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GummiHz
In the hands of the right operator, frequencies can trigger nearly religious experiences! Stimulating mind, body and soul or in other words the ‘holy trinity’! A dedicated explorer of the frequency spectrum, Alex Tsotsos has been making waves within the underground house and techno community under his GummiHz (gummi-hertz) moniker. Focusing on those frequencies that shake hips and free minds or “the rubber bands” as he likes to call them! In his productions he molds various elements together following a dance friendly approach. Inspiration comes to life through a few outboard equipment including synths and drum machines, for hands-on spontaneity. A signature sound, heralded by many DJs and critics alike for its propulsive sense of rhythm, rolling basslines, bouncy hooks and psychedelic atmospherics!
By his mid twenties, Alex made his debut on Mobilee records, followed by a string of maxi singles and a worldwide dj tour to promote his mix “GummiHz presents Back to back vol.2”. Putting GummiHz firmly on the world map of house and techno, as well as at the core of the label’s artists. Soon after came the debut album “Sleepless Nights”! His music also appears on Realtone records, Ibadan and Earthrumental music to name a few! Followed by “Alles Claap vol.1” mix compilation and second album “GummiHz presents Raw Instinct” on his own label Claap. GummiHz tracks have hit top positions on charts in various publications like Groove, DjMag, Tsugi, Resident advisor and Ibiza voice, while he has prepared dj mixes for various podcasts including Rinse FM and Discogs! “The Andre 3000 of techno”, according to ‘the innovator’ Derrick May, Alex has been endorsed by Detroit’s legendary Transmat records.
It all started at a small record shop in his hometown, where he would check the latest house records coming mainly from the US. From then on he got involved in developing his djing skills and at the age of 17, wouldplay vinyl only sets in various venues around north Greece. Alex was mixing house and techno mainly from Detroit, Chicago and New York. Soon after, Alex moved to London for studies. London’s diverse electronic music scene had a major impact on him! Making his passion for producing even stronger, he set up his first studio. Upon graduation, Alex took up a short course in music technology and sound engineering. Throughout his studies, he played in numerous underground parties around London and the South East of England.
Currently based in Berlin, GummiHz is part of the city’s exciting underground music scene,playing guest slots at many clubs in the city. Tresor, Watergate, Bar 25, Suicide Circus, Salon Zur Wilde Renate, About Blank, Griessmuehle, Ipse and even at the Loveparade in 2006! Alex has also hosted various Claap nights at KaterBlau, Cookies and the Weekend club. In a carrier spanning nearly a decade and a half, GummiHz has brought his ‘elastic frequencies’ to venues all around the globe! While holding annual residencies at La Santanera (Playa Del Carmen), Soundelectric Private Sessions (Santo Domingo) and Mobilee’s Off Sonar parties in Barcelona! A dedicated record collector, who’s built a solid reputation with his relaxed dj attitude and effortless mixing skills!
Alex also runs the labels Claap, C-EDITS and Raw Instinct. Claap records for releasing new music by himself and some of his favorite new acts! Claap quickly gained support from key players like Derrick May, Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Vath, Ame, Danny Tenaglia, Luciano and Ellen Alien. Soon after, followed the launch of C-EDITS and Raw Instinct. Raw Instinct is a series of club tools initially produced by GummiHz solely for his dj sets. The series pays homage to the raw club sound of the 90s re-arranged to modern standards! C-EDITS received world wide notoriety since the first release, an edit of the house classic “So in love with you” by Duke. Followed by a record on New York’s Wolf+Lamb imprint, joining a crew of artists like Nicholas Jaar, Seth Troxler and Soulclap. Hitting a major milestone in 2015 with the release of debut album “Long Player 1”! The latest release on C-EDITS, “Ceeside Edits” is out now!
In his mind, playing or making music needs to be exciting, adventurous and fun.
He is not afraid to re-invent his methods when it gets dull and boring in the studio! In the past couple of years, he has entered the void of modular synthesizers. Lately, he released part one of a vinyl only series titled “Groove is in the Hertz” on Claap, while having his debut live performance at a jam session for eurorack module manufacturer IO Instruments! Tune in to the Hertz!