We continue with our next interview and guest mix by welcoming Polish Berlin-based DJ & producer Pysh AKA Filip Abramczyk to the series.
With a firm footing in Berlin's nightlife, Pysh often straddles a busy schedule that takes him on adventures between the German capital and his homeland. His performances have regularly graced the lineups and stages of the largest Polish music clubs and festivals. His accomplishments have been acknowledged in a chapter devoted to him in the book "30 years of the Polish techno scene", therefore placing him among one of the undisputed leaders in his native home. In his achievements so far, he has shared the stage with an eyebrow raising large number of leading artists within the electronic scene, such as Eelke Kleijn, Robag Wruhme, Guy J, Robert Babicz, Butch, Josh Wink, Pleasurekraft, Nicole Moudaber, Kollektiv Turmstrasse and many more.
The breakthrough moment in his career came in 2010, when immediately after the release of his debut EP, he won first place in a remix competition for the song "Regenerate", organised at the time by longstanding legends Booka Shade. His approach to electronic music has been appreciated by both Polish and foreign promoters, thanks to whom his productions have been heard all over the world, showcasing his big-time releases on labels such as Ritter Butzke, Jeahmon, Click, Voltaire, Steyoyoke, Days Like Nights, Moonboutique, Hafendisko and Einmusika just to name a few.
Pysh released his first EP in 2009 and three years later was releasing his first vinyl album on Berlin label Einmusika as well as opening and featuring at various clubs and festivals in Europe. Pysh has therefore not only made a name for himself in Poland but has built up a respectable reputation across mainland Europe.
In addition to balancing between the genres of house, indie and melodic house/techno in his productions, sets and live acts, Pysh interweaves tribal and folk sounds, which have become a hallmark of his work. He uses ambient sounds or samples from old cassettes, which in his remarkable arrangement create a surprising form, constantly rousing the audience all over the world to dance.
Production wise, as any artist, he is still developing his music skills and his artistic performances by continuously exploring new styles. For him development means not only progress but also recognising that change is important.
After years of music production and cooperation with various music labels and artists, he has and will always continue to broaden his horizons. Let's chat with Filip to find out more.
Hi Filip, how are you and what have you been up to this week?
Hi! All is good! I'm working on some new music, running classes for Polonum Music Production Lab students, visiting the gym a few days a week, and getting ready for my next party this weekend.
How long have you been in Berlin and what made you make the move?
I've been here for four years. Whoah! I went to Berlin to develop my career, explore the German music scene and try something new in my life.
Do you still travel back to Poland much to play?
Yes, two to three times a month.
What do you miss most from home?
Friends & family, my favourite places in Warsaw and Pierogi (Polish dumplings)!
You have released a fabulous number of tracks on some of our favourite labels. Are there any releases that are your stand-out favourites or that have special memories or resonance with you?
Thank you! I try to do my best! Most of my music evokes memories like the remix of „Regenerate” for Booka Shade, which helped me to spread my wings at the start of my music career. Also „Bijeda” was my first vinyl release, which came out on Einmusika. When I first came to Berlin I had the chance to spend a lot of time with the Einmusika crew.
„Idom Casy” which I produced with Skalni on Days like Nights meant I got to meet the amazing Eelke Kleijn (label owner). My last release „Taruta” feat. Kosy was done in an amazing atmosphere. We had a lot of fun when we recorded our video in Berlin club Ritter Butzke ;)
What else can you tell us about future releases, anything exciting in the pipeline?
There are two releases on the way. One of them is „Say Yes” (2023 Edit) in collaboration with Bondar and Lazarusman, which got a new lease of life and a music video! Next on my list is a remix for Inclame, which will be released on Nightcolours.
When producing music, do you have any favourite tools, programmes or instruments that you just love to use?
I would describe my setup as a hybrid. I use analog synthesizers and a computer, which offers endless possibilities. My favourite pieces of kit to work with would be Prophet 6 (Hardware), Ableton (DAW) and Cableguys Shaperbox (Software).
Where was your first gig in Berlin?
Knutschen Open Air 2015 at K-Pax.
You have been in Berlin for a good few years now, where's your favourite place to just kick back and chill?
There's an amazing park right next to my flat - Volkspark, Friedrichshain.
Which other DJs or producers are you liking right now?
There are far too many talented DJs and Producers to list them all but recent tracklists have included names like Gespona, Jansons, Raxon, Lubelski, Schlepp Geist, and Toto Chiavetta.
What are your go-to labels?
Innervisions, Sincopat, Jeahmon, Nightcolours, Heinz, Diynamic, Ritter Butzke, Duro, Tau or Ellum.
You have compiled our latest Berlin Mixtapes Series Episode 047 - Tell us more about your mix.
This is a mix specially prepared for you and it contains tracks I've been using in my sets in recent weeks. I would describe it as a mixture of fat basslines and melodies.
What else can we expect from you soon? What's next on the horizon for you DJ gigs wise? Where can people see you next?
The summer season is looking very promising to me! I have a lot of festivals like Audioriver, Carbon, Las, Fest, Wisloujscie, Welur and Buschtanz.
Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
It’s a pleasure guys! Do what you love, enjoy the summer and support your local heroes!
Exciting stuff! It's been an absolute pleasure talking with you Filip. Next up here's the Quickfire Round:
Genre: House / Melodic House / Indie / Melodic Techno
Favourite Colour: Purple
Where are you based: Lichtenberg
What do you put on your chips? Mayo
First record ever bought: Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
Apple or Android: Apple
Ableton or Logic: Ableton
Can you juggle?: No
Weirdest/Coolest item of clothing: A cap from San Diego
Do you collect anything? Studio gear and posters from clubs
Favourite place to hang out in Berlin: Holzmarkt
Best club: Ritter Butzke
Favourite Bar/Pub: Radio - The Label Bar
Best Beer: Augustinerbräu Lagerbier Hell
Favourite place to eat: Futura Pizza
View on Sauerkraut: Me like
Favourite Wurst: Everybody knows that Polish sausages are the best!
Weirdest food you have eaten? Canned meat with cheerios
How do you like your eggs? Fried
Coffee or Tea: Espresso fan
Spring, summer, autumn or winter? Spring
Favourite Footy Team: Legia Warsawa
Favourite Track right now: Jupiter Jazz - Shake It Mama
Favourite phrase: Bober
3 words to describe your mix: Groove, Future, Dance
Tracklist:
1. Kollektiv Turmstrasse - (T) Error / Not sorry music
2. Denis Horvat - Portrait Of A Lady / Innervisions
3. Schlepp Geist - Random Access Memories / Ritter Butzke Records
4. Tal Fussman - Talk To Me / Survival Tactics
5. Hidden Empire - Alright / Stil Vor Talent
6. Jupiter Jazz - Shake It Mama / Ellum
7. Xinobi, Meta_ - La Tormenta (Adam Ten & Mita Gami Remix) / Discotexas
8. Enis Coban, Eylul Sahin - Jaman / Jeahmon! Redux
9. Dos Locos - Pink Dream / Maccabi House
10. Monofade - Remembering Challenger (SNYL Remix) / Dear Deer
11. Raxon - Conscious Technologies / Truesoul
12. ORISS & Adam Sellouk - Protocol / Sincopat
13. Toto Chiavetta - Random Tools Generator / Borders Of Light
14. Aera - Golden Mean / Afterlife