Germany’s liquidfive continues to release some of the most buzzed-about releases in dance music today. From brooding soundscapes, to atmospheric and energetic house, his individualistic style has caught the eye of many an A-list star, drawing in support from names including Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Cheat Codes and recent collaborator Yves V. With an all-new release coming soon with Charming Horses, the Summer may be over but his musical output is only on the rise – we sat down with the producer to talk career beginnings, his approach in the studio and what is next for the name on everyones lips…
1 – thanks for speaking to us liquidfive! Tell us about a bit about yourself and the music you make!
Hi, I’m Martin Maximilian Kotzur, also known as liquidfive. I’ll keep it brief. I founded the band liquidfive in 2011, where we had a singer and four musicians, and I was the drummer. In 2015, I decided to dissolve the band because I wasn’t happy with the direction we were heading, and there was a lot of unrest within the group. At the beginning of 2017, I chose to continue as a solo DJ and producer under the name liquidfive, and I haven’t looked back since. My focus is on creating danceable electro dance-pop music with strong hooks. I’m passionate about sharing my music with the world.
2 – You recently collaborated with Yves V and Madism on recent single ‘You’! What was the inspiration behind the track and how did the union come about?
We always wanted to create a song together, and when my label manager at Crash Your Sound brought me the idea for ‘You,’ I knew immediately that this was the perfect track for Yves V, Madism, and me. We quickly connected and decided to make it happen. The inspiration came from our shared desire to create something energetic and uplifting, and we’re all thrilled with how it turned out.
3 – You recently also worked with NGHTIME! On ‘I’ll Be With You’ that took a similar vibe with its deep house production, but you guys took the vocals in a really interesting direction with this hyper-manipulated sound which was a great juxtaposition. Why was that and how to you approach what artists you like to work with?
Hmm, first I have to say that I’ve never heard the term “hyper-manipulated” before. The track had been sitting in my drawer for at least 5 years, and I never had a good idea to make it special. Eventually, I decided to pitch the vocals up a few semitones to make them sound more interesting. I had worked with NGHTIME! before, so I sent him the vocal, and he loved the idea. We then built the backing together. I don’t have a specific approach when choosing artists to collaborate with; it often happens spontaneously, based on a gut feeling.
4 – Do you have a certain way you approach starting a track in the studio? Do you like to start with a vocal or a topline, or do you prefer to work this around a production idea? Tell us about your overall creative process!
I typically start with a vocal or topline and then build the backing track around it to complement the vocals. Occasionally, a vocal might be created over an existing backing during a writing session, but that’s less common for me. Overall, my creative process revolves around the vocal element, using it as the foundation to develop the production from there.
5 – What cannot you not live without in your studio?
That’s a tough question. Honestly, I can’t really go without anything I need for a production. But if I had to choose, I could probably give up my coffee machine and just stick to drinking water. Laughs.
6 – What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career has been staying patient. My weakness has always been that things often feel like they’re moving too slowly for me. However, I’ve come to understand that success and quality take time to develop—it’s just the nature of the process. It took me a while to grasp this, but once I did, I found that I became better and more successful. Learning to embrace patience has been key to my growth as an artist.
7 – What is your best advice for new producers in the game?
That’s a great question, and it’s something I’ve asked myself many times. My best advice for new producers is to believe in yourself and focus on finding and developing your own sound. When you create something personal and unique, it becomes your signature style. Never try to copy others; instead, use their work as inspiration to shape your own sound. This way, you’ll stand out and create something that truly represents you.
8 – You have also been playing to live audiences this Summer! Tell us a bit about that and what can fans expect at a show from your sound?
Yes, that’s right! I’ve played at several festivals this summer, and it’s been an incredible experience each time. My set usually consists of edits of my own songs, which I pump up a bit to make them sound even better on the big festival stages. I also mix in current tracks that fit my musical style. Fans can expect a high-energy performance with a mix of familiar hits and fresh sounds that keep the vibe going strong. It’s all about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone in the crowd.
9 – What is a “bucketlist” event or venue you want to play in future?
Yes, there are definitely many festivals I’d love to play at in the future. At the top of my list are Tomorrowland and the Ultra Festival during Miami Music Week. These events are legendary, and it would be a dream come true to perform there.
10 – Finally, what is next for liquidfive? Please tell us about any new productions in the works or upcoming shows we can catch you at!
On September 20th, I’ll be unveiling ‘New Heights,’ a collaboration with Charming Horses and the incredibly talented singer Abi F Jones. I’m really thrilled about both of these upcoming projects! This year there will be more songs that I’m really looking forward to. Stay tuned!
Thankyou for your time!
Thank you very much for your support, I really enjoyed answering your questions!
