Fraenz is a Berlin-raised DJ whose sound moves between shades of house, from deep and atmospheric to dub-infused, with a steady techno undercurrent running through it all. Her sets, built on gradual evolution rather than big gestures, have taken her from Panorama Bar and Tresor to dancefloors across Europe and New York. Alongside her DJ work she is co-founder of Layers, a queer FLINTA* collective and label dedicated to making space for underrepresented voices in electronic music.
Tell us about this mix: what mood or journey were you going for?
I could imagine this mix as the soundtrack to a long drive, starting somewhere in the early evening, slowly picking up speed through the night, before settling into a softer, duskier mood towards the end. Musically, it moves between techy house grooves and dreamy atmospheres, with a steady pulse while also leaving room for quieter, more reflective moments.
Where and how did you put it together?
It's a mix of older records from my collection that have been waiting for the right moment, unreleased music from friends, fresh discoveries from some of my favourite artists, and a few tracks by an artist you'll be hearing on LAYERS soon.
Pick one track in here you cannot stop playing right now, and why.
I love how much this track manages to express without ever feeling overloaded. It's a whole journey, starting off simple and understated and gradually building complexity and intensity, with subtle vocals coming in along the way, yet somehow remaining beautifully stripped back. There's something hypnotic about the groove, yet it always feels light and effortless. One of those tracks that can work in so many different sets and situations.
When and where should people listen to this?
Fitting with the mood I had in mind, I'd say a night drive on the motorway. It's actually my favourite time to drive, when the roads are almost empty and everything around you is dark. There's something really meditative about it, just you, the road, and music on surround sound.
What is your connection to SEVEN or to Berlin?
CRYME and I actually used to share an apartment a few years ago, so we have been friends for a while. He and Glenn have always been great supporters of LAYERS, and I've loved the vision behind SEVEN since day one. Our approaches have always felt closely aligned, so we've collaborated on various occasions over the years. These days, SEVEN also handles the Bandcamp fulfilment for LAYERS and works with us on our merch, so there are plenty of reasons to keep stopping by the store, which I really love.
A record that changed everything for you?
Diatom EP by DYN. A few years ago, while I was working as a producer at an art space, I got in touch with Jakob about collaborating on an installation, without knowing he also made music. He sent me his music and one of his tracks, "You And Me", completely rewired my ears for breakbeat. I've been hooked on the genre in the right moments ever since. The whole EP is great, by the way.
A DJ you would love to play back to back with?
Tricky to choose, but one would be Volpe. He's an incredible selector moving between house and techno, with a versatility I really admire. Plus, he's a seriously talented producer, and I have quite a few of his tracks.
If you could keep only three records, which?
Terry Lee Brown Junior, Chocolate Chords. An amazing album from the 90s, full of different moods and still completely timeless.
Infant, Spiral Industries. Beautiful organic textures that are strangely addictive to my ears.
Joris Voorn, Incident (Miyagi). The first track I ever heard at Panorama Bar, and one that's stayed among my favourites ever since.
Put this one on the next time you find yourself on an empty road after dark, and let it do what it promises. You can follow Fraenz on SoundCloud, Instagram and Resident Advisor, and keep an eye on LAYERS for whatever she's got coming next.