The start of a new series from our breakout label DFTD, in which we'll be taking a closer look at the artists releasing on the label along with an exclusive mix from each. First up, Germany's Sable Sheep.
A few years back Sable Sheep was an unknown entity in the world of electronic music world – a molecule of cosmic dust in the infinite galaxy of budding artists and superstar producers. But within just two years Tillman Cremer has seen his debut EP ‘Paint My Fur’ sky-rocket to stratospheric heights in the RA and Beatport charts, playing at major events including ADE and Sonar along the way. In an arguably over-saturated and increasingly competitive industry, how has this young German producer achieved so much in such a short space of time? Defected’s Hannah Thomas finds asks the question…
“I haven’t got a real definitive answer, overall I guess I just try to make my music different” says Cremer. “I want my music to be different. I think it's definitely important these days. Like you said, there are so, so, so many DJs and producers and labels on the market today. You have to have your signature sound to be credible. Being individual is at the core of making art, and that’s what I always try to do.”
It is this quest for individuality that lies at the core of Sable Sheep’s identity as an artist. For those of you who weren’t paying attention during your English lessons at school, Tillman explains his unusual alias. “Sable was used by Shakespeare in his sonnets and means dark or black, and a black sheep everyone knows, I guess.” From the very outset of his career, this choice of alias was designed to send a very clear message to the dance music community; that Tillman intends to stand out from amongst the flock.
“I always try to do what I feel from the inside – without any constraints or rules” A rogue or nonconformist then? “A rogue is a nice description actually – maybe I should call my next EP that! But seriously, I guess the way I try to be unique is by making music that sounds like me. I’m very self-critical when it comes to making music. I’m not a fan of overloaded arrangements. I prefer to focus on getting every element right in track. I prefer a kind of raw, stripped right back sound and am happy when the result is a reflection of…well, just me.”
For those who know him through his recent dancefloor-oriented output, it might come as a surprise to learn that the German producer cut his teeth in the heavy metal scene and that much of his distinctive heavy percussive house is influenced by likes of Slipknot and Bury Your Dead; a somewhat unlikely source of inspiration for an electronic artist.
“I’m still playing in a metal band these days and still love to listen to stuff from Slipknot and other big players and this brings a kind of inspiration for my electronic productions too. That's also probably why I started making and loving electronic music: the idea, the mind behind the two genres and the feeling that I get when I listen to both are very, very similar. I know this sounds strange to some people out there, but for me it's definitely like that.”
In many respects the two scenes couldn’t be further apart if they tried, but one of the striking similarities between Tillman’s production style and that of his first love are his high energy tactics; rolling reverbing bass lines, weighty kicks, heavy metal edged riffs, with his latest ‘Constitution EP’ a perfect case in point. “I guess in some ways, the reason why I love those darker ‘phatter’ bass lines is because of my metal roots. The dark mood of the EP reflects my music taste in general rather than my mood or personality. I have roots in the metal scene and I’m not a fan of cheesy and coltish stuff. I want my music to be serious and to be taken seriously. Although my mood plays a big role in my creativity, I wouldn't say that it's a direct reflection of my feelings. I’m a happy and positive person - the high tempo is perhaps more of a reflection of my positivity or restlessness…or both!” Yet, paradoxically Tillman’s home environment couldn’t be any more different from his production style If it tried; the 24 year old preferring to spend most of his free time away from the big hubs for electronic music.
“I live in Aachen which is in the very west of Germany, 50 km from Dusseldorf. It’s a quiet city. I definitely prefer the more quiet spots for living. That relaxing, home comfort feeling is very important for me. I definitely work best in a quiet environment. It’s a good place to plan my new ‘rogue’ tactics!
A quiet haven is not something you would necessarily associate with a 24 year old producer who describes himself as ‘restless’. Yet given the fact he takes such obvious pride in his art, coupled with his dogmatic approach to his work and his constant pursuit of perfection – it kind of makes sense. Amidst an increasingly hectic deejay schedule, he needs the breathing space.
“I spend most of my time in the studio during the week and touring over the weekends. A couple of weeks ago I released ‘Caarl EP’, my 4th release on Be As One; this week, a really special one for me of course - ‘Constitution EP’ on DFTD; and the one I’m most pleased with, ‘Barricades of Nowhere EP’ on Moon Harbour. And there’s more where they came from! “
What is strikingly apparent is that Cremer has been the master of his own universe but there’s no escaping the importance endorsements from the likes of Marco Carola, Matthius Tanzmann, and Loco Dice and Luciano have played on his career.
“For sure, it is always a big help when high profile artists support your work. Dice, Carola, Luciano, Matthias - they all have my biggest respect, so it means a lot to me that they like what I do. I came from zero two years ago with 'Painting My Fur', so when those biggies played it, it was personally very important for me”. Tillman concludes “It's kind of positive acknowledgement of what I do which motivates me to do more.”
A raw and restless rogue maybe, but what is certain, a shining, (albeit sable) star is born - and it’s getting brighter...
Words: Hannah Thomas
Constitution EP is out now – buy from Beatport
