One of the world’s most bankable DJs, Seth Troxler was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, partied in Detroit and honed his craft in Berlin and on the international DJ circuit. His relentless touring schedule helped him top of Resident Advisor’s top global DJs poll in 2012 as well as festival bills across the world ever since. Yet beyond the stage, Troxler – who started making music aged 15 – plays a role in the running of not one but four record labels and also founded Smokey Tails a pop-up BBQ diner in London last year. With new collaborations with the Hypercolour label maintaining his considerable momentum,and new EP “Evangelion” – out on April 6 – we caught up with Troxler at his home in Dalston ahead of his Easter Weekend show at London’s Fabric.
You’ve come a long way since your days working in a Detroit record store
So many DJs are record-store kids – it’s a really developmental thing. I know the back catalogues of so many record labels due to that time – at that age your brain is soaking up ideas and sounds.
How was it growing up in a dance-heavy city like Detroit?
It was towards the end of rave culture and when I was about 14 we’d drive in from the suburbs and go to parties we had no business being at; we were going to parties in abandoned buildings when Richie Hawtin was doing raves again after being banned from the States for a bit. It was a really developmental time.
You then moved to Berlin. How did it match up?
It took time but it worked out. We were poor, just out of college and living off doner kebabs and living on couches while trying to gig and make music. I was in my early twenties and it was a good time for the German dance scene; it was before Easyjet “techno tourism” took off and I saw it as real Berlin. A movement was happening that wasn’t really documented and never reached its true potential. It defined Berlin as the techno capital of the world. And I was one of the only Americans there to get into that.
Were there many similarities between the two cities?
Both cities faced almost post-apocalyptic conditions at some point. Both have been or are being rebuilt. Panorama bar in Berlin now has a mall next to it whereas it used to be down a dark alley just a weird old power plant. Both have a lot of abandoned buildings squats and the general look of the cities can feel the same.
When are you most productive as a musician?
I take every winter off from January to March and move to New York. It’s a place I find myself comfortable in and want to keep to that – I’m very superstitious in that way. Working in the wintertime helps with ideas as it’s too cold to go outside.
And how do you find time to run a record label?
To be honest I don’t have to do any of the hard stuff. It’s cool to be able to find music and artists I like and put it out how I want.
Why was your most recent album a collaboration?
I don’t make music just to make music and I don’t release anything that I’m not 100 percent into. I’m very particular with the timing. I wanted to do this as I’ve known [Hypercolour co-founder] Jamie Russell for a long time and he’s always asked if I’ve got new music. It’s a really strong label and I think the music fits there – it has the exposure I want but it’s also pretty cool; it’s still kind of underground.
As well as music you’ve started selling hot dogs? Why?
The coney dog and chilli dog is an invention from Detroit and I’ve never had a good one in Europe. I’m American and we know the junk-food game. After the success of Smokey Tails we’re looking at a new space for a standalone shop.
When did food change from a hobby to a business venture?
It’s not really hit the tipping point yet – it’s still a side hobby and we’re not making money yet. We’re spending money to make something cool. The biggest thing about doing a restaurant is finding the right space and doing it right. It’s got to be unique; if it’s got vibe people will come back.
What’s the link between food and music?
It’s about hosting. I really get off on giving people enjoyment As a cook, as a musician and as a lover. It’s all about them.
How do you survive touring?
It’s pretty easy – it’s my lifestyle. I never really sleep much. They say Winston Churchill managed on just three hours of sleep a day. They say most bright people don’t need more than five so I’ve got some way to go. You’ve got to make the most of the travel experiences. I always try to eat locally and hang out with people. I don’t drink much although when I’m in a city with friends things can get a bit more dangerous.
What have you noticed change in the music industry?
In America things are moving towards the better. Kids are waking up to the underground and are looking for a revolution. We can’t deliver that but maybe we can deliver the soundtrack and the idea. Electronic music stands for far more than just going out; it is the embodiment of a self-chosen lifestyle to do with far more than just music, art and culture. The culture that I’m in really gives people an alternative to their day-to-day life.
And how do you see the future?
In 40 years the planet will be uninhabitable. No one’s talking about that. Unless our government does some pretty drastic things to change the world we might only survive for another 40 years. We fucked it up and that’s what people should be interested in – not me – I’m just a dude playing some records.
by Ben Olsen
Photograph: Jaz Clarke
Seth Troxler plays Fabric on April 4.