Dominik Eulberg @ Piknic: the German techno producer talks about the birds and the beats

Dominik Eulberg is a producer and DJ who has released four albums and numerous singles since breaking out in 2004. In advance of his Montreal debut at Piknic Electronik and on the eve of the release of his latest album, Diorama, I reached Eulberg by phone at his lakeside home in the wooded region of Westerwald, in his native Germany.

Primarily known for his lush techno productions which incorporate sound samples from the natural world, such as bird songs, it is not surprising to hear that his inspiration comes from a lifelong passion for the great outdoors. It was this passion that led him to university studies in ecology and work as a National Park ranger. Aside from a rigorous DJ touring schedule, he currently divides his time between working for various nature organizations and helping develop nature programs for German television. The idea of teaching people about the wonders of the natural world around them is the theme of Diorama, which features tracks dedicated to remarkable creatures such as the glow worm and the firefly.

“We are all part of nature and when you are out in the wild for a few days without music and television, suddenly your ears listen to everything. It’s a transcendent situation,” Eulberg says. “For me, this is the easiest and cheapest way to have a satisfied, happy and healthy life, and this is what I want to show people.”

When asked about his future plans, Eulberg is certain that he will always be making music, even if he eventually limits the number of DJ gigs he takes on. “I don’t know how many more years I will do this because I am not the kind of guy who loves to sit for hours in an airplane. I’m most happy when I am doing very basic and instinctive things,” Eulberg muses. “But I love to play open air festivals in the afternoon. It is a totally different feeling. As a nature lover, playing techno music under a blue sky, maybe near water, that’s when I say, ‘I love my job.’”

Dominik Eulberg
At Piknic Electronik with Hear, Mono-Poly & Fu Ancko
June 19| Parc Jean-Drapeau | piknicelectronik.com