Keinemusik
When reviewing Adam Port’s musical merits at this point in time, it shows that most of it took shape off the beaten path. Be it the conditions that sparked his DJ-career. Be it his approach of DJing itself or be it his artistic progression, manifested in his productions.
Over the last years, Adam landed a string of much noticed releases on different labels, be it on Keinemusik, his Berlin-based label-mainstay and collective of fellow artists &ME, Rampa, Reznik and designer Monja Gentschow. Or be it on imprints like Freerange, Pets, Cocoon, Moon Harbour etc. It’s been tunes that immediately brought worldwide attention to his name. But then, instead of doing the obvious, getting a management, meeting demands, playing those big stages, delivering the hits, Adam once again did what felt best for him. Maintaining artistic integrity, releasing records that reflect where his love for music is at in one moment, not knowing where it might be on the very next release, and keeping DJ-sets not only interesting for a crowd, but also himself.
That’s where he is at right now. There’s no scene-dictated tunnel view in his activities, there is only a pointed emphasis on style, on groove and sophistication. An emphasis, that, because it’s informed by Dub, Danchall, Rap, Soul or even Psychedelic Rock, is advanced enough to always shine through the inflationary characteristic of the genre as notably original.
Granted: What Adam Port is laying his hands on might have its place within the parameters of House and Techno, but it’s always more than that. It’s his style.
When one could assume, &ME entered the House and Techno world somewhat out of the blue, it is due to his sublime modesty that’s already captured in his alias. His way to become one of today’s most praised and sought after DJ/producers is based on a solid foundation. A foundation comprised of solo-releases, remixes, projects and collaborations that numerous, we’d rather refer to his discography than weary you with namedropping. Besides, all those references would just distract from what truly matters – the music this guy is delivering.
There are not many artists around turning in such a slew of globally praised floor material like &ME did over the last years. Just think of his last offerings on Keinemusik, a collective of Berlin based DJs and producers, including Rampa, Adam Port, Reznik & artist Monja Gentschow, he helped founding in 2009 or his “What To Do”-remix for Guy Gerber – all serious bangers, played by every renowned DJ worldwide. Everything is falling into place for the fella. His DIY-approach to handle things, his easy going attitude, his reputation as a gifted producer and DJ extraordinaire, his ability to link innovative production with consensual reception, making him one of the most unique and original figures in the game.
From 2009 on, Rampa made a name of himself through Keinemusik, his own little d.i.y.-cosmos, being not only label, but also crew of likeminded DJs, producers and friends. The teamwork within this realm has seen a serious number of productions and collaborations, particularly with fellow producer &ME, not to forget the rest of the bunch, Adam Port, Reznik and Monja.
Besides, he’s got an array of other collaborations and releases under his belt, put out on imprints like Circoloco, Innervisions, Diynamic, Afterlife, Cocoon, Ninja Tunes / Counter Records, Strictly Rhythm, Kompakt, 2020 Vision, Freerange, BPitch Control, Defected or Crosstown Rebels.
The events of the last few years have seen Rampa focussing more and more on the production side of things, be it studio time or the inauguration of the TEILE project – his own company to produce and distribute analogue effects, custom built for DJ-purposes. Certainly also an outlet for a slight nerdism, that includes not only studio gear, but instruments in general. When it comes to DJing itself, he is going for a less is more approach these days, choosing bookings and playing more consciously.
