Embarking on a mystifying journey within the electronic music realm, where each beat reverberates through the corridors of time and rhythm transforms into an expedition, Anacalypto emerges as a fervent sonic explorer. True to his name, derived from the Greek word for “discover,” Anacalypto delves into the intricate nuances of his musical universe in an exclusive interview with Torture the Artist. Unveiling the evolution of his sonic identity, the intricacies of his vast record collection, and a forthcoming venture into the realm of label ownership, Anacalypto invites us to traverse the depths of his musical odyssey. From nostalgic encounters with Techno during his formative years to the curation of a label that exhumes concealed musical treasures, Anacalypto paints a vivid picture of his sonic landscape.
Adding to the sonic tapestry, Anacalypto’s music resonates across global landscapes, with his beats echoing in cities like Prague, Madrid, Lisbon, Tbilisi, Paris, and, of course, Berlin, among others. Beyond his musical endeavors, Anacalypto is the driving force behind a thriving blog that shares the same moniker, further solidifying his influence in the electronic music scene. As we dive into the interview, the curtain lifts on a multifaceted artist whose sonic explorations extend far beyond the notes that fill the air.
My passion for discovering/digging was first. It goes back as far as my memory can remember.
Torture the Artist: Hello Konstantinos, tell us something about your day.
Anacalypto: I’m on my way back from Amsterdam to Berlin after spending some time with my family during Christmas.
Torture the Artist: “Anacalypto“ is the Greek word for “discover.“ What was first: your artist moniker or your passion for discovering/digging music?
Anacalypto: My passion for discovering/digging was first. It goes back as far as my memory can remember.
Hearing records like “Disco Rout” and “La Rock 01” alongside electronic music on the charts on TV like “Flat Beat” and “Sunglasses At Night” signaled me towards the music I wanted to explore.
Torture the Artist: What was the music/genre you discovered first before you turned to electronic music, and foremost, what made you “stay“ with the latter?
Anacalypto: My earliest childhood memories include discovering my parents’ record collection, which was a mix of 60s and 70s Pop, Rock, and Soul, alongside Greek Folk and psychedelic music. My first musical transition was when I was 11 or 12 when an older cousin introduced me to Techno and Electro, which was the music that was played at the raves he was going to at the time. Hearing records like “Disco Rout” and “La Rock 01” alongside electronic music on the charts on TV like “Flat Beat” and “Sunglasses At Night” signaled me towards the music I wanted to explore.
Torture the Artist: What was the record of your teenage-days, and what memories do you connect with it?
Anacalypto: “Emerge” by Fischerspooner. I was too young to go out at the time, so I could only imagine how it would sound in a club. It’s one of those tracks that would almost never leave my discman in high school.
Torture the Artist: You’re mainly a DJ/record-collector, a “digger.“ Will there ever be “Anacalypto the producer“ or does your artist-name stand in the way to go into the studio?
Anacalypto: The main focus at the moment is DJing, but maybe the label will be a push to get me back into the studio again.
Torture the Artist: How many records can you call your own, and does this have an influence on “moving“, meaning are you stuck in Berlin now?
Anacalypto: I’m constantly buying and selling records, so it’s hard to keep track, especially because my records are spread across places. When I moved from Amsterdam to Berlin in 2016, I sold part of my collection. In Berlin, I have mostly stuff that I would play in clubs, but a big part of my collection is still in The Netherlands. So, it’s nice every time I go back to go through that collection and find records I had forgotten about. I’m not planning to move from Berlin in the near future, so I luckily don’t have to worry about moving my records anytime soon.
Torture the Artist: Let’s speak a little about your music and collection. What’s your routine when you dig for music and where do you go to look for it?
Anacalypto: I try to go into stores as much as possible, especially when I’m abroad. I enjoy digging in person. It’s nice to know what you are listening to rather than gambling on blinds on Discogs. I don’t stick to a particular routine whatsoever, and it really depends on the day whether I dig for music I would play in my DJ sets or for records I would listen to at home.
Torture the Artist: What’s a piece of music you’ve recently discovered, and what makes it outstanding for you?
Anacalypto: Toxic Two – Rave Generator (Kama’s Deep In The Groove Mix) is a track I recently discovered and has been on repeat. The original track was released in 1991, but this version only came out in 1999. It’s a quality underground Deep House track with moody organ chords and bird samples that give it a Balearic touch. It still sounds fresh 25 years later.
Torture the Artist: What’s the most precious piece of music in your collection (not necessarily the most expensive one), and why?
Anacalypto: “Tonight” by Savage. It was the first record I bought at a flea market in my hometown in the Netherlands. I must have been around 12 when I discovered Italo-Disco, and it has been my guilty pleasure ever since. Goosebumps every time.
Torture the Artist: What’s your Discogs-Sharks-record? (the one that would bring you a lot of money on Discogs)
Anacalypto: I guess it would be a signed copy of Roísín Murphy’s “Mi Senti.”
Torture the Artist: What’s your arrangement system for the collection?
Anacalypto: I’ve never been sure what the best way to arrange the records is and I am constantly in the process of rearranging my collection. I’ve tried sorting it by genre and alphabetical order, but it has run out of control a bit. It has turned into a labyrinth where there are areas where I know where to find records, but for the most part, it is fun to go in and find records I haven’t played for a long time. I guess there’s something within the madness that makes it work. Then I have my digital collection as well, which is definitely also part of my collection.
Torture the Artist: What three record stores do you visit most frequently, and what makes them a “digger’s paradise“?
Anacalypto: You’ll find me at Sound Metaphors most of the time. Their selection is great and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Well worth stopping by if you’re in Berlin, even if it is just to see the Bozak mixer and soundsystem.
Around the corner from Sound Metaphors is a small record store called Bikini Waxx. It’s a dance music destination for all tastes. The store is in a living room of an old apartment, which makes it a fun place to dig. Otherwise, you can find me at my local record store Audio-In in Friedrichshain. It’s a great place for used Techno, Trance, and Electro records. Keep an eye out for the Euro bin too.
Torture the Artist: Have you ever used your record-collection to impress a potential partner, how did it turn out?
Anacalypto: That’s a good question because when we met we listened to a lot of music together. It was during the pandemic, so my flatmate and I used to spend our days spinning records together. She would come around, but I never thought about it that way.
The aim of the label is to resurrect forgotten musical gems, spotlighting artists from the 90s and 00s who despite their exceptional talent, went unnoticed.
Torture the Artist: You’re planning to launch a label, namely Anacalypto Records. Will the label focus on re-issues of your music-findings or are you following an entirely new approach with it?
Anacalypto: The aim of the label is to resurrect forgotten musical gems, spotlighting artists from the 90s and 00s who despite their exceptional talent, went unnoticed. The first releases are scheduled early next year and will be reissues and unreleased material from that era. I’m also thinking of providing a platform for contemporary artists to share their unique creativity as well. Maybe this will follow later on.
Torture the Artist: Digging records is one thing, playing them another. How do you decide what you play at a gig, meaning how do you prepare?
Anacalypto: Digging records and playing them out are two different things, yes. I have records that I love, but I haven’t been able to play them out yet. Every gig is so different, so I don’t prepare my sets in any way. I guess I prepare by checking what DJ is playing before and after me, how the venue is, the acoustics etc. I usually tend to go with the flow and decide at the gig what I’m going to play. That’s what I enjoy most.
Torture the Artist: You also play a lot of international gigs. Do you actually have a USB with music with you just in case your records are lost or delayed?
Anacalypto: I have a digital backup of my record collection on my USB, so I always carry it with me.
Torture the Artist: You’re responsible for the latest art:cast (our mix-series). What did you have in mind when compiling the mix and where is it best listened to?
Anacalypto: For this mix, I dusted off some darker Acid, Breaks, and Techno records from the mid-90s to early 00s. It’s influenced by the sight lines from the perspectives behind the decks. The fact that sometimes all you can see are reaching hands into the booth or those behind you dancing alone in the corners. It’s a mix to lose yourself to.
Torture the Artist: If you are not out digging music or playing it, where do you find you and what do you do?
Anacalypto: I used to play a lot of tennis as a teenager, but then I stopped until recently. So, if the weather is nice you’ll probably find me on the tennis courts.
Torture the Artist: What’s something we do not know about you – a skill, a habit, an interest, a double life?
Anacalypto: Magic The Gathering.
Torture the Artist: Lastly and in your opinion, what’s the biggest risk you’ve taken and what made you do it?
Anacalypto: Quitting my 9-to-5 job to focus on my DJ career.
Words by Holger Breuer
Pictures by Roman Guede
Torture the Artist 