Coffee break with Benjamin Fröhlich
Involved with music since his early 20s, along with his genuine passion and interest for anything which passes by his ears, it's quite clear to see how Benjamin Fröhlich has carved his way so successfully as a DJ, producer and label co-owner for so long. For anyone who's a fan and follower of Permanent Vacation, you'll know exactly how the sound is undefined and unbounded by any given genre, and we decided to get to know one half of the label a little more, talking about how it was founded, the track-approval process and how exactly Benjamin takes his coffee.
Born and raised in Munich, you are currently still based there. Have you ever lived anywhere else?
No I haven’t. I stayed my whole life in Munich. That is maybe a bit weird these days, where people are moving a lot (or at least that is my impression) and I think to live in a different city or country is a pretty unique experience.
I would like to do it at some point. My father was a writer and he had a couple of scholarships. So I lived in Austin and Rome for a while, but I was very little and can't really remember, but subconsciously it had some impact on me, I guess. Also, my girlfriend was living in Berlin and Leipzig for almost half of the time of our relationship and I was going back and forth, so maybe that counts a little!
What keeps you here and how is the music scene evolving there?
I guess Munich was always a really convenient city for me. My family and friends are here. It's cozy, but it's big enough to have the advantage of a bigger city. I really love the nature in the city and the surroundings. The Isar river is one of my favorite spots, where you can ride your bike, and in 15 min you are almost outside of the city - it's really good compensation for the weekends.
In regards to the music scene, it is pretty good at the moment: there are lots of young talented DJs and producers emerging and Blitz club definitely has one of the best line-ups in the world every weekend. Charlie is a great place too, there are very good DJs and an almost family kind of vibe. I'm curious about what the near future will bring.
But of course there are also some downsides to the city. The rent and general space situation is really bad. There are not really many opportunities in the city for sub culture to develop or emerge. Also Bavaria is a quite conservative state, which you can feel in terms of drug policy etc.
How did you get started in electronic music and what other genres inspire you?
After I finished school, I started working in a record shop, and as the previous owners wanted to close the shop I took over. That was the point, where it got a bit more serious with the music. More from a hobby kind of thing to a profession. So I started quite early: I was 22 when I opened up the shop. During that time, we organised some illegal parties under bridges and in warehouses. Soon after that, I got some gigs in regular clubs and it all went from there... I had to close down the shop in 2008, but that was also the time when everything became busy with the label, so it was a smooth transition.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of Permanent Vacation. Tell us more about how it all started - where did you meet Tom and how did you come across the idea of launching a music label together?
Tom and I were already carrying the thought of doing a label individually, before we met each other and decided to join forces and launch a label together. That was in early 2005.
As I mentioned before, I was running the record shop and was DJing. Tom had studied in London and fell in love with the music scene there, and when he returned to Germany he started working for the Munich-based Compost Records. Tom became a customer at my shop and soon we figured out that we had quite a similar taste in music.
Soon after, I was compiling a CD for Compost Records and Tom was in charge of that project. That’s when we started working together and began to start knowing each other better and then became friends. Suddenly it felt very natural to start a label together. At that time, we both were really hooked on the growing cosmic disco and balearic scene. Discovering the past of the music whilst being a part of the present was the perfect moment to start with the label.
Currently your label name couldn’t be more accurate at this current moment. So if you could choose any place in the world to be on a 'Permanent Vacation' during this quarantine, where would it be?
For the most part, home is quite ok for me. To have all my music here and just keep on working. It helps me to stay focused and gives me some sense of security to carry on. Although, I also really miss Italy and the region of the Monte Amiata, as that’s where I partly grew up and whether my brother is currently living. It always had a really calming effect on me. As soon as it is possible again we will go down there.
As well as djing solo, you also team up with Tom from time to time. Do you find yourselves exploring other types of music when playing together?
We used to play a lot together, but as Tom has two kids now, I'm usually DJing solo these days. However yes, I always discover new music, whether it's when I play with him, or anyone else. In general, my ears are open for business :)
It has been some years now that you created Permanent Vacation and you have a serious number of incredible releases by loads of really talented producers. Although they vary between house, disco, acid, synth pop and boogie downtempo, you manage to create something that overall really works together. And we know that sometimes, quality and quantity are hard to balance. What’s the process in terms of selecting your next releases?
Ah that is a good question! This process can be a bit tricky, as it sometimes has more to do with feelings than conscious decisions. It can be really easy when we get music we both instantly fall in love with. Sometimes though, we have to listen to the tracks longer to get a feel for it. I usually listen to demos when I travel or ride my bike. For some reason it's easier to delve into the music whilst moving. Sometimes I have to convince Tom to do some tracks I believe in or the other way around. So there isn't really the one process, but instead several different ways to select our releases really.
Last year you released your first LP. Each track brings a different and specific vibe and it really shows that your sound spectrum is pretty wide. Was this sound about challenging yourself a bit more or, or was it because an EP would simply not make sense with the ideas you had? Was it at all different from producing an EP?
For me, growing up in the 90s, the album format was a really important thing. A lot of albums had a really strong influence on me, whether it was electronic music, or any other genre. For me it was the ultimate artistic statement. So I really wanted to try my own take on things: the idea of the album was to unite all my musical influences on the nine tracks and have them represent different parts of the sound spectrum, but simultaneously and happily dancing under one roof.
Following the release of 'Amiata', there has been two remix EPs - the latest, 'Amiata Remixes 2', was released last month (which included Yør Kultura's remix we exclusively premiered on our channel). Was having two different remix EPs because of the varied sound of Permanent Vacation as mentioned earlier, and how has the sound and feel changed in your opinion between these two EPs?
Well it actually ended up this way a little bit by accident. I asked some of my favourite producers if they wanted to get involved, and it happened that the ones from the first remix ep simply replied quicker, so I put their edits out first. Bit funny that it fitted musically and both the remix EPs represent two different sounds. Originally it was my plan to mix it up stylistically, but I am very happy the way it turned out. And I am not done yet with the remixes :)!. A new remix album will be out in June with some new surprises.
Since music isn’t the only thing that matters, what else do you do during your free time?
I'm pretty outdoors-y. Whenever I can, I ride my bike (and listen to music!). I also like going on long walks with my girlfriend (probably my favourite thing to do in the world) and I go to the sauna frequently, which is a good way for me to recover. Apart from that, the usual Netflix game and we do go out for food a lot I have to admit.
Is there a city where you really enjoy playing more than another?
Rennes in France. It's full of very nice, enthusiastic people and dancers.
Your spirit animal?
A Lemur.
How do you like your coffee?
With tea. I don't drink coffee ;).
Permanent Vacation has just released ‘A Permanent Vacation Dance Therapy - Fundraiser For Refugees’, where Benjamin and Tom searched deep into their musical vault and found tracks from Red Axes, Terr, New Jackson and many more and compiled them into a special release. 100% of the profits will go to Sea-Watch to save lives in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as providing essential medical supplies for those living in refugee camps.