Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, the electronic producer Marco Niemerski is best known by his genre-mashing, disco-tinged alias Tensnake, a moniker he adopted back in 2005. Since then he’s been boldly forging a highly successful name for himself.
Ahead of his performance at Booom! this Saturday for Defected In The House, we take a closer look at some of the records come to define and shape the career of Tensnake.
Around the House [Mirau Musik, 2006]
Darker in tone than many of his later release, but still flecked with the disco flashes that came to define him ‘Around the House’ marks the birth of Tensnake. The first release on his very own Mirau Musik imprint as part of the Restless EP, Niemerski claims he created it in only one night and knew it was going to be big. Made at a time at which the German producer found himself surrounded by the minimal sound he decided to forge his own, more melodic path. It was not long before disco made a comeback, but Tensnake was already there and well prepared.
Holding Back My Love [Running Back, 2009]
Three years later saw the release of ‘Holding Back My Love’. Arguably his breakthrough underground record, the release was voted No.1 on DJhistory.com’s coveted annual list. In typical Tensnake fashion disco vibes are present throughout with a funky bassline and electro synths driving the track forward before an explosion of 80s sounds and guitar strumming. Uplifting without ever crossing the cheddar bridge, this marked his arrival in a big way.
Coma Cat [Permanent Vacation/Defected, 2009/2010]
When people mention Tensnake, ‘Coma Cat’ tends to be mentioned fairly soon afterwards. Undoubtedly his biggest commercial success, it became immortalised as an iconic festival anthem of 2010. Inspired by Anthony and the Camp’s ‘What I Like’, the final result was described as “gorgeously life-affirming” by Resident Advisor and established itself as one of the catchiest house-disco hybrids of that or any year since.
Azari & III – Reckless (With Your Love) (Tensnake Remix) [Permanent Vacation, 2010]
Flamboyant Canadian group Azari & III burst on to the scene in 2009 with their single ‘Hungry for the Power’ followed up with this, arguably even more explosive anthem. Tensnake absolutely nailed his remix with old-school breaks – including an outrageous Snap sample – soaring piano and shrieking synths. In a word; massive.
Mainline [Defected, 2013]
His second outing on Defected, ‘Mainline’ saw Tensnake link up with vocalist, Radio 1 Xtra star and Rudimental collaborator Syron. Full of energy, the percussion, bassline and Syron’s (occasionally re-pitched) vocals emulated the ‘glory days’ of house decades ago to successfully create an uplifting and hooky house anthem.
Tensnake plays Booom!, Ibiza Saturday 3rd August alongside Dennis Ferrer, Osunlade and Simon Dunmore – click for full line-up info
