Haubrecht Gumpmann

Tell us your story about your musical path. When did it start, and how did it turn into what we hear now? How much time do you spend listening to music and exploring diverse catalogs? What record format do you prefer (digital or physical) and why? Also, what were your motives for entering “The Guide” competition apart from winning?

I started collecting records in the late 1990s. In the beginning there were almost contemporary dance music (mainly house and techno) records for djing in music clubs and parties. Besides this kind of music, the interest in another music had been growing. So, I bought more and more records for no dancefloors or non-existing ones: experimental stuff, jazz (in different styles), ambient, IDM and so on. To sum it up, even if new music wouldn’t be released, you can explore so much outstanding stuff from the past 50 years!

As you can see, I prefer records. The reasons are, that firstly nowadays, we’re overwhelmed with music and records set a kind of borders (financially, stock capacity), secondly, I like the haptic, the analog look and feel. There are so many ways to pack the tracks/songs (cover artwork, vinyl manufacturing). Digital is ok, but it is not my way to collect tracks or dj with it. Fortunately, some awesome records are coming out!

The purpose of winning “The Guide” competition was secondary. Firstly, I want to share some (in my opinion) good, unusual and interesting music with other people and to take this chance using your platform. I think it’s a great possibility to explore new (or new old) music.

Tell us more about this mix’s concept and ideology. Why did you choose this way of compiling and developing it? Did you have a clear idea from the very beginning or did it change after you started working on it? Does it hide any encoded message or specific emotions? Also, could you say that it is your best selection ever crafted?

There are neither concept nor ideology behind the mix. I just wanted to do something different from the other former S13 mixes. And so I compiled some jazz records. Firstly, I had only a vague idea concerning the mix. I selected some records and then I arranged it with two turntables and a mixer on the spur of the moment. Everything is very improvised. This is the way i always mix. Even dance music. It’s funny and surprising doing it this way. I can’t say this is my best mix, but it works in the way it should. Sure, I could have arranged it with Ableton or something like that, but for me it’s so boring and disturbing – what tracks did you select and in which way do you play them!? There are 1000 possibilities. I don’t wanna be a scientist! So it doesn’t work for me. The best and most joyful way is to trust the knowledge, intuition and luck! Music is human and organic and thus you should play it not too academically.

To which types of listeners is this mix most dedicated? Should these persons have more musical knowledge, spiritual balance or both? Could you describe these people in detail, thus revealing your individuality? Also, do you think that universal music exists?

The listeners should be open minded. Nothing more. No musical knowledge needed. Should we need musical knowledge to like music!? I think not… Music is an emotional thing. Either it works or not… And music is very individual. Therefore, universal music doesn’t really exist.

What is your opinion of the current worldwide intelligent music scene? What do you think about it? What do you think about its future? What reach and attention does it have at the moment? Please write us your thoughts with examples, so that we know your insights and position.

The “intelligent music” scene is so versatile and overall very good. Luckily, there are so many musicians, who make interesting stuff beside the mainstream. Musician and producers, who have certain visions and a lot of creativity. Unfortunately, it’s a small scene. More underground. So, you have to fight for audience and listeners. They need more support and respect!

For example, I like this “new” (dark) ambient scene in the states: labels like “Hooker Vision”, “Tranquility Tapes”, “Sacred Phrases” or the really fresh “Watery Starve”. Also, these tons of reissues. Treasures from the past are now available again. Awesome! And this whole jazz and experimental improvisation stuff from labels like Sagittarius A-Star or B13. Jus’ brilliant. In this regard I think the future will look bright. Enough stellar records to buy with your hard earned money…