liquidfive has set itself the goal of establishing Dance-Pop & Electronic music.
liquidfive is a dynamic DJ and producer known for his unique blend of house, electro, and pop music. Based in Mülheim, Germany, he has gained a loyal following worldwide with his electrifying performances and innovative tracks, carving out a distinctive niche in the electronic dance music scene.
In the ever-evolving world of electronic dance music, certain artists manage to stand out and capture the hearts of fans globally. One such artist is liquidfive. Today, I am excited to chat with the mastermind behind the decks to explore his creative process, inspirations, and what it takes to keep the dance floors buzzing. It is my pleasure to introduce you to liquidfive.
You recently released “Veins” alongside hip-hop vocalist B Martin. Tell me more about that single and your experience working with B Martin.
I’ve always admired Brendan’s vocal talents. When he sent me a vocal demo for “Veins,” I was thrilled and immediately had an idea for it. I created the backing track, and the song came together quickly. “Veins” is a unique song that isn’t created every day, and I’m especially proud to have collaborated with Brendan on it. It’s a timeless piece.
The inspiration for “Veins” comes from a deeply personal place. I drew on experiences of introspection and self-discovery, exploring the complex emotions that flow through us like veins. The song captures a journey of personal growth, both musically and emotionally.
Working with Brendan Martin is truly exceptional. He is a consummate professional, delivering a vocal quality that is instantly usable. It was a pleasure working with him, and it certainly won’t be the last time we collaborate.
Martin Maximilian Kotzur, I’m curious about the origin of your alias liquidfive. What inspired this name, and what led you to stylize it as one word in all lowercase?
The name “liquidfive” has a straightforward origin. In 2011, I formed a band with five musicians. Wanting a name that included the number five, I came up with “liquidfive” and named the band that, where I served as the drummer. After disbanding the group in 2015, I continued as a DJ, producer, and songwriter from 2017 onwards. The name is written in lowercase because the best logo design looked best in all lowercase letters. Inspired by this, I decided that “liquidfive” should always be written in lowercase, even at the beginning of a sentence.
Could you share the inspiration behind your track “Lights,” which you collaborated on with Joel Coopa and ALLTAG? It has such a dreamy vibe and really stands out. What was it like working with these talented artists?
“Lights” is a collaboration between my producer friends Joel Coopa and ALLTAG. We had always wanted to create a song together, but it never happened until now. I came up with the idea for “Lights” just months ago. I had the vocals set aside for a long time but didn’t have a clear vision for how to shape them musically. Then, inspiration struck unexpectedly, and I asked the guys to help me finalize the song. They were so excited that we went into the studio together and completed it.
This track is a fusion of pulsating beats, infectious rhythms, and mesmerizing melodies, creating a unique atmosphere that immediately invites you to dance. Working with Joel and ALLTAG is always inspiring because new ideas constantly emerge, which we can implement right away. It’s truly a joy to make music together in the studio.
Could you walk me through your creative process when you’re crafting your next hit? Do you prefer structured brainstorming sessions with a yellow pad, or do your ideas tend to manifest themselves during moments of inspiration, perhaps even in your dreams?
My creative process is a blend of both structured planning and spontaneous inspiration.
When crafting my next hit, I don’t rely solely on one method. Sometimes, I sit down with a yellow pad and brainstorm ideas, meticulously plotting out melodies, beats, and lyrical themes. Other times, my ideas come to me unexpectedly, often in moments of inspiration or even in my dreams. I believe the magic happens when I’m open to both approaches, allowing creativity to flow naturally while also dedicating time to refine and develop those raw ideas into a polished track.
In the studio, I love experimenting with different sounds and rhythms, often collaborating with fellow producers and artists. This collaborative energy sparks new ideas and helps me push the boundaries of my music. Ultimately, my goal is to create tracks that are not only catchy and danceable but also resonate emotionally with listeners.
Your momentum is incredible, especially with your recent release, “Pretty Little Things,” on Soave Records in collaboration with Kovan and Poylux. When it comes to collaborations, do you typically find yourself sought after by others in the industry, or do you actively seek out collaborators based on their artistic backgrounds and styles?
Thank you! The release of “Pretty Little Things” with Kovan and Poylux on Soave Records has been an exciting milestone. In the past, I was more proactive in seeking out collaborators whose artistic backgrounds and styles resonated with my vision. However, recently, the tide has been turning, and I’ve been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from other artists and labels who are interested in working with me.
It’s a wonderful shift because it allows for a diverse range of creative opportunities. While I still seek out unique and inspiring collaborators, I’m also thrilled by the new connections and possibilities that come from being approached by others in the industry. This dynamic mix of proactive and reactive collaboration helps keep my music fresh and innovative.
Who designed the artwork for “Pretty Little Things” and what was the motivation behind that design?
The artwork for “Pretty Little Things” was designed by the talented team at Soave Records. While I didn’t have direct influence over the design, I believe their vision perfectly captures the essence of the track. The vibrant and eye-catching design reflects the energetic and lively spirit of the song, drawing listeners in and giving them a visual taste of the catchy vibe they can expect from the music.
Are you planning a tour this summer to help support all of these singles?
Absolutely! I’m excited to announce that I’ll be playing a small festival tour in Germany this summer. More details will be coming soon, but you can definitely expect some high-energy performances to bring these singles to life. Stay tuned for updates—it’s going to be an unforgettable experience!
Being based in Mülheim, Germany, what are your top picks for nightclubs in the area? Also, with Europe’s accessibility, where are some destinations you particularly enjoy visiting?
Being based in Mülheim, Germany, it’s quite challenging to find good nightclubs, especially after the heavy toll COVID-19 took on the club scene, leading to the closure of about 60% of the clubs. The local scene has definitely suffered, and it’s tough to find vibrant nightlife spots now.
However, festivals have become much more appealing and popular in the region. As for Europe, I love spending time in Ibiza for its legendary nightlife. Barcelona and Lisboa are also top destinations for me, offering a great mix of vibrant nightlife and beautiful cultural experiences.
I’ve noticed you have quite a few tattoos. Could you share the story behind your first tattoo? What inspires you to continue adding these permanent messages to your body?
Absolutely. Until two years ago, I didn’t have any tattoos. Then, I went through a devastating fire where I lost everything, including my three beloved cats. After that tragedy, I got my first tattoo, the word “Alive” on my right forearm. It serves as a reminder that life can end at any moment. Interestingly, “Alive” is also the title of one of my favorite songs that I’ve created.
Currently, I have 13 tattoos, each with its own unique story and meaning. I never get a tattoo without a significant reason behind it. These tattoos are permanent messages, each one representing a part of my journey, my beliefs, and the important moments in my life. They inspire me by keeping my memories and motivations always visible and close to me.
What headphones are around your neck? And do you use different headphones in the studio compared to what you use onstage?
For the past two years, I haven’t used traditional headphones on stage. Instead, I use in-ear monitors, similar to those used by James Hype. This allows me to fully focus on the audience without the hassle of constantly adjusting headphones.
In the studio, however, I rely on my trusty beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones. They provide the perfect sound quality for mixing and producing tracks. So, while I use in-ears for live performances to stay connected with the crowd, I switch to the DT 770 PRO for studio work to ensure the best audio precision.
Which do you enjoy more: the intimacy of smaller gigs or the energy of performing at large festivals?
Both have their pros and cons, but I prefer playing at festivals. The energy and excitement of reaching a larger audience with my music are unparalleled. Plus, I love being outdoors in the fresh air, which adds a special vibe to the performance. While smaller gigs offer intimacy and a close connection with the audience, the electrifying atmosphere of a big festival is where I truly thrive.
Podcasts are quite popular among DJs these days. Has the idea of launching your own podcast crossed your mind?
Yes, I’ve been considering starting a podcast for quite some time, but I haven’t been able to commit to it due to time constraints. However, I’m excited to announce that I will soon be launching a bi-weekly worldwide radio show. I’m really looking forward to it as a way to reach a larger audience and share my music on a global scale.
When you’re not in the studio crafting your next hit, what kind of music do you enjoy listening to? I’m intrigued to know who inspires someone of your caliber.
You might be surprised, but at home, I actually listen to a lot of classical music. The serene melodies often inspire me to create new ones. To me, composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Sebastian Bach were the original pop stars and true pioneers of music. Beyond classical, I enjoy a wide range of genres, from pop to rock. I’m also a huge fan of Queen and Coldplay. Their music continues to inspire and influence me in many ways.
Reflecting on your track “Count The Day,” released in 2014, how would you describe the evolution of your sound over the past decade?
You’ve chosen a very old track from my band days, which was sung by our band singer. My first track as the solo artist liquidfive is “Freedom” from 2017. Since “Count The Days,” I believe I’ve learned a lot and continue to learn every day. The evolution of my sound has been a constant journey of growth and improvement.
Over the past decade, my music has transformed significantly. In 2014, my sound was more band-oriented, but since becoming the artist liquidfive, I’ve focused on honing my skills in Electro Dance Pop. Each track reflects new techniques, influences, and a deeper understanding of music production. This ongoing process of learning and evolving is something that I think will never truly end.
If I wanted to dive deeper into your music and learn more about you, where’s the best place to do that?
Do you have a newsletter available for fans to stay updated?
I did have a newsletter in the past, but I discontinued it a few years ago. However, I’m planning to start a new one soon. In the meantime, the best place to stay updated and learn more about my music and projects is Instagram. I regularly post updates about my latest songs, projects, and even share glimpses of my personal life. While I’m not the biggest social media enthusiast, I use Instagram to stay connected with my fans and keep everyone informed.
We’ve talked about a lot today, but what did we miss? Is there anything else you’d like to share about liquidfive that we haven’t touched upon yet?
There’s nothing particularly spectacular to add about me. My main goal is to stay healthy and continue enjoying my musical dream life, which allows me to keep bringing new liquidfive music into the world. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family and friends, which makes all of this possible. My philosophy is to stay humble while living out my dreams.
Thank you for doing this, man. I enjoyed that! In all of my interviews I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you so much for having me and for the great questions! It’s truly an honor to be here and share my journey with you. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and your support. I promise to keep bringing you great music as my way of saying thanks.
Stay tuned for more from liquidfive!
For more information about liquidfive, go to:
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