Natascha Kann is a German DJ, record collector and has been immersed in the club scene for over a decade. She held a residency at the famous Berlin club ://about blank for 6 years, and needless to say, she built up a solid reputation thanks to her attention to details and vinyl selection behind the decks. Effortlessly transitioning between house and techno, Natascha’s sets are characterized by their warmth, complexity and energy. An artful blend of sounds that showcase her world class record collection.

Where do you come from?
I come from the Ruhr area. It is located in the west of Germany.

Your first approach to Djing?
I first started when I was still living in Dortmund. I downloaded tracks and bought Traktor so I could mix a little and sometimes played at parties there. When I moved to Berlin in 2011, I soon started working at About Blank. At that time, most of the Djs playing there were still mainly using vinyl, and I found it so impressive that I completely lost interest in using my laptop. I no longer felt comfortable with it at all. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough money to buy my own turntables, so I just started digging vinyl here and there. Eventually, the club staff offered me the chance to practice there during the week when the place was closed, which was, of course, a great opportunity to practice on a real setup. Eventually, I saved enough money to set up my own gear at home, and shortly after, I became a resident Dj there. That’s really how it all began!

Your main influences?
I started going to parties as a teenager in the early 2000s. That was a defining era for electronic music, with many legendary Djs shaping the sound of techno and house. These artists are a major influence on the music I play today. When I’m digging, I’m still mostly searching for classic techno and house records from the '90s and early 2000s, as those sounds never get old for me. I have to say, though, that Tech House and Minimal have also strongly shaped my sound.

Your favorite clubs to play in Berlin?
The club I enjoy playing at the most in Berlin is definitely Heideglühen. For me personally, it’s the perfect Dj booth, especially when playing with vinyl. I’ve never had any technical issues while playing, which makes it even better. The people who party there know exactly what it’s all about, and it’s a club where only house music is played. I’ve always had a great time, and it’s always something special to play there.

The banger always in your bag?
It’s actually always different. It really depends on where I’m playing, at what time, who’s playing before and after me, what time slot I have, and what kind of party it is. It usually varies, so I don’t always bring the same bangers with me.
 
What does the vinyl represent for you?
Mixing vinyl is like playing a single musical instrument for me. When you mix two records together and they perfectly fit, it creates a new track, and the feeling that comes from that is something I don’t get with digital. I also love checking out record stores, and through that, I’ve met some nice, like-minded people and made new friends. It’s such a great hobby, and I’m grateful that I can make money from it too. Even if I ever reach an age where I can’t play in clubs anymore because of my physical condition, I would never give up my records and my 
turntables. I’ll keep them for the rest of my life. That’s for sure!

Your favorite record store?
Audio-In. The best records I have, I bought there.

Your favorite festival?
This year I went to Waking Life for the first time. It was mind-blowing. Such an amazing party experience. I didn’t play, I was just there as a guest, but musically, the whole 6 days were incredible. There wasn't a single set I didn’t like, and there were also many artists I had never heard of before who blew my mind. It was truly inspiring.

Your best gig?
It was the summer of 2020, during the corona pandemic, in Prague at the famous Cukr party. My friend Klex and I were invited, and we had no idea what to expect. Seriously, no idea. It also felt so strange because, while the corona rules in Berlin were very strict, in Prague, they were much more relaxed at that time. When we arrived, I couldn’t believe what a cool venue it was. The floor where I was playing was huge and packed. The atmosphere, the energy on the dancefloor, and the place were truly extraordinary. It was an unforgettable, magical experience!

Any ritual before a gig?
I don’t really have a specific ritual. I just try to relax, get some sleep before the gig, and have a good meal.

Techno or House?
I like both, and I also enjoy combining house and techno in my sets. However, it’s been a while since I played a strictly techno set. In the last few years, I've been more into house, but who knows? I still buy techno records, and it really depends on my mood and what I feel like playing. The parties I’ve been invited to have also leaned more towards house in the past few years.

Which Dj set blew you away the most?
Definitely Garcon at Waking Life.

If you could transport yourself for 1 hour…
If it’s only for one hour, I’d say, 'Bring me to the sauna.'

Your Top 5 new releases?
- Christopher Rau "Blade" EP
- Alexis Cabrera "Dreaming of a Silver Future" 
- Beatnik Collective "Various Artists" EP 
- George Heerd "Acid Quest"
- KNOWONE "KNWN4.5"

Your Top 5 oldies?
- Steve O'Sullivan & John Beer "Undercurrents"
- Aril Brikha "Art of Vengeance" EP
- Basic Channel "Q 1.1"
- Carl Craig Presents Paperclip People "Throw / Remake (Uno)"
- Jay Tripwire "Ogopogo Ep"

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi