From his base in Berlin, Soul Button has made a notable impact on the global scene. As the mastermind behind labels like Steyoyoke, Steyoyoke Black, and Inner Symphony, Soul Button operates on the forefront of thoughtful dance music. He adds an emotive quality to his work which he calls Ethereal Techno, and his production skills are well-regarded too. Moreover, when you take into account his online presence, which ranges from Steyoyoke TV to his Steyoyoke podcast, it’s easy to see why Soul Button‘s international recognition solidifies him as one of the scene’s most trusted voices. And, as demonstrated in this Balance Selections podcast, that label is well-deserved.
BALANCE SELECTIONS 274: Soul Button
01. Clawz SG – Quandary (Extended Mix)
02. Monarke – Devil In Your Eyes (Original Mix)
03. Soul Button – Printed Thoughts (Original Mix)
04. Martín Dubiansky – Second Life (Original Mix)
05. Jecksel – Niflheim (Original Mix)
06. Catom – Before The Beginning (Original Mix)
07. Monarke – Deja Vu (Original Mix)
08. Jecksel – Einherjar (Original Mix)
09. Senses Of Mind – Connected (Original Mix)
10. Clawz SG – Resilient Heart (Original Mix)
11. Deviu – Lost (Original Mix)
12. Clawz SG – Flavie (Original Mix)
BALANCE SELECTIONS Q+A
Name: Christian Legno
Alias/Producer name: Soul Button
Location: Berlin, Germany
Labels affiliated with: Steyoyoke, Inner Symphony
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My last 3 releases:
What music did you listen to as a child?
As a child, I was immersed in a variety of music genres, ranging from classical to jazz, thanks to my parents diverse music collection. Although I remember being particularly drawn to the electronic elements in some of the 80s pop music.
When was the first time that you realised that you liked electronic music?
I first discovered my love for electronic music during my teenage years. A friend played me a track by Kraftwerk, and I was instantly captivated by the synthetic sounds and the way electronic music could evoke emotions.
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
My first club experience was at Tresor in Berlin. I remember being overwhelmed by the energy and the seamless flow of music. The DJ that night was Sven Väth, and his set left a lasting impression on me.
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I found inspirations in artists like Ben Böhmer, David August and Rüfüs Du Sol. Their ability to blend deep emotions with electronic sounds is something I strive for in my own music.
What was the last album that you downloaded/purchased?
The last album I purchased was Bonobo‘s Fragments‘. I’ve always admired his soundscapes and the way he blends electronic music with organic elements.
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
My studio setup is a hybrid of hardware and software. I love the tactile feel of synthesizers like the Dave Smith Prophet and the flexibility of software like Ableton Live. When DJing, I prefer using CDJs for their reliability and versatility.
What releases do you have on the horizon?
My new album, titled Master Minds, is set to be released on April 19 and includes 6 original tracks and 3 remixes from Sahalé, known for his downtempo and organic ethnic style; the veteran Steyoyoke artist, Nick Devon; and the talented Spanish duo, Night Stories. The album will also be released on double vinyl and will be preceded by 2 singles. The first single, called ‘Lumina‘, will be released soon on March 8, while ‘Tartribe‘ will follow on March 27. This album delves into deeper, more percussive, and melodically rich sounds. It’s tailored a bit more for the dance floor than my usual work.
Where can we hear you perform?
I no longer perform every weekend like before. Currently, I selectively choose my gigs, so my next two noteworthy performances will be at Ritter Butzke in Berlin on May 8th, in celebration of Steyoyoke‘s 12th Anniversary, and at Stereo Montreal on June 29.
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
For the Balance podcast, I have used exclusively Steyoyoke tracks, mixing some old masterpieces with some unreleased and upcoming tracks. The selection of the tracks for this podcast took a couple of weeks, ensuring the flow and energy were just right. I think the final result perfectly reflects my own taste and sound. I hope people will enjoy it.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
The top track in my DJ set currently is:
If I could recommend you only one of my tracks it would be:
If I could recommend only one track for you to listen to it would be:
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
Believe it or not, the last movie I watched was before my son was born, which was 3 years ago, and the movie was ‘Noah‘. My wife and I decided to name our son Noah.
My favourite TV show:
Gordon, Gino & Fred’s Road Trip: a hilarious British show featuring an Italian chef named Gino, who cracks me up every time I watch it. Additionally, he embodies the classic Italian stereotype, and since I am Italian but lack this attitude due to living in the cold city of Berlin, I enjoy watching his spontaneous behavior.
My favourite holiday destination/hotel:
My favorite holiday destination is Dahab in Sinai, Egypt. It’s a true paradise where one can escape from it all, immerse in nature, savor the sea, and breathe in tranquility.
