Celtronic 2022: Henrik Schwarz (Live) + Trikk (Innervisions-Porto)

Henrik Schwarz has long been seen as a different kind of electronic artist, not quite fitting the mould of what you would expect from someone who has dedicated the majority of their career to house and techno. With his recent Schwarzmann project however, he has pushed the boundaries more than ever before, arguably redefining what it means for an electronic artist to perform ‘live’. Schwarz has torn up the rulebook in terms of what can be expected from a live act, creating something that is arguably more creative than any traditional band and vastly more versatile than the most eclectic DJ set. Back in the day – and I’m talking a yawning chasm of 20 or more years ago if your memory can cope with that – producers didn’t just make records in order to DJ. Nowadays its part and parcel of the electronic music business that to make the leap from obsessive hobby into career, you’ll almost certainly need to DJ, and while some undoubtedly still produce for genuine love of the music, for a healthy proportion studio time simply allows them to do what they’re always wanted to do at clubs and festivals around the world. When Henrik Schwarz started out on his career, quite the opposite was true. Schwarz never saw being a DJ as the goal, more a necessary step: it was the music that interested him. The longer Schwarz’s career goes on, the more it seems he is veering towards experimentation; pushing back boundaries that for some are seen as a comforting box to sit neatly within.

Trikk is an internationally acclaimed producer and DJ, originally from Porto (Portugal), releasing primarily on Dixon & Âme’s Innervisions label. With a consistent drip feed of biannual releases since 2011, Trikk has avoided the pressures of social media, rather focussing on a carefully considered output. This creation of space between producer and audience encourages the flow of new ideas, giving freedom to steer clear of the latest trends and expectations. With each release he aims to demonstrate his development as an artist, taking the time to properly digest influences and inspirations. This approach also carries through to his DJ performances. He has been winning over audiences around the globe with sets that showcase his unique perspective, free from outside pressures and conventions. His sets are patient with a delicate sense of timing, well-formed musical selection, flawless harmonic mixing and dynamic storytelling. Since his relocation to Berlin, the hub of Europe’s electronic music scene, he has been able to reach a wider audience with access to some of the best clubs and festivals in the world as well as increasing his worldwide appearances. He’s also a staple on the Innervisions label showcase events and has fast become a favourite with fans. His musical output has also garnered attention. Since his first EP for the label, “Florista” a playful rhythmic experimentation with hypnotic synth lines, he has continued to release music that resonates both with fans and artists. His 2017 double EP “Mundo Ritual” expands on the use of African rooted percussion with more powerful electronics. Pristine production, attention to detail and the careful use of silence creates a dramatic release that exhibits a clear progression from his earlier productions. In 2018’s “Vilara EP” Trikk shifts his focus from rhythm to crescendoing melody in a pair of synth driven compositions. Clearly designed with specific pinnacle moments in mind, he adds to a carefully crafted and steadily evolving discography that reflects his experiences and journey as an artist as it continues to grow. With four years of close affiliation with the Innervisions team, Trikk has become an integral part of the label’s lineup and is helping to shape the sound of the next wave of artists. With more releases in the pipeline, we can expect new original work, exciting collaborations and performances to follow.