Q-BASE - Update Frank Kvitta Invites

Towards the turn of the century, electronica-oriented Germany sees hardtechno, by then mostly known as ‘schranz’, becoming a major genre of music. Inside the nation’s techno bunkers, a frantic new style is born. A style that fits hard dance lovers like a glove. A style comparable to a steam locomotive, squealing and grinding like steel wheels on a railroad track.

Although Kvitta has been addicted to techno since the 90’s, his career only really takes flight in the new millennium. Adopting and adapting the hard sound of Chris Liebing and The Advent, among others, he grows to be a sensation behind the decks. As of 2010, the Mexican German is one of the most important men on the international hardtechno front, having signed a contract with DJ Rush’s Kne’ Deep label a couple of years ago. His exotic, minimal style – full of melodies and catchy hooks – lacks the rawness of many of his ‘harder’ colleagues. Frank Kvitta, after all, is a party starter who is playing what one could call a home match at Q-BASE . “Any other day, I would take the airplane to go to a gig. This time, we just get into a car and stop by my parents-in-law along the way.”

Last year, the German king of hard techno debuted at the Dutch festival in Germany. Former airbase Weeze is the perfect setting for his edgy, rusty techno, which can still count on a lot of support outside the Dutch borders as well. These days, the militaristic location forms the décor to a large-scale gathering of hard dance styles with some orange sauce on top. “I do quite appreciate Dutch festivals, because of the high production standards and wonderful shows. Of course, that makes it awesome that Q-dance is organizing a large outdoor festival in my own country, because it already is one of my favourite European festivals.”

Frank makes his DJ’ing debut at Airport Weeze in 2009, in the Communications Bunker, where the beats sound like a crossfire and the bass pounds like a bombardment. An experience that has been engraved into his memory, not entirely uninfluenced by the fantastic atmosphere, great weather and alien-looking terrain. “What struck me most was the diverse, international crowd. Except Dutch people and Germans, there were visitors from countries like Belgium, Poland, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia. It may only have been my first Q-BASE, but I had a wonderful time.”

For the coming edition of Q-BASE, Kvitta has taken a good look at his address book and invited a number of highly appreciated friends. The most striking name among them is DavidCristoph, a collaborative project by Slovenian Dave Slide and Austrian Chris Eco. These relatively new guys will provide a raging battle, according to Kvitta. “What these guys do is unique, and they manage to make it look extra special with those weird sunglasses. David is a tattooed giant halfway along his thirties, while Chris is a little young man. They use a Nintento Wii remote to control music and effects. Don’t miss it!”

The line-up to Frank Kvitta’s Invites area also contains a relative of Frank’s, namely his brother Alex. The oldest of the Kvitta siblings, he is responsible for releases at labels such as Bullshit Records and Kne’ Deep. At the moment, Alex is touring Europe with Thommy Fusion as a special live act. “I won’t join my brother behind the decks, but I am planning on doing something with Boris S. for the first time at Q-BASE. We started a fresh project together and during Q-BASE, we will present it to the public live. And when I say live, I mean live, using vocals and keyboards. If it becomes a success, our cooperation will definitely be prolonged.”

The last two names on the list of invitees are the Australian Bold and the British Paul Langley. The former has come to be a veteran in the scene, having proven himself with a successful career that started in the early 90’s. The latter first sees the inside of the DJ booth somewhere around the year 1985 (!), taking a hiphop detour only to end up in the techno scene indefinitely. “Bold is a veteran who is adored by men like Ben Sims and Dave Clarke. He has toured with DJ Rush as a live act on numerous occasions. Paul Langley’s wayward style is often described as ‘ghettotechno’ and is worshiped worldwide these days. These two heroes are the icing on the cake in our area.”