IN CONVERSATION WITH FJAAK

interview ANTONIA HARDER

FJAAK, the Berlin-based duo of Felix Wagner and Aaron Röbig, has solidified their impact on the electronic music scene for over a decade. Known for their innovative blend of digital and analog sounds, the two fascinate through hardware-only live shows and a myriad of record releases. Deeply rooted in underground culture, this down-to-earth duo has quickly carved out a unique and varied sound that continues to influence today’s club scene. Fuelled by the love of club music in all its forms FJAAK returns with their most definitive album to date, a winding sonic odyssey that surveys the rave landscape, dipping between frantic euphoria and deep contemplation under 15 years of mischief. In a recent conversation with DJ and producer Antonia Harder, the duo gave us a glimpse into their exploration of the relationship between humans and technology, blurring the lines between the organic and the mechanical and how six years of productions turned into their upcoming album ‘FJAAK THE SYSTEM’.
The first remix from the album by Kittin & The Hacker will be out on September 27th. Alongside the release, FJAAK is launching a remix competition for emerging producers, with the winning remix featured in the official remix package, available on digital and vinyl.

FJAAK's journey has seen some shifts in your lineup, evolving from a group of five to a trio, and now to the two of you. How has this evolution shaped your sound and dynamic?

The lineup changes didn’t impact FJAAK as much as gaining experience over time. We've become more precise in the studio and more efficient with time management, travel logistics, and optimizing our live shows. After over 1,000 performances, we've refined our approach, especially now with our A/V live shows. While it was easier to get booked as a larger group, we've found that performing as a duo is more manageable, especially for DJ sets.

How have your sound, production techniques, and workflow evolved over time?

We're passionate about collecting both analog and digital gear, constantly refining our workflow to capture creativity efficiently. A key rule in our studio is to always record when jamming, as magic moments can happen unexpectedly. Over time we’ve learned some "magic tricks" to trigger these moments – it’s exciting to surprise ourselves with the unexpected, which is part of the magic of making music. The evolution of plugins has played a big role in our process, and we’ve also been exploring new innovative machines like the UDO Super 6, the first analog binaural synth, where six voices are on one side and six on the other, creating an entirely new level of stereo synthesis. We’ve incorporated a lot of modern machines and plugins into our recent productions and our latest Album.

Can you walk us through your creative process when making new music? Do you have any specific routines or rituals that you follow in the studio?

We don’t follow any specific routines or rituals. The process can start anywhere—whether it’s building a beat, playing around with a synth, or experimenting with new plugins or machines. Sometimes, it begins with something that seems random or silly, but it can evolve into something interesting and worthwhile enough to develop into a track.Our process is quite organic and unforced; it changes with every project. Often, it unfolds intuitively or is influenced by random occurrences, like unusual field recordings we capture while traveling, or by simply experimenting with gear and pushing random buttons. Collaboration is central to how we work, both during jam sessions and when arranging songs. It’s a fluid approach that keeps things fresh and allows for unexpected creativity to emerge.

What is it about analog technology that excites you, and how do you incorporate it into modern sound?

The beauty of combining analog and digital tools lies in the balance of warmth and precision. Analog gear provides that rich, tactile, imperfect quality that feels alive, while digital technology offers flexibility and ease of use, especially for complex sound design and arrangements.The interplay between the two worlds creates a dynamic, ever-evolving environment where we can push boundaries to the maximum. Using analog tools in modern productions allows us to infuse character and depth into our sound while maintaining the creative flexibility that the digital world offers.

Your live sets are known for their rousing energy. How do you prepare for a gig, and how do you keep each set fresh and exciting?

The live show is a continuous project—we’re always pushing ourselves to create new tracks, interludes, intros, and outros to keep things fresh, especially when you’re performing more than 100 shows a year. A lot of time goes into jamming, chopping, and refining ideas in the studio, and what the audience sees as a one-hour live show represents countless hours of preparation. Right now, we’re working on elevating the experience further by integrating audio-visual elements that are triggered and modulated by us via MIDI. We’ve always admired pioneers like Jeff Mills, Kraftwerk, and Aphex Twin for their forward-thinking approach, and we try to carry that same futuristic mindset into our performances.

A Berghain booker discovered you after hosting your own illegal rave in Berlin Grunewald, which led to your first gig there. Looking back how did that moment influence your path and what was your mindset back then?

We didn't initially aim to play at specific venues like Berghain; our focus was on the underground scene, bringing people together in unique spaces like the Grunewald forest. We were pulling 2000 people into a random forest to experience real techno and house, with vinyl-only sets and live hardware only. It was about the music, the moment, and the community. Clubs like Berghain recognized that, and that’s why we got booked there. Maybe it’s important to say that we were already making a name for ourselves by staying true to the scene and our engineering backgrounds allowed us to approach music with a thoughtful, technical perspective.

What advice would you give to newcomers?

The key to success is stamina and staying true to yourself. The scene can be challenging and ever-changing, but maintaining authenticity in your sound and vision provides a solid foundation. Don't try to imitate trends just because they’re popular; many colleagues have lost their way doing this. We’re rooted in the underground, where the focus is on innovation and artistry rather than chasing commercial success. If you’re coming from that same place, build genuine connections, keep evolving your craft, and let your passion drive you. The scene respects longevity and originality, not shortcuts. And don’t forget focus on your local scene and make the best out of it!

How have you seen the focus of the electronic music industry shift in recent years, and where do you see the trends heading?

One of the biggest shifts we’ve noticed is how fast the tools are evolving, especially with the rise of AI and other new technologies. These tools can either be a massive help or a distraction—it all depends on how you use them. However, there are negative trends as well, such as the influence of algorithms and playlists on attention, leading to mainstream EDM tracks dominating 'techno' playlists and bookings based on numbers rather than talent. This can overshadow underground artists. Streaming platforms are also a real issue - most of them barely pay artists and labels. That’s why platforms like Bandcamp are so crucial; they allow artists to retain control and actually get paid fairly for their work. Nowadays it’s essential for local scenes and the underground to unite, support each other, and foster spaces for genuine artistry away from mainstream noise.

After six years, you’re back with ‘FJAAK THE SYSTEM,’ which feels like a strong statement. What’s the overarching concept and inspiration that ties the tracks together, and how does this project reflect your current sound?

The concept behind 'FJAAK THE SYSTEM' is deliberately and unapologetically non-conformist; we aimed to create something timeless rather than trendy. Over six years, we selected from over 300 tracks, producing enough material for nearly four albums. Our music spans various styles, reflecting a broader view of electronic music that includes ambient and classic influences, inspired by artists like Aphex Twin and Massive Attack. Some tracks are several years old yet still sound futuristic, illustrating that true innovation can transcend time. We experimented with different sequencing methods and DAWs, but the album emerged as a collection of tracks recorded over the years, each capturing a unique moment.

You’ve collaborated with artists like Modeselektor and Skee Mask on the new album. How did these collaborations come to life, and what influences did they bring to the tracks?

Our collaborations stem from genuine friendships, making the process inspiring and natural, especially with Modeselektor, who has supported us from the start. The sessions involved intense idea-sharing and were mainly created using an old version of Ableton 8 on a laptop that belonged to my sister. It’s funny how things work out like that.. But that’s what keeps the collaboration exciting - whether it’s the gear we’re using or the people we’re working with.

What’s next for FJAAK following the release of the album? Are you planning any new releases already or any remixes?

We are planning remixes with a special release that will be announced in October. The first remix by Kittin & The Hacker is dropping on September 27. We're really excited about the remixes, as we have incredible artists involved, each bringing their own unique sound. The music they’ve created is amazing, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone. It’s going to offer a fresh take on our tracks. Additionally, we’re launching a remix competition tied to the album and we are also releasing a sample pack. The winning remix will be featured on the remix package, on digital and vinyl, giving emerging producers a chance to shine. More info on how to enter will be announced soon!

TEAM CREDITS

talents FJAAK
photography MICHAEL ANTHONY BAUMANN
styling MAGDALENA ROE
hair and makeup MELANIE HOPPE
photography assistant SOPHIE NAWOVA MEYER
styling assistant LENA LAUER
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview ANTONIA HARDER
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN