Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Johanna Bergen — Bergen is also my DJ name. I come from Cologne, I’m 25 years old, and I started DJing at the beginning of last year. Musically, I move between Tech House, Deep House, Acid, and Tribal House. However, I had been collecting music for about three years before finally taking the step to DJ actively and put all those tracks to use.
Where can people hear or see your work?
You can find several of my sets on SoundCloud — both home recordings and club sets. Otherwise, most information lives on Instagram, where I post everything about gigs, new sets, and whatever else is happening.
Would you like to introduce your project, collective, or an event?
At the moment I’m not permanently part of a collective, but I love supporting a few event series — especially COSO DAKT. That’s a project by two very good friends, Alfalfa and Romeu. They organize fantastic underground events that, in my opinion, deserve much more attention. I’ve already had the chance to play there, for example at Gewölbe.
What’s the name of the track you want to introduce, and who is it by?
Finally A Water Level (Earth Trax Remix) – Evius
Who are Evius & Earth Trax – and what makes the song special?
Evius, born Piotr Ryncarz, is a DJ, producer, and promoter from Gdańsk. He organizes the party series Kosmos and Rave Like It’s 1998. His music has appeared on labels such as Dom Trojga, Oramics, Father & Sons Records And Tapes, and POTOP Records.
https://de.ra.co/dj/evius/biography
Earth Trax — real name Bartosz Kruczyński — is a producer from Warsaw. Besides projects like Pejzaż and Ptaki, Earth Trax is known for his club-oriented releases. In 2022, he remixed Evius’ track “Finally A Water Level” for the EP Why Do Some People Chase Tornados? on POTOP Records.
https://de.ra.co/podcast/863
When and how did you discover the track?
I discovered it on the dance floor at Gewölbe — where else, to be honest? I was surprised afterwards never to hear it again at other events, even though it made such an impact on me and the people around me.
In what situations do you like listening to the track?
Since that night, I’ve really listened to it in every situation: driving in the car, at home on the sofa, writing my bachelor’s thesis, or getting ready to go out. The track has accompanied me through so many different moments.
Do you play the track during sets or mixes?
Not yet. I tried to work it into a set at home once, but that was very early on, and I got stuck on the bassline — I simply couldn’t mix it in cleanly. I haven’t tried again since … but I really should give it another shot.
What makes the track special or meaningful to you?
Primarily the situation I associate with it. It was one of those songs that triggered the feeling in me: Wow, this is what I want to do, too. That energy music can create was a pivotal moment for me. The track is totally simple, almost minimalist. The bassline runs through almost the entire track, aside from a short break. It’s exactly that simplicity that makes it so powerful. It drives unbelievably, even though not much actually happens.
Which sound element catches you every single time?
Definitely the vocal — it’s super simple, almost a rhythmic moan, but extremely effective. I’m usually very critical of vocals. Often I think they’re poorly used or processed and can ruin a whole track. But when it works, like here, it’s simply the best thing that can happen to a track.
What does the track make you feel?
Ecstasy — and at the same time contentment. The track is so driving that after listening I feel like I have enough energy for the next three days.Probably exactly what I feel listening to it: that driving energy, good mood, fun. When I first heard it and looked around the dance floor, everyone was completely in it—everyone was just feeling it.
What do you think the artist wanted to express with the track?
Probably exactly what I feel listening to it: that driving energy, good mood, fun. When I first heard it and looked around the dance floor, everyone was completely in it—everyone was just feeling it.
Is there a specific memory or image that you associate with the track?
Absolutely: the dance floor at the Gewölbe. Well-executed lighting effects, laughing, sweating people everywhere. That image is firmly linked to the track.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about the track?
Just listen to it. Really. You don’t need to say much more than that.
How does the track inspire you as a musician?
It was definitely the song that got me seriously into digging for music. I wanted more of that vibe. Since then, I’ve loved basslines — the simpler, the better. The track has shaped me musically and still influences me today. It definitely makes you want more.
More about Bergen:
More about Evius/Earth Trax:
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