and remixed tracks from legends like Oliver Koletzki. How do these collaborations influence your creative process and what do you look for in a collaborator?
Collaborating is a super important part of being an artist, I feel. With every collab I learn new skills and something new is being created, together. Every artist has a different workflow, a different set of skills and it’s nice and super inspiring to combine the things you’re good at. Producing can also be a bit lonely at times and it’s nice to enjoy the creation process with other people, share ideas and learn from another.
When I collaborate with someone there must be a good personal connection and/or respect towards the collaborators music. I feel like that’s been the case with almost all of my collabs to this date. They often make me especially happy as it’s nice to create something together and share the fun (and work).
Balance is the keyword here. I could never tour all year round. I need time with my friends, time at home to decompress and create, time at Berlin festivals and clubs.
As we look ahead to 2024, can you share any upcoming projects or releases you’re particularly excited about, and where can your fans catch you live in the coming months?
As of now I just have one remix scheduled to be released soon. But, I’ve been working relentlessly in the studio in the last couple of weeks and have plenty of tracks in the pipeline that I’ll already be playing at my upcoming shows. I’ve been growing quite a bit musically in the past months and am very excited to see how my music develops.
I want to take my time though to finish these tracks without any deadlines that pressure me. I’ll go with the flow and certainly will release loooots of new music in the next year that feels more true to myself than ever. Incorporating all the inspiration from my travels and all the learnings from my past releases.
I’ll play a couple shows at home in Berlin and Germany, likely followed by tours in Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand this winter. Can’t wait to find out where my music will lead me next 🙂
Much love and thanks for this lovely interview!
