Every Das Spezial project is shaped by collaboration. This section introduces the musicians, producers, artists, dancers and creative practitioners who contribute to our work. Through interviews, conversations and editorial features, we explore their creative process, influences and the ideas behind the collaborations that shape each project.
What Makes It Spezial?
In a world of quick-fix content and disposable culture, Das Spezial is a proud contrarian. The ever-evolving music and visual art collective has been built around core principles of creativity, exploration and community. It's a middle finger to the era of AI slop and clout chasers, championing the patient craft that goes into making a beautiful record and leaving the doors wide open to unknown possibilities with every new release. To get a handle on this malleable endeavour, Oli Warwick connected with the dreamers at the heart of the project.
To Preserve Or Destroy: The choices that shaped how HLZ remixed Kill The Pilot
Since 2009 HLZ has been blazing a trail through drum & bass, matching soulful spirit with razor-sharp production. Coming swiftly after his long-awaited debut album All My Life, the Italian artist's remix of Das Spezial's 'Kill The Pilot' takes a sensitive approach without sacrificing the bold angles of his Metalheadz-approved studio sorcery. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down every step of the journey towards the show-stopping version that close out the Hope Against Hope EP.
Drew Morgan
From classical composition to music for video games, acclaimed cellist and composer Drew Morgan has recently joined the SPEZIAL team, adding his distinctive blend of classical and contemporary to the latest EP release, SPZL KIDS 3.
We spoke to Drew about his creative process, past musical projects and the tricky subject of inspiration.
Alina Kalancea
We’re thrilled to unveil the remix of Das SPEZIAL: Monopoly, crafted by the renowned sound designer and founder of Soundfreak Modular, Alina Kalancea. Based in Italy, Alina brings her signature artistry to this reimagined track.
We spent some time chatting to Alina about her upcoming album, work processes and her first true love – Buchla.
Todd Barton
Best known for his deep explorations of Buchla synthesisers and West Coast synthesis, Barton has spent decades pushing the boundaries of sound, from composing for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to mentoring the next generation of sonic explorers. His ability to blend improvisation and rich timbral landscapes has made him a key figure in the evolution of modular synthesis. We spoke to him about his lifelong obsession with sound, taking him from Baroque to Buchla.
Dave Clarke
Acclaimed music producer and radio presenter Dave Clarke, dubbed as the 'Baron of Techno', collaborated with SPEZIAL for the release of a remix track for 'Manifest' EP. He recently took some time to talk to us about his influences, inspiration and work so far in the music industry.
Reign MC
Introducing Reign MC, a British MC based in Bournemouth who has been making a name for himself through his bold and brutal lyrical style. With one of his tracks, 'Blood Diamond' featured on Spezial EP release ‘SPZL KIDS 3’ and a new grime album out this summer, he spoke to us about what's he been up to recently.
Tommy Fachiri
DAS SPEZIAL’s mission extends beyond the music into all forms of creative expression. Counter culture thrives amongst independent thinkers with unique skills, and we’re committed to experimenting with form and format wherever we can find kindred spirits who want to create something beautiful. As the first wave of our collaborations launches, in this feature series we’re shining a light on the people making the goods.