Booka Shade: Grumpy Old Men

Talking to Arno Kammermeier is like speaking with a naive newcomer that has just signed his first record deal. Every question is met with a proverbial tsunami of information that is entertaining and informative in equal measure. The German producer is not afraid to divulge intimate details, even if they happen to be at his own expense. It is hard to believe that, alongside Walter Merziger, Booka Shade have been shaping the face of electronic music for over two decades.

Then again, Kammermeier has a lot to talk about. Booka Shade’s fourth studio album is out this month and if his enthusiasm is anything to go by, it should be their most accomplished effort to date. “We see it as the refined sound of Booka Shade,” enthuses the German producer. “The tracks on the album are instantly recognisable.” He then adds, “It was very important to bring the energy of the live show because on previous albums we tried to make it more of an epic, relaxing sound that you can listen to at home.”

This is not the only reason they should be smiling: Along with M.AN.D.Y. and DJ T, Booka Shade own the highly successful Get Physical label that has thrived over the last eight years and is responsible for the popular Body Language mixes. “It came out of frustration,” says Kammermeier when asked about the origins of the label. “Walter and I had a long history as club producers and we also did a lot of pop music. We were successful but we were disillusioned and we didn’t want to work for the major record industry anymore.”

Despite the fact that Get Physical is the best selling label across all genres on Beatport, Kammermeier asserts that it has yet to bring them any financial reward. “You never have money!” declares the Berlin native. “We have run the label now for a few years but the owners never take money out of Get Physical because we always want to create something more.”

It is difficult to believe this claim when Get Physical’s unit sales seem to suggest otherwise. It only takes Arno’s brief explanation of how he runs the label to understand why they have not reaped financial reward from their rapidly growing popularity. “We are not the greatest businessmen,” admits Kammermeier. “If someone came to us and said they wanted to put silver foil on each album, we would be the first to say, ‘Let’s do it!’”

The duo has come a long way from producing music on their Commodore 64 back in the early 90’s and they have noticed some alarming traits in themselves. When asked how they would describe each other, the self-deprecating producer states: “We always compare ourselves to the grumpy old men.” He then adds, “When we met the Yellow guys, they were even older grumpy men than us. They are both in their 60s and spend even more time together. I thought, ‘Is this how we are going to continue together?’”

This conversation must have triggered a nerve in Kammermeier, because he goes on to provide a humorous insight into his family life. “I am forced to listen to Michael Jackson at the moment because my son is going through that phase,” groans the German entrepreneur. “I have to listen to Thriller and Billy Jean back and forth all the time. We were on holiday the other week and my son made me buy this track on iTunes by Justin Beiber called Baby and now he plays it all the time.” He then jokes, “At least now I know who Justin Beiber is!”

With a thriving record label, an excellent new album and a string of performances scheduled at some of the world’s most respected summer festivals, you would think that Kammermeier’s outlook on life would be optimistic at the very least, but you would be wrong. When asked if he is satisfied with Booka Shade’s career to date, he simply responds: “Ever since we started the label we have been happy. Well, not happy because we are not happy people.” He then laughs and adds, “We will always find something to complain about!”