Zenker Brothers: Sounds From The Start
This year, Ilian Tape celebrates 15 years since its inception. Founded by The Zenker Brothers in Munich, Germany, the label primarily explores techno, yet their influences span across the whole spectrum of dance music, ranging from dubstep to drum and bass. Ahead of their takeover at Outlook UK, we sat down with Marco Zenker, co-founder and one-half of the Zenker Brothers, to go through the tracks, albums and places that have shaped their journey to date.
THE FIRST SONG I REMEMBER HEARING
Heinz Rühmann - ‘La Le Lu’
“My mum sang this to put us to sleep.”
THE SONG THAT STARTED IT ALL
Wu-Tang Clan - ‘Bring Da Ruckus’ (The whole Enter The Wu-Tang album)
“I was super young when I first heard this playing in Dario’s room and it never really left me. I remember when I was 10 or 11 years old and felt super cool to listen to this music with my friends. It shaped my taste in music significantly and I still appreciate the raw personal sound and unique vibe.”
THE FIRST RECORD I EVER BOUGHT
Dynamite Deluxe - ‘Deluxe Soundsystem’
“It was a German hip hop group with dope beats and good lyrics. Came out when I was 12 and I listened to it a million times. It was part of the soundtrack of my early teenage years. Soon after I also really enjoyed reggae & dub, like Bob Marley & King Tubby.”
THE FIRST GIG I WENT TO
Harry Klein, Munich
“My first time in a club was in 2006 to check out Dario playing at Harry Klein in Munich. It blew my mind to experience sound in a proper club for the first time and the way people danced and didn’t care how they looked or who is looking. After that I started going out regularly.”
THE SONG THAT REMINDS US OF HOME
Rhythm & Sound - ‘Queen Version’
“Rhythm & Sound also never left me after first hearing it. Timeless sound forever. Simple but complex deep beautiful unique music. Legends!”
THE SONG THAT MAKES ME FEEL SENTIMENTAL
Shed - ‘Day After’
“Shed’s first album Shedding The Past and his second album The Traveller had a big impact on me. Listened to them so many times. ‘Day After’ was the standout track from his third album for me. Such a heavy emotional banger. I think the first time I played it in a set was during our first Skee Mask b2b Zenker Brothers set at Unsound Festival in Kraków in 2018, the whole night was an amazing experience. Another memory with this track was during a pretty insane bachelor party for one of my best friends, sadly the group of friends that celebrated together that weekend broke apart.”
THE SONG THAT MAKES ME WANT TO DANCE
DJ Technics - ‘My Life Extra’
“First heard this in a scene in the series The Wire, it was running in the background during a party scene and it immediately caught my attention. Played it a lot since and always gets the booties shaking.”
THE ALBUM THAT CHANGED MY VIEW ON MUSIC
Flying Lotus - ‘Los Angeles’
“Flying Lotus is one of the greatest producers for me and I love all his records. This album was my introduction to his universe. Funky grooves and outer space sounds. This record still feels fresh and free. Much love to Flying Lotus!”
THE LAST RECORD THAT LEFT ME SPEECHLESS
Kendrick Lamar - ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’
“Another one of my favourite artists. I remember being not so much into it when I first heard his music many years ago. It slowly grew on me and now I love it. The expectations for this album were super high and I think it’s incredible. Many different moods and challenging. The production level and creativity is on another level.”
MY NEW DISCOVERY
Nala Sinephro – ‘Space 1.8’
“Recently discovered this and totally love it. What a stunning debut album. Very mature and timeless. Excited to hear what she is up to next.”
Listen to the new Zenker Brothers mix to get ready for Ilian Tape takeover at Outlook UK on 1st July, with the Zenker Brothers, re:ni, Stenny, Walton, Tasha, Darwin & Stevie Cox.