Damiano von Erckert

Damiano von Erckert

Damiano von Erckert is a German DJ, producer and label founder from the Ruhrgebiet district, raised nearby and now based in Cologne. His music draws on house, deep house, disco, soul, funk, Afro, hip hop and related electronic styles rather than following a narrow genre template.

Background and influences

He grows up with a broad musical education through his father, who is also a DJ. That early exposure shapes a taste rooted in the sounds of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, including soul, funk and house. Artists and figures associated with his influences include Willie Hutch, Donny Hathaway, Fela Kuti and Ron Hardy. He also cites Stax, Blue Note, Strictly Rhythm and KDJ as important influences on his work.

AVA. Records

After early attempts to find label support do not attract much attention, he founds AVA. Records in 2011. The label becomes a platform for contemporary club music and a collective centred in Cologne, with Damiano von Erckert handling A&R. Its orbit includes collaborations and associations with Lowtec, Tito Wun, MCDE, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Andy Vaz, Christopher Rau and Funkycan. The label maintains a retro presentation, with covers made by hand and artwork often taken from vintage photographs or images.

Style and work

His production is described through its use of classic elements from house, techno and related dance music traditions, with a strong emphasis on authenticity, originality and a positive feel. The label project ava. also brings together house and techno artists including Christopher Rau, Lowtec, Murat Tepeli, Andy Vaz, Funkycan and Ugly Drums, and supports joint projects and new ideas.