ONE of techno music’s most respected and enduring artists and DJs, Monica Kruse’s commitment and innate musical connection has kept her centre stage in the international festival and record label scene for the last 25 years.
From trailblazing the dawn of German dance culture in the early 90’s, organising events in abandoned Munich WWII bomb shelters, to launching her revered Terminal M label in 2000, right through to her DJing schedule, this year will see her play across Awakenings, Tomorrowland, Time Warp, Hyte Ibiza, Circle, Sonus and beyond – Monika stands as one of Europe’s leading techno pioneers.
One of the most consistently outstanding techno labels, two of the biggest tunes on Terminal M are her vinyl releases – ‘Latin Lovers’ and with Voodooamt the ‘Needlehopper/Wavez’ doubleheader – which has also racked up releases from ANNA, Metodi Hristov, Joyhauser and remixes from Alberto Ruiz and Carl Cox. Ahead of her igniting the main room at Egg this Saturday for the 20 Years Of Terminal M celebrations where she’s joined by Mark Reeve and Uakoz, Monika shares her peak time highlights from her musical journey with the label and club brand.
We asked Monika to talk us through a playlist of peak time highlights.
Needlehopper/Wavezone – Monika Kruse & Patrick Lindsey aka Voodooamt
To release your own track is exciting already but to release it on my own platform, my own label was doubly exciting The first release is always special as it’s a dream come true. So I was very happy and it actually went on to be one of our best selling 12“ vinyls on Terminal M.
Latin Lovers – Monika Kruse
The biggest release is ‘Latin Lovers’ one I wrote and produced and released in 2003. It even hit the Top 20 chart in Spain, and Number 1 on the Dutch Dance charts. It has a Spanish vocal and I sampled it from a ‘Song of Zafra Negra’. The original rhythm was completely different and I cut it in a different way to get the 4 to the floor groove and added a funky bass line but the latin flavour is still there. I still play it and people request it which is really nice.
Boyboyboy – Andhim
Pete Tong loves them, and we do as well. Andhim brings us the Superhouse!
Reflex – Methodi Hristov & Noferini
Broody yet groovy, this atmospheric tune shows another side of the label.
C166W – Joyhauser
An early classic from Joyhauser and a sign of what was to come. Immense.
Face Your Fears – ANNA
One of ANNA’s early tracks that still cuts things up a treat on the dance floor with its insistent groove.
Lost (Carl Cox Remix) – Alex Mine
Carl has supported us and his remix continues to get played for its raven style energy and jackin tech beats.
Soulstice (Alberto Ruiz Remix) – Monika Kruse meets Pig&Dan
The biggest techno tune on Terminal M so far. It was at number two at the Beatport techno charts for over two months and is still rocking the top hundred after five months. Its a soulful melodic hymn for the peaktime!
