Exclusive Interview: Timo Maas

Here is another Home exclusive interview, this time with DM remixer Timo Maas! Timo has made a new remix of “Personal Jesus” and shares some of his thoughts with us.

You mentioned it was an honor to support Depeche recently, so are you a pretty big fan of the band then?

They’re a big part of my youth… I grew up with them and have a lot of DM related memories.

You have remixed, what might arguably be, 2 of Depeche Mode’s biggest hits, how does that make you feel?

It makes me feel proud, always a new challenge.

When you are commissioned to remix, especially by band as large as Depeche Mode, do you think it validates all the work you have accomplished to this point in your career?

Well, we (Martin Buttrich and I) did many remixes for many artists over the years. Lets say, we found a way of handling this stuff our own way…with a lot of respect to the original song and artist and also…our way!

Having released a few albums now, do you enjoy remixing as much as making your own records?

Yes, I do. Both are fun!

What’s running through your mind when you receive the multi track parts of songs as classic and as beloved as “Enjoy The Silence” and “Personal Jesus”? Intimidating?

It’s a strange feeling really, as these songs are so well known, and I heard them thousands of times like they are. But the challenge is to forget about it and create something new.

Which song was a bigger challenge for you to remix and why?

Both were not too easy, as they are such all time hits.

When you are requested for a remix, how do you decide the direction you are taking the song in? Do you start planning before you get the parts or do you wait to experiment with them?

Mostly, we have a basic idea, which is the starting point; everything else builds in the production process.

How do you feel about songs as classic as these being updated with new remixes? Are you for updates or leave classics where they were?

Actually, I’m not a huge fan of remixing old stuff; DM makes it easier, as they were always electronic and also dance floor related.

Has the band giving you any reaction to your remixes?

The band loves “Enjoy The Silence”. For “Personal Jesus”… one loves it, one thinks its OK, and one hates it!

How did you feel about your support slot in Warsaw?

Very good…definitely one of my highlights recently.

Did you put together a special set just for this gig? How did you decide what would be played? Also, did you get any feedback from the band on your set?

I was preparing myself obviously, but what I played wasn’t leaving the route representing myself the best possible way. No feedback from the band, but all peeps from the team loved it!

Have you been playing your new mix of “Personal Jesus” in your sets and how has it been received?

In every set, people freak out and loooove it!

I have always wanted to know this about your DJ mix series “Music For The Maases”, was it a fun play on words or also a nod to Depeche?

Simply a fun play with the words, we only talked once about the possible connection with DM.

It’s been a little over a year since your last album, “Pictures”, came out. Are you working on a new album?

Yes I am. I’m also I’m working on a single to be released before summer 07!

Other then a busy DJ tour schedule, what else can we look forward to from Timo Maas?

I’m working still on my label, which I’m gonna start soon with my own product!

For more information on Timo Maas, please visit:

www.timomaas.com
www.myspace.com/timomaas

Interview by Glen. (C) Home. Do not steal this article without giving full credit and a link! Photos appears courtesy of Timo Maas.