Urban Vault caught up with Dresden, Germany-based renowned turntablist DJ Access to ask him some questions about his recent releases with Berlin-based acclaimed Hip Hop producer Meeco & more…

It doesn`t matter if you join him in a club or live on stage during a concert, DJ Access has been rocking the turntables since 2005. He founded the Label NewDEF Records, one year later together with the Graffiti-Writer Slider from the legendary Bandits Crew. Over the past years, he experienced a lot of live shows as a DJ for Morlockk Dilemma, Capone-N-Noreaga, ONYX, Plusmacher & T9. Also, he’s well known in clubs all around Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. With his professional skills, he is often the first choice, when it comes to cuts. That`s why he can look back at numerous co-productions with high-rated performers in the Hip Hop scene.

What is your name?

Hi, I am DJ Access, co-founder of NewDEF Records and also Tour-DJ, A&R, and Booker.

Where are you from?

From Dresden, Germany.

Tell us about the Hip Hop scene in the eastern part of Germany?

The eastern part of Germany has always been different compared to the rest of the country historically and culturally speaking. Specifically in my hometown, Dresden. Currently, many artists from here, as well as Leipzig and Chemnitz have been popping up, showing the creative diversity of our region formerly known as GDR. ‘The Bandits’ are keeping essential parts of the culture alive through their work as graffiti artists as well as our stateside Breakdance crew by name of The Saxonz.

You have released three singles so far in 2021 with Meeco featuring emcee heavyweights like Skyzoo and Elzhi. Tell us about the collaboration with this highly talented producer and how it came together?

A mutual friend of Meeco and Me, DJ Stylewarz (German DJ Legend from Hamburg) basically initiated the contact between us. At that time, Meeco had finished ‘We Out Here’. Together, we finalized and released the Album and immediately spoke about new Ideas and possible collaborations. Meeco knows how to play multiple instruments as well as different old-school beat Maschines. He’s actually a beast on the Maschine. His skills had me vibing along immediately which is why I jumped on board for further projects.

Are there any plans for an entire album release or upcoming singles?

Most definitely, the first singles we dropped basically made us grow together even more, creatively and mentally. We carry a similar love to the game which is why we are staying focused on new projects together. While back in the 80s and 90s scratches in Hip Hop tracks were a common thing, nowadays cuts are getting rare.

Tell us your opinion about the standing of the DJ in Hip Hop 2021.

In the last decade or something, a lot of emcees did not consider involving DJs in their projects. They basically just played with a band or drum machines on their own. The general sound of Hip Hop was definitively walking into a mainstream type of business, which isn’t bad. But just not my intention. As of right now. I think the appreciation of a DJ in Duo/ Crew etc. is slowly moving upfront again like it did in the past. I am noticing more and more old as well as new DJs working mutually with emcees. To me, Scratching or generally, the Turntablism scene has never gotten out of style. I can find young, old, women, or men everywhere on social media. This has created a huge new platform in the scene and I am loving it currently. Seeing new styles of Cuts and People are very motivational and create a warm feeling.

You are also a tour DJ if I’m right? Who did you tour with and how did/does Corona affect your work?

Yes. Before the pandemic, I was basically touring every weekend. The break, we are all suffering from as DJs or as Artists was really hard. However, it forced my creativeness to recreate my sound, dig out new genres and artists and find alternatives in how I’m spinning.

With NewDEF Records you are running a Hip Hop label. Tell us about that?

NewDEF is one of the last original Hip Hop labels in Germany, founded in 2006. We try to gather all elements of the Culture, meaning DJs, emcees, Producers, Graffiti, and Breakdance Artists into one platform. Mainly focusing on the Culture in Germany, in particular with Rap Artists, that’s how it all began. We are trying to become more international, dropping new artist’s releases and creating our own events. The love we have received in return is basically my confirmation that people, young and old, are going back to the roots, where it all started. Community work and love. Your second pillar on the business side is RecordJet, a digital distribution service for artists.

Give us more info on that and how download/streaming services changed the music biz over the past years?

Thats a huge topic. Obviously, majority is aware that most that the focus has switched over to the digital market completely. Which is why artists/ Labels are reaching for editorial placements, making it a very tough job for distributors with the amount of releases we have every week. We can all agree that it’s really hard with keeping up on all the new releases because its oversaturated in a way. However, we are very thankful for the growth we have experienced with RecordJet, in particular working independently. To me personally, I am very thankful being able to exchange experiences and getting to know so many diverse Artists. But yeah, generally the way music distribution has evolved so fast within such a short amount of time I do hope that one day payment plans can actually increase for artists individually because thats been completely out of wack since streaming serves have evolved. It has been very noticeable now, during this pandemic and the complete shut down of shows, etc.

With the opportunity for artists to release their music independently is there still a justified existence for record labels?

It has been more DIY now than ever I believe, but yes – if a Label provides good PR and structure for Artists, it is always a good choice if the share deal is fair.

Are physical releases in 2021 still relevant or is this just a niche for dedicated music nerds?

Yes, vinyl is still very strong, Actually now again more than it has been in a long time, based on
new statistics I have read. Every genre is pressing vinyl right now, so hopefully, the physical market will keep growing.
I mean, who doesn’t love the feeling of actually holding something physically with a booklet and/ or other gimmicks artists add to their sleeves. It’s a different type of hearing. More intense and passionate if you ask me. You just let it float like a leaf in the wind. Instead of pushing forward in-between playlists. I mean come on. That’s the beauty of it.

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?

You can reach me on Instagram and Facebook with @access44

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

It’s always nice to support underground music and give them a spotlight. I appreciate that and hope you also growing! Thanks for having me!

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

Elzhi x Meeco x DJ Access – Back In The Days via iTunes/Spotify

www.facebook.com/Access44
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https://x.com/NewDEF_Dresden
https://instagram.com/newdef_records