Fresh off their killer Kompakt debut, we welcome Cologne duo, 9OASES, to this episode of Prima Lux. Plus, we discuss what it was like working with Kompakt, their upcoming Diynamic release, and what’s in store. Enjoy!

WWD: Your upcoming EP on Kompakt Records is highly anticipated. Can you tell us about the creative process behind this release? How did the tracks come together, and what was your vision for this project?

In ‘Streetpoet,’ our goal was to fuse a Prodigy-inspired breakbeat with a four-on-the-floor bass drum, layering it with modern autotuned rap vocals and chiming bell sounds to evoke a classic, old-school vibe. For ‘New Ballad,’ we took a different approach by experimenting with recording random synth sounds in key for the first time, which we then shaped into the production. After that, Yasmin joined us to co-write the lyrics, and we later recorded the track with Michael. Interestingly, the remix we created ended up being the final version. We’re always pushing ourselves to craft something fresh and original that stands apart from what’s been done before.

WWD: Your sound merges hip hop, house, techno, and UK Garage. How do you both approach blending such distinct genres, and how has your collaboration evolved over time to create this unique sonic tapestry?

We aim to let all of our influences and the skills we’ve built over the years flow naturally into our productions. Sometimes we lean towards a more techno sound, while other times we incorporate breakbeats or even trap rhythms beneath the synths. When we’re in the studio, we don’t set out to sound a certain way or to fit into any specific genre. The most important thing is that we both vibe with the production. There are times when we have different ideas and end up creating two versions of a track, but after a few days, we always choose the one with the most potential.

WWD: Kompakt is one of the most established and respected labels in electronic music. How did your relationship with them begin? Did they approach you after hearing your debut, or was it a more organic process?

Kompakt has always been a goal for us and was right at the top of our wish list. We had our productions on a flash drive and tried to give it to Michael Mayer at one of his gigs, but it just didn’t work out. A few days later, we went to the Kompakt store and unexpectedly ran into Michael Mayer there. He gave us his email and asked us to send him everything. A few days later, he invited us to his office, where we presented our plans for the project. Since then, we’ve been working together, and we’re really excited about the future with Kompakt.

WWD: Both of you have diverse backgrounds—Mourad from hip hop and house, and Sebastian from techno and rave. How do these different experiences shape your approach to production? Are there specific roles you each take in the studio?

No, we actually work back and forth on all our productions. Of course, each of us has his strengths in the studio, but we both contribute to every track. The main challenge is arranging the productions in a way that both styles are clearly reflected in the music. Ultimately, that’s what 9OASES is all about. We often have different ideas and approaches, which is why, as mentioned, we sometimes each create our own version of a production. In the end, we decide which version has the most potential. For example, with “New Ballad,” we both made our own arrangements at different stages, and in the final version, we ended up using the arrangement from one of us and the vocal comping from the other.

WWD: Kompakt is known for pushing innovative sounds in the electronic scene. What was it like working with them as a label? Did they provide any guidance or feedback that helped shape the final version of the EP?

Yes, we’ve always been huge fans of the sound that Kompakt has released. We instantly connected with the entire label team and everyone we’ve met from their crew so far. Throughout the production process, we were in constant communication with Michael Mayer, who played and tested the tracks. His feedback was invaluable, and we took it into account when mixing and refining the tracks. It really helped shape the final sound.

WWD: As artists based in Cologne, a city with such a rich electronic music heritage, how has the local scene influenced your work? Do you draw inspiration from any particular clubs, events, or artists in the area?

If you consider Kompakt’s sound to be the essence of the Cologne sound, then a lot of our inspiration definitely comes from the label. But Cologne itself has an unmistakable magic that fuels creativity. It’s no coincidence that so many artists have been drawn to the city. Keith Jarrett performed his most legendary concert here, and even Kendrick Lamar recently mentioned Cologne in one of his tracks, calling it one of his favorite cities on tour. While the club scene is struggling a bit, the new Club Fi is a real standout and something special.

You’ve also got an upcoming release on Solomun’s Diynamic label. Can you give us a sneak peek into that project and how it differs from your work with Kompakt?

Solomun has been playing it in many of his sets, and we often get videos from friends who are at his shows when he drops one of our tracks. The music we sent him takes a slightly different direction and already differs from the sound we released on Kompakt. It’s exciting to see how it resonates in that setting.

WWD: What excites you most about the future of 9OASES? Are there any specific goals or artistic milestones you’re hoping to achieve in the coming year?

We’re really excited to see where this journey takes us. Right now, our main focus is on producing and releasing more music. At the same time, we’re continuing to work in the studio on various projects. We just wrapped up production for a German TV series called Uncivilized and now we’re shifting our attention to our next EP. We’ve started playing some local DJ bookings, and one of our next big goals is to perform outside of Germany. We can’t wait to share more with you all soon!

WWD: Sounds amazing! Thanks for the chat, guys 🙂 

‘Streetpoet’ EP is available here 

9OASES: Instagram // Soundcloud