Moritz von Oswald

Moritz von Oswald

Moritz von Oswald is a German electronic music producer and percussionist whose work is closely associated with dub techno and minimal techno. In the 1980s, he plays percussion with Palais Schaumburg before moving into electronic music in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Early work and Berlin scene

He lives in Berlin and is part of a scene centred on the Tresor club and label and the Hardwax record store. In the 1990s, he becomes one of the most influential techno producers of that decade.

3MB and Basic Channel

Von Oswald first works as 3MB with Thomas Fehlmann. He then co-founds Basic Channel Records with Mark Ernestus, and the label’s releases become closely associated with minimal techno. The Basic Channel recordings are known for long-format 12-inch sides and a stripped-down approach that helps define the style.

M series and later influence

His M series of records uses a steady four-to-the-floor beat, dub-influenced synth pads and gradual modulation over time. These records, like the Basic Channel releases, place extended tracks across whole sides of vinyl. His work influences Richie Hawtin, Thomas Brinkmann, Robert Henke, also known as Monolake, and Wolfgang Voigt, as well as later artists associated with Chain Reaction Records.

Rhythm & Sound

Under the name Rhythm & Sound, he combines dub reggae and techno more directly. In this project, Jamaican vocalists sing or speak over spare techno rhythms and basslines.