Modeselektor

Modeselektor is a Berlin electronic group active since 1996. The lineup includes Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary, with KITSCHSELEKTOR also listed as a member. The group works in electro, electronic, IDM and techno, and its music also draws on glitch and hip hop.

Formation and early development

Bronsert and Szary meet in Berlin in 1992. Szary performs live acid house at illegal underground parties, and the two begin making music together under the name Fundamental Knowledge. In 1996 they rename the project Modeselektor, taking the name from a function on the Roland RE-201 Space Echo analogue delay unit.

Production method and labels

Modeselektor produces its material using self-developed software in Max/MSP together with MIDI controllers. In 1999 the group signs its first remix contract and begins working with Pfadfinderei, a Berlin-based VJ and design collective. In 2000 the group meets Ellen Allien and makes BPitch Control its home label.

Collaborations and related projects

The group takes part in several collaborations, including Moderat with Apparat, Pfadselektor with Pfadfinderei, and work with Paul St. Hillaire of Rhythm & Sound. Other collaborators include Otto von Schirach, Siriusmo, TTC, Puppetmastaz, Thom Yorke and Maxïmo Park. The track “Silikon”, from the 2005 album Hello Mom! and featuring Sasha Perera, is included in a publicly available iTunes playlist recommended by Thom Yorke.

Performances and wider activities

Modeselektor creates sound installations at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and lectures at the Merz Akademie in Stuttgart. The group also appears as a favourite act of Thom Yorke, who recommends its albums in interviews.