Sitting in his studio in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Objekt, the 37-year-old DJ and electronic musician born TJ Hertz, reminisces about a beloved childhood toy that would go on to inspire his new record label, Kapsela. The modular plaything, Capsela, with its translucent plastic spheres and various components, sparked Hertz's fascination with engineering and would later shape the intricate, shape-shifting nature of his productions. As Objekt embarks on a new phase of his career, he reflects on the creative challenges he's faced, the evolving dance music landscape, and the pursuit of crafting captivating sonic experiences that transcend the dancefloor.

Unlocking New Creative Frontiers with Kapsela

Embracing Versatility and Experimentation

Hertz's decision to launch Kapsela, a new label that serves as a platform for his diverse creative endeavors, marks a significant shift in his approach. Whereas his previous white-label series felt "a bit rigid," the Kapsela imprint offers a more open-ended outlet, allowing Hertz to explore a wider range of musical expressions, from club-oriented tracks to ambient explorations and collaborations with other artists. This newfound versatility has been a liberating experience, freeing him from the pressure of adhering to a specific formula or genre.

Recontextualizing a Sleeper Hit

The debut Kapsela release exemplifies this ethos, featuring a reissue of Objekt's 2014 track "Ganzfeld," originally released as part of a split single with Detroit electro act Dopplereffekt. Hertz believes the track, a hard-charging, electro-adjacent anthem animated by an unforgettable bass solo, now resonates more strongly with the contemporary dance music landscape. "Ten years ago, I'm not sure how many people were actually playing it out," he explains. "By 2014 standards, it was very fast: 147 was quite an awkward BPM. In the intervening years, tempos have crept up, DJing styles have opened out a bit, and that tempo is pretty much par for the course." The reissue is accompanied by a diverse array of remixes, from Piezo's lumbering club version to Ulla's atmospheric reinterpretation and Djrum's epic, multi-part breakbeat rework, showcasing the track's versatility and enduring appeal.

Embracing Uncertainty and Spontaneity

Hertz's follow-up Kapsela release, KAPS002, further demonstrates his willingness to explore new creative avenues. The two-track EP features "Chicken Garaage," a dark-garage-inspired cut with Objekt's signature dazzling sound design and hyperkinetic rhythmic flourishes, and "Worm Dance," a composition constructed largely from field recordings Hertz made at a friend's lake house. This foray into working with found sounds, a departure from his typical computer-based approach, was a refreshing challenge that introduced an element of uncertainty into his creative process. "I spent the afternoon gaffer-taping my contact mics to whatever I could find," he recalls. "Ice makes some crazy sounds—creaking, squeaking, friction sounds that are a lot of fun to work with." This hands-on, exploratory approach allowed Hertz to break free from his habitual tendencies and discover new sonic possibilities.

Navigating the Evolving Dance Music Landscape

Hertz's own musical journey has been shaped by the broader changes in the dance music scene over the past decade. He reflects on a time when the industry felt less "wrapped up" in the trappings of the modern music business, with fewer artists, DJs, and producers vying for attention. The rise of social media and the festival circuit, he notes, has transformed the landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for artists like himself.

Seeking Transcendent Experiences on the Dancefloor

Despite the shifting dynamics, Hertz remains passionate about the transformative power of the dancefloor experience. He recounts a particularly memorable six-hour set at Brooklyn's Nowadays club, where the "audience, environment, atmosphere, tech setup, phase of the moon, whatever, all somehow lined up" to create a truly transcendent performance. These rare moments of connection with the crowd, where the music seems to "play itself" and justify its own arc, are what continue to fuel Hertz's dedication to his craft. Whether playing in Europe or North America, he finds that the sense of community and genuine passion for the music often runs deeper in the United States, where the dance music scene feels more fragile and in need of nurturing.

Navigating the Challenges of the Post-Pandemic Landscape

As the dance music industry grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hertz has observed both challenges and opportunities. While some venues and promoters struggle to keep their operations afloat amidst economic pressures, he has also witnessed a renewed appreciation for the communal experience of the dancefloor. Audiences may have shorter attention spans in certain contexts, but Hertz has also found that he can connect with them on a deeper level by embracing more adventurous and headier musical explorations. Ultimately, Hertz remains optimistic about the future, driven by his passion for crafting sonic experiences that transcend the confines of the dancefloor and resonate with listeners on a profound, emotional level.