B From E, born Frej Levin, is a prominent and multifaceted figure in the Copenhagen electronic music scene. Known for his eclectic sound that masterfully blends elements of house, progressive, and trance, B From E has garnered significant attention and respect in the music industry. With a string of successful releases on esteemed labels such as Physical Education, Haws, and Happiness Therapy, he has cemented his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist. His music, characterized by its emotive depth and dancefloor energy, resonates with a broad audience, making him a sought-after DJ and producer.
Frej’s journey into music began at a young age, deeply influenced by the trance and house sounds of the late ’90s. Over the years, he has honed his craft, creating a unique musical identity that stands out in the crowded electronic music landscape. Beyond his work as B From E, Frej is also known for his contributions to sound design, voiceovers, and mixing for various brands, films, and podcasts, showcasing his wide-ranging talents and dedication to the art of sound.
In this in-depth interview, B From E shares insights into his daily routine, creative process, and the philosophy that drives his music. He also discusses the inspirations behind his artist moniker, his appreciation for the suburbs of Copenhagen, and his involvement in the local nightlife scene. Additionally, he offers a glimpse into his latest releases, his record-digging habits, and his future aspirations, providing a comprehensive look at the life and mind of this dynamic artist.
Torture the Artist: Hello Frej, tell us something about your day.
B From E: I start my day with a workout or some yoga. Spending countless hours in a music studio takes a toll, so it’s crucial to keep in shape. After that, it’s straight to the studio to either work on my own tracks or take on projects for clients through my music company. My daily life revolves entirely around music and has done so for many years. When I’m not creating new tracks for B From E, I’m composing, doing sound design, voiceovers, mixing, etc., for brands, films, podcasts, and more.
Torture the Artist: How did your artist moniker come about as it seems to not be a reference to your real name?
B From E: “B FROM E“ holds multiple meanings, many of which are listed on the artwork of my album “Many Worlds Scattered Through the Shining Disc Of The Galaxy,” which, by the way, is a quote from Terence McKenna. The core meaning of “B FROM E“ is “Bodhisattva From Earth,” referencing “Bodhisattva Of The Earth” – a Buddhist concept describing a Buddha who chooses to reincarnate instead of escaping the cycle of life and death. This figure, reborn with the same earthly desires and challenges as everyone else, pledges to help others become Buddhas by transforming its darkness into light and inspiring them through their perfect imperfections.
Torture the Artist: “Residing in the suburbs of Copenhagen“, what do you appreciate more about the suburbs than the city of Copenhagen?
B From E: I love big cities; they’re magical. But I come from a suburb where people may not be as hip as city folks, they are proletarian and more genuine. There are so many memories where I live because it’s where I grew up. It’s very inspiring. We have both beautiful nature and grey tower blocks, which I appreciate. It’s a place that offers space to think about different subjects.
Torture the Artist: Musically, you are heavily involved in the Copenhagen nightlife and play the most renowned venues there. What’s something in your hometown and the local scene that makes it stand out from other cities?
B From E: The rave scene here is great, a bit small since we’re a tiny country, but it’s very authentic. Our DJs are true connoisseurs, deeply specialized in their genres. Abroad, many clubs often have a commercial vibe even when playing underground music. You might find a big Budweiser neon sign on the wall or a corner showing a football match. In Denmark, you don’t see that. Most clubs have black walls, deco, lights, smoke, and that’s it. I love that. I prefer being in spaces where the environment doesn’t remind you that it’s a business but rather a playground to get lost in.
Many clubs often have a commercial vibe even when playing underground music.
Torture the Artist: As a visitor to the city, what’s a DJ/artist or maybe even an event one has to experience, and why?
B From E: This is always a tough question because we have so many talented people. For each interview, I try to mention different names. If you’re in Copenhagen and get the chance to hear Harrison Heat play one of his incredible Chicago house sets, you’re in for a treat. Bispebjerg BSP’s label nights are amazing if you’re into garage, jungle, UK bassline stuff, etc. If you can catch someone from Regelbau, don’t hesitate; it’s worth it, these are Danish house masters. Prom Night, Benster, 21G, and Kawun are also names to remember if you visit Copenhagen, and these are just the house acts. Then there are all the techno and trance acts; we have many great ones.
Torture the Artist: Where do you go record digging in your hometown and what places can you recommend?
B From E: Currently, there aren’t too many spots, but I mostly visit Proton and random second-hand shops. Sorry, I really shop online these days.
Sorry, I really shop online these days.
Torture the Artist: Your latest release “Energia Positiva” on Baldo’s Physical Education label is definitely one for the summer and festival season. What did you have in mind when producing the track and how did it come into being?
B From E: Honestly, it happened very organically. I started playing some chords on my synthesizer, and it sounded like a huge Eurodance banger from the early ’90s. I thought about building a more modern beat around those chords but decided to fully embrace the old school style. I wondered how a Eurodance track would sound today if the style remained untouched but was produced with better mixing. I felt it would be fantastic if the Italian dance sound met a bit of UK rave/hardcore. I believe it turned out great—real “ecstasy” music with a feeling of unity and freedom. It’s meant to make you smile and I hope it achieved that.
Torture the Artist: What’s the anecdote that comes with the release, meaning how did the release on Physical Education come about?
B From E: Baldo reached out to me wanting an EP for his label. I was thrilled because I had already been considering it. I sent him a few tracks and promised to follow up with more. During the process, one track turned out quite different from the others, much more Eurodance nostalgic. I thought it was amazing but doubted he would choose it. Nonetheless, I sent it. To my surprise, Baldo said, “Hold off on the EP; this track is special. I want to release it as a single with a remix.” It was an honor. Thanks to Baldo for that. The EP with the other tracks is still forthcoming.
Torture the Artist: The track, just like the title suggests, transports a very positive energy. Is this what you want to do with your music, spreading positivity or are you simply not the mellow-type of artist?
B From E: As the name “B FROM E” suggests, spreading positivity and inspiration is precisely my mission with music. Inspiring and helping others to live happy lives is my goal. My life hasn’t been easy, and if people knew what I’ve been through, they would be even more moved to see that I chose to create music out of it all. Every day, I work to transform my darkness into enlightenment; it’s not easy as I am by nature a melancholic being. But I choose positivity and I hope others will do the same, so they can find happiness in their lives no matter what challenges they face.
Inspiring and helping others to live happy lives is my goal.
Torture the Artist: In the past months, you’ve had releases on the aforementioned Physical Education, an EP on Haws, and one on Happiness Therapy. Quite impressive. Do you follow a plan when releasing music or do those releases on the labels come naturally?
B From E: I definitely have a plan, but it’s not super strict or rigid. Right now, there’s music scheduled for the next year, and I’m always brewing new tracks. I aim to get them signed by labels I dream of working with or those where I’ve already had success.
Torture the Artist: What’s a label you would love to have a release on, and why?
B From E: This is silly but if Nice ‘N’ Ripe still existed, I would have loved to release a super funky garage house record there. That label has meant so much to me. But there are many great labels today that would be wonderful to work with. I always look for good labels, but even more so, good people. If I had to choose right now, I would probably say Love On The Rocks, Kalahari Oyster Cult, or Craigie Knowes.
Torture the Artist: What other releases do you have scheduled already?
B From E: There are definitely several releases lined up on at least three labels where I’ve already released music. One of them we’ve already discussed. Over the summer, there will be a few tracks on various VAs, including Neptune Discs and Infinite Pleasure. The rest is to be announced.
Torture the Artist: Where does your preference for house music with a touch of progressive/trance come from and when did you start to refine it?
B From E: I was born in 1990 and had tons of trance and house cassette tapes and CDs from the late ’90s onward. This music spoke to my soul deeply, and I’ve never let it go. I guess I’m stuck in that era, but I don’t mind. I love it so much; it’s my happy place, and I know it is for many others too. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve always been a “trancer,” despite listening to various genres. Trance is something that has always stayed with me.
Torture the Artist: What were the tracks that made you become involved with electronic music, and where did you listen to them?
B From E: Here are some inspirations that made me choose to produce my own electronic music:
- Underworld, “Dubnobasswithmyheadman” and “A Hundred Days Off”
- Infected Mushroom, the early tracks like “Mushi Mushi”
- The Timewriter mix CDs “Deep Train”
These were some influential elements in my childhood regarding electronic music. I started producing in my little home studio at the age of 13 back in 2003. There’s much more, but these are what I remember vividly.
Torture the Artist: Usually, electronic music is not the genre one starts with. What was the genre of your choice before and what’s a song/artist you once enjoyed listening to, but would call it a “sin of your youth” now?
B From E: I started producing Hip-Hop and Trance with Reason/Cubase when I was 13 years old, around 2002. My sin of youth is “Vengaboys – The Party Album” and a lot of “Nas – The Lost Tapes”.
Torture the Artist: You are responsible for the latest art:cast. Where and when is your mix best listened to and how did it come about? How many takes did it need before you were fully satisfied with it?
B From E: I think it is a good pre-party warm-up set. Listen in an apartment, warehouse, or on a sunny cloverfield. The mix was done in one take, a bit of volume editing was done afterward for a super smooth listening experience.
Torture the Artist: Lastly, if you did not spread positive energy, what would it be?
B From E: Darkness, there’s no in-between for me.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 