Robert Natus Interview [Back to HOME page]

Peering into Robert Natus' tiny studio, you are privy to the dichotomy that is this Techno protégé. Amongst the computer, effects and Virus C, you notice the "Masters of the Universe" holding court; He-Man, Stratos and Skeletor toys adorn the other wise high tech space. It is in that split second that you realize this highly respected and prolific producer is also only 22 years old. You also grasp the scary realization that he has just begun to scratch the surface of what he is capable of.

Growing up in Germany, Robert was presented with a diverse musical foundation. At age 10, his mother gave him a copy of U96 (Das Boot) and his love affair with music began. He listened to hardcore, commercial dance music and eventually began to embrace Hard Trance, House and later Techno. At 15 he purchased one Technics turntable (his friend purchased the other), and began spending countless hours studying the craft of DJing.

Four years later Robert broadened this focus and began to also concentrate on production work. From this meager beginning in a three square meter "studio", Robert has compiled an impressive discography; releasing more than 50 singles on many highly respected Techno labels (including Highland Beats, Highball Music and Compound.) He has worked alongside many of the hottest producers on the scene (Sven Wittekind, Lars Klein and Glenn Wilson) and has had his sound praised by people near and far. All of this in THREE YEARS.

With his continued growth as a musician, Robert has become adept at incorporating a variety of flavors and styles into his music. From the soulful rhythms of House and the raw attitude of Hardcore, to the tripped out bliss of Trance and the driving percussion of Techno, he has shown an ability to amalgamate countless textures, while remaining firmly rooted in his first love; Hard Techno.

Having released so much in such a short period of time, Robert has become a confident studio practitioner, but still knew little about the business side of the industry. With a desire to increase his awareness and understanding of the processes involved in signing, releasing and distributing records, he decided to start his own label (Bit Shift) in March 2003. He has not only use this new outlet as a vehicle for his material, but has continued collaborating with liked minded producers in a manner that has proven to be extremely successful. In 2004, he has his sights set on launching a second label, with a greater focus on Internet distribution and technology.

When speaking of technology, Robert is undoubtedly fond of the many advances in technology that make his life behind the decks and in the studio easier, but he is still among the many who are unsure of programs like Final Scratch. Dubious of its impact on the scene and weary of its potential to hurt the industry through loss of record sales and prospective venues for releasing new music, he remains cautiously apprehensive. For now, he will remain a devotee of "black gold", keeping vinyl alive and squarely as his tool of choice.

This love for the medium and performing has helped Robert begin to make an impact in the DJ booth as well, where he has become a crowd favorite at many of the venues frequents. This year alone, he has performed at parties and festivals all over Germany (including Tor3 in Duesseldorf, Kaballa in Nuremberg and Phuture Club in Essen), as well as the Netherlands, Poland and the sunny coast of Croatia.

With an ever-growing catalogue of quality releases, a pair of records labels, countless DJing gigs and studio collaborations with the finest Techno producers in the world, the future is bright for Robert Natus. He has his head on straight, a quiet confidence about him and a focus fixed squarely on future innovation and success.