Q&A + an exclusive mix with Stefan Obermaier, a visionary of club electronica

We caught up with Austrian DJ and producer Stefan Obermaier who is renowned for his discerning sonic palette and powerhouse productions. With a career that’s spanned over 15 years, Stefan’s consistency and ability to honour his artistic vision has set him apart in the industry. Stefan Obermaier’s discography has been supported and played by a range of influential DJs and producers, including legends like Carl Cox, John Digweed, Solomun, and Dubfire, each resonating with his unique blend of deep, soulful, and energetic sounds, which have captivated global audiences in major clubs and festivals alike. Deeply rooted in funk and jazz and shaped by Vienna’s vibrant music scene of the 1990s, Stefan’s early musical ventures saw him performing in various ensembles, laying the groundwork for his future in electronic music. At 17, Stefan stood out as one of Austria’s pioneering live electronic performers, carting full computer setups to gigs before the era of portable laptops. His dedication led him to sign with Universal Music, prompting him to leave university and focus entirely on his craft. Renowned for his solo releases and sought-after remixes, Stefan’s award-winning productions, released on labels such as Armada Music, !K7, Compost Records and more, fuse Vienna’s cool, dub-inflected mid-90s sound with forward-thinking tech energy and soulful organic elements. His signature blend of deep, uplifting vibes continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in electronic music.

Listen to Stefan’s exclusive PLAYY. Mag mix while reading the interview below:

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Music has always been a part of my life. My father, a musician, had a tape machine loaded with Disco and Funk recordings, and I was constantly listening, captivated by the grooves. Eventually, I got my first workstation, a Roland XP-80, which I still use as my master keyboard. That was a turning point for me—I became deeply immersed in exploring sounds, creating music, and experimenting with the internal sequencer. After graduating, I moved to Vienna to study, but soon after, I landed my first record contract, and here I am.

Who are your biggest musical influences, both within and outside the electronic scene?

My influences span a wide range of styles and artists. It started with Disco and Funk, then expanded to classical and jazz, and eventually fused into electronic music. Later, I was drawn to the Viennese scene, which had a unique deep, funky, and often slow vibe that left a lasting impression on me.

Do you have a favorite piece or project that feels especially meaningful to you?

Every project I’ve worked on holds a special place for me, each reflecting a specific time in my life. Even when the process felt challenging, every piece has been meaningful in its own way. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with talented artists and to remix some incredible tracks.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your sound over the years?

It’s a combination of my diverse influences and the synths and machines I’ve acquired over time. Each instrument has its own character and contributes something unique to my sound.

What moment in your career stands out as a defining or breakthrough experience?

I’ve been fortunate to have several defining moments. Performing in amazing venues worldwide, receiving gold and platinum awards for my work, and having my own exhibition room in the Viennese Music Museum are some highlights that I deeply cherish.

What challenges have you faced in your music career, and how have you overcome them?

A career in music is a constant challenge, especially now, with physical releases becoming nearly obsolete and everything moving to digital platforms. While this shift has brought new opportunities, it’s also made the industry more unpredictable. I’ve learned to adapt and stay committed to my passion, even during uncertain times.

What advice would you give to aspiring producers or artists tapping into innovative sounds?

Stay persistent. Keep creating every day. Consistency and dedication are key.

What’s next for you, and what can fans look forward to in the near future?

I’m currently preparing my first releases for the new year and focusing on completing everything on time. Exciting things are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share them with my fans.