Berlin DJ/producer and Macro label boss Stefan Goldmann didn’t have a typical year by any means. 2011 found his musical exploits taking many different turns, all of which were instigated by his own desire to push the proverbial techno/house envelope. Sure, there were the usual amazing gigs at clubs like Panorama Bar and a killer set at Time Warp Festival in Germany and various production work (let’s not forget his mix CD). But in terms of his approach to his craft, Goldmann purposefully stepped mostly to the side in order to recharge his creative batteries and move forward in 2012. We can’t wait to hear the fruits of his hard work.

How was 2011 for you?
2011 brought many changes. I spent a lot of time restructuring the whole way I’m doing everything. It was the first year in which I did nothing else but try new ways and preparing for the future. So there was no new dance single this year, but loads of conceptual work. I did a new mix CD as well as the “Grand Hemiola” double vinyl set, and I started to write essays on how I perceive the future of music. In the meantime at the Macro label, our main focus was on Elektro Guzzi, who did a live album as well as their new studio album Parquet this year. We are so proud of them. It is really the best thing I’ve seen in ages, and I’m happy they are getting all this attention now.

Highlights?
Personally, the debuts thrilled me most. I played Time Warp Festival in Germany for the first time, which was more than amazing. And I also debuted on Ibiza, which started my summer season with a bang. All in all, I had many new and very exciting encounters, but also great returns to places and people I have enjoyed working with before – like to New York, Barcelona and London. Not to forget the sessions at Berlin’s Panorama Bar, which keep getting better and better.

Lowlights?
Surprisingly, none come to mind. It only seems there were less exciting releases this year, but that can only get better next year!

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
2012 is where all the efforts of this year will culminate. And that means there will be many first encounters. I’ll have a series of performances at festivals where I will present exclusive material, produced specifically for these events. Then I’m off to Japan for three months of touring and an artist residency at Villa Kamogawa in Kyoto. 2012 will also finally see me releasing a new album – and performing it live. There will also be a documentary film about my music. In addition, I’ll be writing a regular column for Berghain’s Flyer magazine. It really looks like this will be my busiest year so far, but I certainly do not complain.