Over the last several years, a conversation about melodic house couldn't be completed without mentioning this particular artist. German DJ, producer, and live performer Ben Böhmer shot through the stratosphere with his emotional and atmospheric soundscapes seeped into his distinct brand of melodic house. This was especially evident in his Anjunadeep-released debut album Breathing - a critically acclaimed, journey-like body of work that merges dance-floor euphoria with cinematic touches. The following year, Ben's face reached the deepest corners of the internet and beyond with his viral hot air balloon set at Cappadocia for Cercle. It’s now in the top 10 most viewed live electronic sets of all time on YouTube.
Ben was also one of the inspirations behind the start of our chill electronic sunset playlist.
He kept up the momentum with his sophomore album Begin Again, although this time he showcased a range of different styles including breakbeat and acid house in various moments. Following the performance and the success of his previous projects (nearly 1 billion streams), Ben went on to play 200+ shows in 2022, a record-breaking run through North America. Despite the success, Ben was being pulled in a direction that wasn’t allowing him to be his true self. Time on the road took away from what mattered most to him: his family, creative freedom, and time to reflect. The release of his latest album Bloom is a confident reassertion of Ben’s intentions as an artist in many different ways. Throughout this interview, we dive into the deep story behind Bloom, the challenges behind its creation, and much more.
"I don’t have the perfect words to describe the music, but I know that it makes me less depressed". There is actually an in-depth article someone wrote about how your music helps with depression. How does it feel to know that there are people who view your work not just as music, but as a deep form of healing?
This is the most powerful feedback I could imagine. It’s humbling and incredibly moving to know that my music can have that kind of impact. Music has always been my way of expression, so hearing that it helps others on such a deep emotional level is extremely beautiful. Writing music helps me to process my own emotions. I put a lot of my own experiences into what I create - and in some ways, it heals me. If that resonates with someone else and provides comfort or a sense of relief, it’s a reminder of the power and magic music holds. It’s an honor to be part of someone’s journey in that way.
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How did moving to Berlin from Göttingen impact your artistic direction?
I was 17 when I moved to Berlin and found this playground for electronic music with its endless possibilities and massive community. The time back then shaped my love for the electronic music scene and for sure inspired me in my writing.
Being an artist takes putting yourself out there time and time again. In the early phase of one's career though, you have to deal with a lot of no's. Where did you find the fortitude to just keep going even when the doors were being closed and when there wasn't a large audience yet tuning in to your work?
I think what kept me going was a deep love for the process of creating itself. Even without a large audience or validation, making music felt like something I needed to do. I just wanted to make music and didn’t think that much about promoting or releasing it.
At which point did you realize that you had 'made it' in music?
Not sure what the point actually is, but if it means that there is music, an audience who likes it, and I can make a living out of that, I guess this is it.
After an intense 2022 performing over 200 shows, what did you come to learn about yourself, both personally and as an artist?
I learned a lot about my boundaries and my mental and physical limits. Touring is extremely beautiful and rewarding but each show takes a little piece of you. There needs to be a healthy balance of a grounded life and the wildlife on tour. I didn’t write much music that year and was musically burned out afterward, and that was a depressing phase - there’s no touring without music, but also no music without touring. Both touring and writing shape the music I write. Everything needs to be balanced out.
How does the title of your latest project Bloom reflect the overarching themes of the album?
The title "Bloom" reflects the personal journey I went through during a time when I had to reconnect with music and songwriting after an intense period of touring. I spent a lot of time in nature, setting up a small studio in the northern Italian mountains, which allowed me to explore creativity in new ways. The concept of "Bloom" symbolizes that connection to nature, as well as themes of change and growth. Lyrically, the album touches on self-discovery, finding the right time to bloom, striving for goals, experiencing failure, and ultimately overcoming challenges. It's about the way we shape ourselves and others through these experiences.
What does your day-to-day life look like when you’re in album-making mode? And how do you balance this immersion with family and social responsibilities?
I love to wake up early in the morning. Like very early. When the world is still asleep. The first thing I do is go into the studio with a coffee and start writing. In between, there can be walks in silence or listening to music from a different perspective. I realized that maintaining a balanced life outside the music world is incredibly important to me. That's why I make sure to live a very quiet life outside of music. I focus on having a calm daily routine, and spending a lot of time in nature, and I’m grateful for my close circle of friends and my marriage, which keeps me grounded.
What were some of the most challenging moments you encountered during the creation of Bloom?
I initially planned to write a functional dance album, as the stages were getting bigger and louder, and I felt I had to cater to that. But that attempt failed. I couldn't connect with the goal I had set for myself. After a while, it helped me just to do what I felt like doing without pursuing any specific objective. The result is a very diverse album with various facets that don't just cater to the big stage.
I must say "Faithless" is one of the singles that doesn't sound like what we usually get from you. What is the story behind its creation, and is there significance as to why it's placed directly in the center?
I always wrote music outside the dance context but never felt like releasing it. This album gave me the platform to showcase all the different styles I like to write. Positioning-wise, it felt great to have a break in the middle of the album - first, I thought it was a great album closer, but the song "Blossom" rounds up the album as well.
How is the blurry, haze-like aesthetic in most of your artworks related to the music? There seems to be a similarity between the covers from Breathing, Begin Again, and Bloom.
I like to have an abstract cover without a clear vision - that leaves room for interpreting it and allows own thoughts feelings. Something I like to achieve in music as well.
Is there a particular element or detail in this album that you hope listeners will pay close attention to?
Little Easter egg: there’s a little drone sound which can be heard in most of the album songs.
Looking back after completing and turning the album into the label, what would you say you are most proud of after making Bloom?
The overall connection throughout a very diverse and different spectrum of music.
What does a flow state look like for you?
A flow state is my favorite place to be when writing music—it’s something I’m always chasing. It usually lasts for 2-4 days, where nothing else matters except the idea I’m working on. In that state, ideas just flow effortlessly, and there’s no sense of writer’s block. It’s almost like a hyperactive state, where I barely sleep but feel completely immersed in the creative process. The result is always something beautiful that makes the intensity of it all worth it.
If there is one thing you think novice artists should sacrifice in order to reach the next level, what do you think it should be and why?
Time. Write as much as you can. Everyday.
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