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NEEDS biography
Frankfurt based production team, DJ crew and record label NEEDS comprises the brothers Lars and Marek Bartkuhn alongside DJ Yannick. Being formed in 1999 the trio has already earned a solid reputation with music lovers worldwide as one of the most promising production outfits from Germany.
The distinctive trademark sound of this highly praised collective is one that subtly displays their widely varied musical influences, which include classic house grooves, jazz, funk and soulful techno. After some highly acclaimed 12-inches on their own imprint, NEEDS has rapidly become a synonym for soulful high quality music. Their sound essentially remains beyond explicit classification, music that digs deep rather than spreading out.
NEEDS have also gained worldwide recognition as remixers, with works under their belt for such artists as Francois K, Ennio Morricone, Ian Pooley, Atjazz, Marshmellows, Playin' 4 The City, Sun Orchestra, Russ Gabriel and labels such as Palm Pictures, Compost, Infracom, Wave, Clairaudience and Groove Attack to name but a few.
Many of their tracks and remixes have been played, charted and loved to death by DJ heavyweights around the globe - including Passion Dance Orchestra's seminal anthem "Worlds", which Louie Vega heralded as a 'classic'. NEEDS recently won two categories at NYC's Choice Awards for 'Best Emerging Talent' and 'Track Of The Year'.
The NEEDS record label is set to explore a wider range of musical territories in the near future and is also aiming to expand the artist and album base. Their recently released debut CD compilation 'Needs (Not Wants)' received critical acclaim and will soon be followed by a full length album by Lars Bartkuhn and his Passion Dance Orchestra.
Veteran DJs on the German and international circuit, and currently hosting their legendary NEEDS nights at Frankfurt's famous Robert Johnson club, the trio has been spinning in some of the best clubs in Europe and around the world in the last couple of years - including appearances in New York, Tokyo, London, Paris, Stockholm, Barcelona, South Africa, Mexico City and many other places.
Behind the decks the NEEDS crew combines extraordinary skills, creativity, passion and more than a decade of DJ experience. With their impeccable taste in music and distinctive style between soulful house, classic garage sounds and deepest boogie/jazzfunk grooves, they have made a name for themselves as a DJ crew who's able to move a crowd while pushing musical boundaries and challenging expectations.
Needs (Not Wants).
press quotes:
"Their winning combination of rich musicality and club-friendly grooves never felt so good. Pure class." Jockey Slut
"The NEEDS crew is makin' some serious noise with an impressive string of remixes and is set to change the musical face of Germany." Straight No Chaser
"In an age when anything with a passing resemblance to something introspective gets labelled 'deep', the music of Needs positively emanates emotion." XLR8R
"The undisputed champs of lush, organic soundscapes!" Muzik
"Music like you've never heard it before from Germany." Remix, Japan
"Conscious deepness to move the floor. Needs have produced some of the most beautiful emotive music pressed to vinyl in the past few years." Keep On
"Germany's finest house producers!" Blues & Soul
"One of our favorite German remix teams. Perfect for your more sophisticated dancefloors." URB
"One of the most prolific labels from Germany. Pure emotions and endless spirituality! " Loud Magazine, Japan
"After releasing some timeless tunes and wonderful remixes they have already gained an enormous international reputation." Spex, Germany
NEEDS have created a very own style, combining the best from the house and jazz world." Jazz Thing, Germany
"Beautifully deep and evocative music!" M8
"Electronic songs that would make machines fall in love. Delightful." iDJ