IN CONVERSATION WITH LIVE FROM EARTH

The superstar DJ collective Live From Earth is landing in Amsterdam on August 31st for a truly memorable day and night at LOFI. Gathering the fiercest, boldest and avant-gardest DJ on the planet, their presence is the total guarantee of an unforgettable night. Thanks to their eclectic sounds, mastered production and unqualifiable energy, party-goers from all over the world converge to their show, certain to make memories for a lifetime. We sat down with Jacob, emeritus member of Live From Earth also known as Bauernfeind to discuss music and the group’s history.

Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourselves—where you started and where you are now?

We started as a collective of artists, producers, and creatives who were passionate about pushing the boundaries of music and visual art. Live From Earth began as a YouTube channel, a platform to showcase our approach to documentaries and music videos but also to connect with like-minded individuals globally. Over time, what started as a small, niche community has grown into a larger entity, encompassing live events, graphic design, fashion and a diverse roster of artists. We’re constantly evolving and exploring new avenues for creative expression.

One could argue you’ve always been global, considering LFE’s start as a YouTube channel, but how is it different—taking Live From Earth on the road and hosting events globally?

The energy of the live events is something that can't be replicated online. While our online channels allows us to reach a global audience, physically being in different cities and experiencing the local scene has added a whole new dimension to what we do. It's a two-way street—we share our vision of art and culture, but more importantly we also learn a lot from the local scenes, which influences our work going forward. Taking Live From Earth on the road is also the best opportunity for us to invite artists we appreciate to share the stage and connect in real life. The connection with the crowd, the spontaneous collaborations, and the unique atmosphere of each location make these live events a totally different experience.

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photographer STEFFEN GRAP
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photographer IGA DROBISZ

Do you have particular favorites from said events? A specific memory that comes to mind?

It’s hard to pick just one because each event is unique and comes with its own highlights.

In terms of roster and sound, you’ve always been very diverse—is it something you think consciously about, or does it come naturally?

Diversity is something that comes naturally to us because we’re a collective of individuals with different tastes, backgrounds, and influences. We don’t set out to tick boxes, but we are very open to exploring different sounds and styles. Our approach is very organic—if something feels right and resonates with the group, we go for it. That said, we’re always conscious of challenging each other's approaches and not getting too comfortable in one genre or sound.

Live From Earth has always had a strong visual and fashion identity—how do style and fashion play a role in shaping your collective’s image and presence, both online and at live events?

Fashion and visuals are integral to our identity. From the beginning, we understood that music is just one part of the experience we want to create. The way we present ourselves visually— whether it's through our releases or our graphics—is just as important. It’s all part of the narrative we’re creating. Fashion allows us to express ourselves in another dimension, and it helps to create a cohesive aesthetic that ties all aspects of our work together.

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photographer IGA DROBISZ

photographer STEFFEN GRAP

Any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?

We’ve got a few things in the pipeline that we’re really excited about. Without giving too much away, we’re working on a new series of collaborations that blend different art forms in ways that makes our events more cohesive. We’re also planning to expand our live events into new territories, which is always an exciting challenge. And of course, we’ve got some new music releases that we think will surprise a lot of people.

This [August 31st] will be your third time at Lofi—tell us a little bit about your relationship with Amsterdam and its scene.

Amsterdam holds a special place in our hearts. As children of the Schengen Agreement, many of us have been visiting Amsterdam long before we started performing here. This time, before our own event, I’m planning to head to the Wooferland Festival to catch legends like Promo, Ken Ishii, CJ Bolland, and Jam El Mar. It really highlights the city’s vibrant scene. The crowd in Amsterdam is always open-minded and eager to embrace new sounds and experiences, making it an ideal match for us.

What can people expect from the upcoming event?

We’re always trying to bring something new to the table. This time, for the first time, we’ve dedicated one floor to the rich history of Gabber and Hardcore, shaped by our friends Paul Seul and Krampf, along with Yoshiko and angelboy. On the other floor, we’re excited to feature artists like Bushbaby, LB aka LABAT, Somewhen, Flansie and Yung Singh—all of whom bring a unique approach to dance music and are playing with us for the first time.

graphic designers JOHANNES SCHREINER & TIM LINDACHER

Tickets for Live From Earth at Lofi are available here