This month, we’re thrilled to feature Perspectives Digital as our Label of the Month. As the influential imprint approaches its remarkable 15th anniversary in October, we connected with its founder to explore the label’s journey from its deep progressive house origins in 2010 to its current status as a respected platform for melodic techno and electronic music.
From discovering emerging talent across the globe to adapting through the industry’s significant shifts toward streaming and social media dominance, Perspectives Digital has consistently maintained its commitment to emotionally-driven electronic music while working alongside industry heavyweights like Hernan Cattaneo, Hannes Bieger, and Miss Monique. Join us as we delve into the label’s evolution, upcoming milestone celebrations, and what lies ahead for this Berlin-based electronic music institution.
1. Perspectives Digital is approaching its 15th anniversary in October – take us back to 2010. What was the electronic music landscape like then, and what gap did you see that Perspectives Digital could fill?
First off, thanks so much for inviting me to do this interview! Things were very different 15 years ago. I was pretty much only releasing Deep Progressive House at the beginning. There wasn’t a lot of competition for the genre in 2010. This was at a time when the industry was dominated by Minimal Techno (via Richie Hawtin’s Minus label) and the more commercial sounding Electro House, with labels like mau5trap and Cr2 Records. This was just before electronic dance music soared into the mainstream’s consciousness, largely credited with the success of Avicii’s career-defining track Levels in 2011. Social media was still relatively new in 2010, so one of the main ways to build buzz surrounding a release was submitting your track to a record pool, an exclusive membership targeted only to top-tier DJ’s. Radio stations (both online and offline) also played a much bigger role in breaking records.
In the US, Progressive House had very few dedicated imprints, with Proton Music being the notable exception, so I saw this as an opportunity for Perspectives Digital to help fill that void.
2. When you started the label, did you envision it lasting 15 years and growing to where it is today? What were your original goals versus where you’ve ended up?
I didn’t really have too many expectations starting out. The label was just an outlet for me to release the music that I wanted to hear myself. If others connected with it and liked what I was doing, then that was a bonus. There’s definitely been highs and lows, but I’ve always kept pushing forward and going no matter what. I’m proud to say that I’ve worked alongside and signed many of the industry’s most recognized artists such as Hernan Cattaneo, Hannes Bieger, Miss Monique, Einmusik, Sasha Carassi, DJ CHUS, Space Motion, and so many more.
Going forward I’d love to continue developing the brand and organizing more label showcases around the world. We’ve already hosted parties in key cities like Ibiza, Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Miami, and Istanbul, but there’s still so much room for growth and development.
3. How has the music industry changed since you launched Perspectives Digital in 2010? What are the biggest shifts you’ve witnessed in terms of distribution, artist development, and fan engagement?
Streaming wasn’t really a thing back then, particularly in North America, where the label was based for the 1st half of its existence. Now with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, streaming dominates and downloads are fading as listeners prefer instant, 24/7 access. Social media wasn’t at the forefront, but today, virtually all labels rely heavily on platforms like Instagram for fan engagement and promotion. These shifts have reshaped both how music reaches audiences and how artists build their careers.
4. You’ve had an eye for emerging talent over the years – what’s your process for discovering new artists? What catches your attention in a demo submission?
The label receives a significant amount of demos every week, so thankfully they’re mostly coming to us, versus us coming to them. Occasionally I do try and reach out to artists that I’m personally supporting a lot in my DJ sets.
The biggest criteria for me when listening to a demo is whether it convinces me that I would actually buy this track on Beatport and play it out to a live audience. If I’m not totally convinced, then it makes it a lot less motivating for me to sign the track.
5. Can you share a memorable story about how you discovered and signed one of your artists? What made that particular signing special?
I recently signed the 1st release from a brand new duo called ARGO from South Korea. They attended my show in Seoul last summer and afterwards we kept in touch online. For me, this was a really special moment, as they were the first artists ever from South Korea to sign with PD. You could argue that it’s an emerging market which is not particularly known for Melodic Techno, and where non-commercial electronic dance music still has a lot of room to grow and develop.
6. Your new EP “Mindshadows” drops in July – looking at your production style from 2010 to “Mindshadows” in 2025, how would you describe your sonic evolution? What elements have remained constant, and what has transformed?
My early work was almost exclusively Progressive House, but my sound has since evolved, particularly after I relocated to Berlin in 2017. These days I’m more excited by Melodic House, Melodic Techno, and Indie Dance sounds.
I’m a classically trained musician, so I really value things such as counterpoint, tonality (or atonality), and musicianship. My production skills and techniques have matured, but the emotional core is still there. This is what I would say is the one constant that has remained in my music throughout all this time. Every track I create always has to personally give me some kind of emotional response.
7. “Mindshadows” features remixes from Hannes Bieger and Paul Anthonee – how do you choose remixers for your releases? What do these particular artists bring to your original material?
I’ve been following both of these guys for many years. With Paul, he’s constantly impressed me time and time again with his musical output. He’s also shared a similar path as me in terms of starting out as a Progressive House producer, and now shifting to a cinematic Melodic Techno sound, gaining huge support from artists like Tale of Us, Solomun, Adriatique, John Digweed, Argy, etc.
Hannes Bieger is another artist that I’ve been wanting to work with for a very long time. One look at his insane music studio and you can understand why he has such a strong reputation and so much respect within the scene. He doesn’t work with too many other artists or labels, but luckily my label manager Rafa Silva has a rather strong connection with him, on both a personal and professional level, which helped to connect the dots and make this collaboration with Hannes a reality.
8. AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in music production – what’s your perspective on artificial intelligence in electronic music? Do you see it as a tool, a threat, or something else entirely?
I view AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI may be able to generate sounds or patterns, but it can’t replicate human emotion, lived experience, or the narrative behind a track. Great music often originates from adversity, passion, or real stories. A human soul is still central to creating superb art in my opinion.
9. What advice would you give to upcoming DJs / Producers?
Love what you do and don’t expect to blow up overnight. It could be several years before you start to see any real progress. And above all, be professional and treat others with respect. Always talk to and treat people the way that you’d want to be treated in return.
10. October marks 15 years of Perspectives Digital – what do you have planned for this milestone? Any special releases, events, or retrospective projects?
As of today, we’ve confirmed two very special label showcases in Amsterdam for ADE and Ritter Butzke in Berlin for our 15th year anniversary. We’re also planning on releasing a various artists’ compilation, which we’re still seeking tracks and compiling until September.
If any of your readers would be interested in contributing, we’d love to hear their demos! Please reach out to us by emailing info@perspectivesdigital.com and rafa@perspectivesdigital.com