After six years since “Havel” (2018) and seven since “Fjaak” (2017), you finally released “Fjaak the System” – a massive 23-track album featuring heavyweight collaborations: Modeselektor, Skee Mask, Red Eye, and even J.Manuel (former member). The record blends UK breakbeat, techno, 2-step, drum and bass, jungle, trip-hop, and ambient. What was the creative process behind it? Did the long gap since your last album influence the way you approached this project?
Definitely. That time in between gave us space to evolve & grow – not just technically, but also emotionally and creatively. We weren’t in a rush to drop something just to stay visible like this industry is doing. “FJAAK THE SYSTEM” came together super organically, without pressure. Some tracks were made during intense studio sessions 5 years ago, others on the road just a few weeks back. Having so many influences over the years – breakbeat, IDM, jungle, dub, hip-hop etc. – we just wanted to pour all of that into one big, raw, no-compromise album. Working with friends like Modeselektor, Skee Mask, Red Eye, and especially bringing back J.Manuel for a feature was the cherry on top.
Back in 2018, you posted a photo of a “FJAAK THE SYSTEM” tattoo on your Instagram. The phrase itself is bold and rebellious – it seems to embody your drive to push an innovative sound, breaking away from an industry that often prioritizes quantity over quality. In your opinion, how much do elements like individuality, risk-taking, experimentation, conformity, passivity, fear, and mediocrity shape the electronic music scene today?
A lot, honestly. We give a fjaak about the people’s desire for who or whatever. But yeah, there’s a ton of safe, polished music out there – that’s cool for some, but it’s not what we’re about. It’s even the trend right now maybe. But we’ve always been more into taking risks, doing what feels wrong/right even if it’s not “marketable.” You can hear when someone’s being honest with their sound vs. just playing it safe for hype, streams or event slots. The scene needs more rawness again – more imperfections, more edge. We miss out on people creating their own sound because they just jump on common trends instead.
Speaking of Instagram, I’ve been following you for years, and I couldn’t help but notice (lol) that your feed is pretty much filled with the devil’s lettuce. You clearly appreciate it. Do you remember your first time? And do you think it enhances creativity, or is it just something you enjoy on the side?
Haha, yeah – it’s no secret. We’ve got love for it. First time? Way back, at a friend’s place, with some of our best friends to date – a classic too-much-too-fast moment. These days, it’s more than a vibe enhancer. Sometimes it helps spark new ideas in the studio or just slows the world down enough to hear something differently, while it’s spinning faster than ever! We definitely don’t rely on it – it’s not some magic creativity hack, but maybe even part of the atmosphere sometimes.
On April 10, you been dropping “Spandau20 010”, the label’s tenth release – ten tracks by artists and co-founders like Elli Acula, KiNK, Dajusch, Claus, Anna Z, Nikk, J.Manuel, and Tobi Neumann. The opening track, “Come Closer,” brings all of you together. What’s the story behind it? How does being equal co-founders influence the creative process? And what sparked the idea to launch the label in the first place?
“Come Closer” is like a statement piece – bringing the whole label fam together on one track was something we always wanted to do. The energy was just right, everyone brought their unique flavor. Being equal partners means no egos, no hierarchy – it’s about building something real together. Spandau20 started because we wanted to create a label that reflected our values, both musically and socially. It’s not only about dropping bangers of course – it’s about community, pushing each other, and making sure everyone shines as they’re supposed to.
Your record artwork has become iconic – white vinyls with bold, graffiti-style lettering in vibrant colors. Was your love for hip-hop a big influence here? How important is the visual identity of your releases?
Definitely 100% influenced by the Berlin street. Not only the Graffiti, but any kind of street culture, that whole visual language – it’s in our DNA – we grew up around that. The white labels with bold tags just felt right – it’s clean but loud at the same time. And it stands out, which is rare in a world full of over-designed covers. We wanted something that was direct, honest, and unmistakably “us.” We still remember running from the cops, sweat-drenched, with the cans rattling loudly in the backpack, hiding somewhere in the bushes along some of these artists on our label and this release ;)
How would you describe your collective dynamic? How do you handle conflicts and creative differences?
We’ve been making music together for so long, it’s like our second nature. Of course we don’t agree on everything, but that’s a strength! If someone’s not feeling an idea, we don’t force it – put it to the side for a while or keep it moving until we hit that moment where we all go, “yeah, that’s the one.” Communication is key. We trust each other’s taste, and there’s supposed to be no ego in the room. At the end of the day, it’s about the bigger thing – and not who came up with what.
Finally – what’s next for you? Any exciting plans on the horizon?
Always! We’ve got LOADS of new music in the pipeline, some wild collabs, and a few ideas for live sets we haven’t tried before – we are actually excited! Also the next Spandau20 drops are looking spicy, and we’re planning some label nights across Europe / USA too. Maybe even some surprises outside the usual club spaces – we like to keep people on their toes. Let’s just say: we’re not slowing down anytime soon !
