Fritz Kalkbrenner: "It’s about crafting something that moves people – not just rhythmically, but emotionally"

15-years on since his debut album ‘Here Today Gone Tomorrow' Fritz Kalkbrenner is anything but. The German producer instead, is in the midst of his latest reinvention, pulling inspiration from a kaleidoscopic range of global house sounds for his new single 'Kick It With You' - combining deep, thumping kicks with a smooth, decadent array of fluctuating percussion.

Having first recognised his affinity with electronic music while embedded in Berlin's thunderous techno scene alongside his brother, Paul — Fritz first began honing in his sound in 2003, providing vocals for Sascha Funke’s track 'Forms & Shapes'. It was in 2008 that he would begin to gain wider-acclaim, working on the score for Paul Kalkbrenner's semi-autobiographical film Berlin Calling — with Fritz's vocals becoming a defining element in chart-topping hit 'Sky & Sand'.

Two years later it was time for Fritz's next reinvention, with the release of his debut album ‘Here Today Gone Tomorrow' as he retained the sweeping vocals from his previous work, but incorporated a more dance floor-angled approach to production — while eight years later, in 2018, he would make a duo of jumps; launching his own imprint Nasua Music and releasing his first-ever, intstrumental-only record 'Drown'.

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Since then Kalkbrenner has utilised a plethora of differing sonics, diving into deep house on 2021' 'King Curtis', emotionally-charged pop with 2022's 'In The Morning', dancefloor melodic with 'Waiting For The Sun' and old-school house euphoria on 2023's 'Set You Free'.

Following the release of his new single 'Kick it With You', Mixmag caught up with Fritz Kalkbrenner to talk reinvention, the environmental impact of touring and bringing "global energy" to the fore as he prepares for his upcoming Kontinentego Tour. Read the full interview below.

Your new single 'Kick It With You' sees you utilise global house sounds, can you tell us a bit about the process of creating this record?

You can hear it right away, this track is infused with new global house influences and that was very much a conscious choice. From a production standpoint, I deliberately opened myself up to international styles. When you've been nurturing your own sound for over 15-years, big stylistic shifts become less frequent and staying open is key. I’ve never believed in creating in isolation. As someone who listens to a wide range of music, it’s only natural that what resonates with me ends up in my own productions.

Was there a reason behind the shift towards this sound? Do you feel it's a natural step in your journey as an artist?

Absolutely. No artist creates in a vacuum, and I’m certainly not an exception. I’m an avid music listener and I can’t, and won’t, shut myself off from what’s happening around me, so this shift felt natural. The real decision is how much you're willing to embrace what’s happening out there stylistically. For me, this track is my personal response to current house music trends - my own interpretation.

Your album 'Third Place' was well received both in Germany and internationally, how did you feel about the reception to the record?

I was genuinely pleased with how 'Third Place' was received. It made it into the Top 20 in Germany, which was a fantastic milestone. The singles also resonated strongly, both online and on stage, and picked up solid media attention, with Pete Tong premiering one of them on BBC Radio 1, for example. That said, I’ve never seen success as an end goal. Once a release is out in the world, the next chapter begins. If you truly love making music, you keep moving forward... it’s part of the rhythm.

Was following up the 'Third Place' an intimidating prospect? Or did the reception to the record encourage you?

Honestly, I didn’t feel any pressure. By the time an album comes out, most artists have already mentally moved on. I was already deep into sketching ideas for what would become my next project: Kontinentego. That initial spark of inspiration led to a batch of raw demos – quick, instinctive sketches that captured something fresh. I didn’t overthink it; it was more about momentum and flow. It felt good to just create without the weight of expectation. Later, I started shaping those ideas more deliberately, and the contours of a new chapter slowly came into focus.

Your career spans over 20 years, how do you feel electronic music has shifted and changed in that time?

The scene today is more diverse than ever. Over the past two decades, so much has evolved – from the resurgence of hard-edged techno to the global rise of Afro and Brazilian-inspired sounds. Platforms like TikTok have accelerated the way trends develop and spread, making the landscape more dynamic and unpredictable than ever. At the same time, certain aesthetics keep returning in new forms. It’s a constant cycle, and I’m curious to see which sound will resurface next – hopefully reimagined in a fresh way. What continues to fascinate me, though, is the sense of community within the international scene. The level of mutual understanding and connection among artists and audiences across borders is something truly unique. It was one of the first things that captivated me when I started going to clubs – that unspoken bond on the dancefloor. And honestly, it still inspires me today.

How do you find touring as a live act now after decades on the stage? Does it feel similar to when you started?

Touring today feels completely different. Back in the early days, everything was more chaotic – more urgency, less structure. Now things are much more professional and streamlined, with set routines and clearer expectations. But that can come with its own risks – routine can dull the edge. That’s why I try to preserve a sense of unpredictability in what I do. When things get too comfortable, creativity can suffer. Keeping it interesting – and at times even slightly off-balance – helps me stay inspired and sharp.

One thing that’s also changed is how I think about the logistics of touring. These days, I’m far more conscious about how I travel. Environmental impact has become a much bigger topic, not just personally but within the wider industry too. I think we’re all learning to reflect more critically on how we move through the world, even as artists.

You’ve played countless memorable shows over the years — are there any that have left a lasting impression on you?

Absolutely. There are a few moments that really stand out, even after all these years. Playing on the Great Wall of China was surreal — looking back, it almost feels unreal that we actually pulled that off. Another one that stays with me is the show at Domaine de Chantilly in France, beautifully staged by Cercle. The setting, the atmosphere, the energy — it all came together in a truly special way.

And then there’s Rock am Ring: 90,000 people, pure electricity in the air, and an intense thunderstorm rolling in right in the middle of the set. It was wild and raw — one of those nights where everything feels larger than life.

Your performances are known for their emotional depth — how important is that emotional storytelling for you on stage?

It’s absolutely essential. I want to create a sense of narrative through music – to build tension, to offer emotional space. That’s my artistic identity. Other artists may take different paths, and that’s great. But for me, it’s about crafting something that moves people – not just rhythmically, but emotionally.

What can fans expect from your Kontinentego Tour end of the year? Do you have anything special in store?

The Kontinentego Tour is something I’m deeply invested in. The name comes from "Esperanto", meaning “supercontinent” – a metaphor for how music can bring people together across boundaries, cultures and perspectives. That idea runs through the entire project. The tour will feature ten brand-new singles with a distinctive house aesthetic, all crafted with that global, unifying energy in mind. I’m also revisiting older material and reshaping it to flow with the new sound – almost like remixing my own catalogue.

Beyond that, I’m working on translating the core mood of the album into the live experience: emotionally charged, rhythmically engaging, and visually more refined than anything I’ve done before. This tour is about connection, storytelling, and shared space on the dancefloor.

What's coming up next for you/what should our readers keep an eye out for?

There’s a lot on the horizon. I’ve got several new singles lined up that I’m genuinely excited about. I’m also gearing up for an intense club season and a packed festival summer – a chance to reconnect with the crowd and bring the energy back to the dancefloor.

And of course, everything is building toward the Kontinentego tour at the end of the year – new music, new arrangements, and the same mission: bringing people together through sound. In the meantime, I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes insights into my creative process and giving fans a sneak peek at unreleased tracks across my socials. So if you're curious about what’s happening in the studio – stay close.

Listen to Fritz Kalkbrenner's new single 'Kick It With You' below and click here for streaming/buy options.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter