For the latest edition of absolutely on music, Torture the Artist travelled to Marla Records in Berlin for a special vinyl-only session centered around deep digging culture, long-form musical storytelling, and pure underground energy. Surrounded by shelves packed with carefully curated records, the stream brought together a standout lineup featuring Fabe, Holger Breuer, Will Benson, Harry Wills, and Marla Records head Fanfarrosa. What unfolded across the day felt less like a conventional stream and more like a shared listening ritual between selectors deeply connected through groove, atmosphere, and the art of digging.
Opening the session, Fabe delivered a warm and groove-heavy selection full of subtle movement and rolling energy. Known through projects such as Salty Nuts, his set balanced deep House textures as well as Acid- and Disco-influences with reduced rhythmic pressure, setting the tone with patience and precision. A classy opening rooted in flow rather than quick impact.
Representing Torture the Artist, Holger Breuer guided the stream through a blend of deep House, minimal, and tech-driven sounds while maintaining his signature groove-focused approach. Warm chords and rolling House rhythms met tighter, punchier textures, allowing the set to move fluidly between deeper moments and more driving passages. Carefully layered transitions and low-end movement kept the energy steadily evolving without losing the intimate atmosphere of the space. A set built around tension, detail, and long-form progression.
Will Benson brought a deeply refined and understated energy to the session, moving fluidly through stripped-back House and hypnotic Minimal selections. His set emphasized control and atmosphere, allowing grooves to breathe while remaining tightly locked into the dancefloor spirit. Subtle textures and patient pacing gave the performance a timeless late-night quality.
Representing the Ba Dum Tish universe, Harry Wills delivered a set full of rolling groove structures, crisp percussion, and understated intensity. While deeply rooted in minimal aesthetics, his selection also carried a more energetic edge, steadily pushing the momentum forward without losing control or depth. Balancing functionality with atmosphere, he navigated effortlessly between hypnotic passages and driving dancefloor moments. A deeply immersive contribution with a strong sense of identity throughout.
Closing the session, Marla Records founder Fanfarrosa brought things home with a deeply curated vinyl selection reflecting the spirit of the store itself. Warm grooves, hypnotic textures, and carefully placed transitions created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and dancefloor-oriented. A fitting final chapter from someone whose passion for digging and underground culture could be felt in every record played.
Having all these artists together for one day inside Marla Records made this edition of absolutely on music feel particularly special — a reminder of how powerful vinyl culture, community, and carefully curated music can still be when shared in the right environment.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 