Joel Mull- Swedish Techno Mafia

It's not the first time it's been noted, but there's something about the Swedes.  Joel Mull is one of the Drumcode camp, went to school with Adam Beyer and is mates with just about any Swedish tech producer you'd care to name.  It's a small scene, but one which has had a global influence over the last 15 years with its melodic overtones and deep, driving bass.  A player on the Swedish stage since the 90's, Mull has producer, DJ'd, remixed and collaborated and last year released his third album.  We caught up with him ahead of his gig this Friday at London's Leading Astray gig to chat productions, parties...and parents.

Pulse: How the first part of 2012 been going for you so far? Joel Mull:  The start of the new cycle for 2012 has been good. I am busy in the studio and on the road. Usually I try to take some time off in January and go on a holiday to see some sun. But not this year. To much good stuff going on right now.

For those who don’t know – can you tell us what can be expected from you in a set when we come to see you play?   If I have the chance i like to play a broad spectrum of techno and house. Hypnotic and deep yet pumping and with energy. It all depends on the vibe in the club on the night really.
I can’t count on my fingers the amount of quality Swedish talent there is out there.

Why is it do you think that there are so many great Swedish producers? Is there something in the water?  The never ending question. I honestly can’t really say why. My answer is usually always because of the long winter. People lock themselves in their workshops and come up with new ideas. There is also a long history of innovations coming from Sweden. I think in general Swedes are a bit nerdy!

Speaking of Swedish producers, you are playing with fellow Swede Patrik Skoog (Agaric) at Leading Astray in London on 10th February. I hear you are good friends as well as being label mates on Drumcode/Truesoul – how did this friendship come about?  Yes, you're right I’ve known Patrik for a long time. We met the first time when I played in his home town Malmö, which must have been back in the nineties. I'm a big fan of Patrik’s productions. I have been playing his music for years and he actually recently remixed one of my tracks of my album. So I'm very pleased to hear that we are playing together.

Last year saw you tour various countries with the Drumcode 15 Year Anniversary parties, how was this experience as a whole? Is it hard to believe it’s been 15 years?  It was a super nice party. Very special with all the Halloween theme and people in costumes. I had so much fun. The number 15 sounds a lot. But it doesn't feel like its been 15 years. It has gone by so fast. But I'm ready for another 15 years - bring it on. I still love this ever evolving scene. I always say that Techno keeps me young.

You’re an avid user of Ableton & Logic in the studio and Traktor when you DJ. Would you say you’re a bit of a technology geek? For sure I'm a geek. I would not be doing this if wasn't. The whole aspect of producing and DJing is totally geeky. Ive been fascinated by technology since I was a kid. There is something that comes with techno and electronic music that goes hand in hand with the technical evolution. Just the word Techno is such a big word that encapsulates so many things. From graphic design to sounds and light FX´s. Ever since the beginning of the techno scene there has been a hunger for combining new ways and to explore. That is the beauty of the word Techno. I’m happy to have been taking part of this evolution. We are now seeing innovations that we dreamt of when we where kids.

You were in a few bands before you started DJing and also attended music school in Stockholm, do you think this helped you in any way with your production/DJ work? It definitely helped me with having the confidence to pursue my career as a Producer and DJ. In music school everyone was there for a reason - the music - so it was a natural step for me to start to create my own music. I began to sing in choirs when i was about 9. My father worked in the theater and I have always been around a kind of creative scene. In a way I always loved to be on stage and in the DJ booth. The feeling and the energy you get from performing to a dancing or listening crowd is definitely something that is very addictive.

Do you think producers who have some form of “proper” training are better equipped to make music or do you think a good producer can be self taught? No, I don't think you need to be "properly trained". Creativity comes naturally.  And I think in this time and age it's even easier. Get a computer and start!!

How did your family feel about your choice of career? I heard a story about a gig you played with Sveth Vath and your mum was there dancing the whole night!  Please tell us more! My parents have always been supportive. And that is a blessing. Because it would be hard if I had to go against my parents' will. Yes my mother came along once to one of my gigs I had in Hamburg. I was closing after Sven and what makes it even more interesting the party was in a Church. They had built the dancefloor above the seats in the church the Dj booth was up by the organ and it even had fully licensed bars. The party went on to around 6-7 o'clock and the priest of the church sang at the alter in the end. It was a once in a life time experience. Very happy to have been part of it. Mum still comes out to dance and listen once in a blue moon. My brother also began to DJ a few years back and is now also at parties we do here in Stockholm. Last September it was my girlfriend's birthday party and the whole family was out. Very cool.

I really enjoyed your collaboration with Cari Lekebusch on the Afrormosia EP last year – are there any future projects on the horizon with him? We will see.  We just have to find time to get in to the studio together. We both have a busy schedule but with some planning we will pull it off.  

Your 3rd album Sensory was very well received last year – do you have anything in the pipline for 2012? Yes, at the moment there is some stuff lined up. Been busy in the studio and new upcoming releases planned this spring on a few labels like Truesoul, Enemy Records, Leena, Cabin Fever to be exact.

Joel Mull plays Leading Astray Winter Sessions, February 10th at 6-9 Crucifix Lane, London

Line Up-
JOEL MULL (DRUMCODE\TRUESOUL)
AGARIC (OVUM\WE ARE)
ELEK-FUN (MASKIK REC\LEADING ASTRAY)
JOS VOGEL (LEADING ASTRAY)

For tickets and info, head here

Listen to Joel Mull on Pulse Radio