Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Arne Freitag aka DJ Gerät. I love music, especially on vinyl. Since 2018, I’ve been DJing exclusively with records. I originally played guitar, so music has always been a part of my life. Over time, I dove into electronic music and discovered my love for house music. Since then, there’s nothing better for me than digging for new records, collecting them, and incorporating them into my sets — and I’m more than happy to drop a few hundred bucks for that.
Where can people hear or see your work?
I’m most active on SoundCloud, where I regularly upload new sets. You can also find me on Instagram. I haven’t released any of my own productions yet — but who knows what the future holds. Every now and then, I also stream live on Twitch. You can catch me playing live mainly in smaller, underground venues like Loch in Wuppertal or Giselle in Düsseldorf — I’ll be playing there again on August 29th.
What’s the name of the track you want to introduce, and who is it by?
Devotion – Harrison BDP (Devotion & Obsession EP)
Who is Harrison BDP – and what makes the song special?
Harrison BDP, real name Harry Webber, is a UK-based producer who’s been making waves with his tracks for several years now. He started producing at the age of 16 and has since developed a unique sound. With releases on labels like Phonica Records, Lost Palms, or Shall Not Fade, he’s become one of the most exciting names in the European house scene.
https://thickasthieves.com.au/artists/harrison-bdp
With his new EP on the renowned edit label Stamp, Harrison BDP drops two absolute club bangers on vinyl. “Devotion” stands out in particular – a subtle yet highly effective reinterpretation of the disco track Lay It Down on Me by Gerald Mallory.
https://www.discogs.com/de/artist/4402701-Harrison-BDP?srsltid=AfmBOopeMDx5w_hNjQzlXtl8eyNvxqcTMKiXt06eBMsONOKlO1sap8s7
When and how did you discover the track?
That must have been around 2018 – shortly after I started DJing seriously. The track came out in 2017. I discovered it through a YouTube channel that regularly features new underground releases. Back then, I was deeply involved in the Cologne underground scene and soaked up a lot of musical influences. I instantly fell in love with this sound.
In what situations do you like listening to the track?
I love playing Devotion as a closing track in front of an audience. It’s not the kind of song you play quietly in the background while chilling on the couch – it demands to be celebrated. It gets people on their feet and evokes something in them. When I play it at home, I dance alone in the living room. Doesn’t matter if anyone’s watching or not. This track is pure energy.
What makes the track special or meaningful to you?
It has shaped me musically more than almost any other. Devotion showed me what house music can be: emotional, driving, raw, and full of love. Before that, I was more into tech house or minimal. This track set me on a whole new path – and that’s why it means so much to me.
Which sound element catches you every single time?
There’s this playful harp-like element that gives the track its unique disco glam. I absolutely love it. And of course, the vocal drop at the end. When all the tension builds up and finally explodes. It’s like a love story with a happy ending: a gentle build-up followed by a big emotional release.
Is there a specific memory or image that you associate with the track?
Oh yes! In 2019, we were at the Latscho Festival – a small, charming event with a mix of rock cover bands and electronic acts. I was there with old DJ friends, and “Devotion” was the closing track back then. We’d had a bit too much Korn to drink, wore lampshades on our heads, and danced like crazy – it was a magical, silly, but honest moment. I still carry that memory with me.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about the track?
For me, it’s one of the best house tracks ever made. If you haven’t heard it – go check it out, or better yet: grab it on vinyl. Totally worth it.
More about DJ Gerät:
More about Harrison BDP: