10 Questions – Phraktal

Hi Phraktal, and thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Can you tell our readers about your history and background in the electronic music industry?
My real name is Christian Boshell, and I have been a professional DJ since 1993. In 2013 I graduated with a Masters from Berklee Online and started an electronic music band with colleagues, we called it Phraktal. I am currently based in Kildare, Ireland. In 2015, we released our debut album, “Why 1 is One and 2 is Two” which showcased my unique production capabilities courtesy of Berklee and the album earned widespread acclaim. Since then, our lineup has morphed a few times. I am now a solo entity who likes to collaborate occasionally. I specialize in blending sci-fi-inspired electronica soundscapes with deep melodic house and techno, earning support from radio stations, DJs, and producers from all over the globe. Including Carl Craig, Charlie May, John Digweed, Sam Paganini, Maceo Plex, Kolsch, Paco Osuna, Eats Everything, and Danny Tenaglia. I have had the opportunity to work with some legendary names in the industry. In the summer of 2018, I performed two live shows for the first time at Body & Soul Festival in Ballinlough Castle and Electric Picnic. Sharing the lineup with acts such as Massive Attack, The Prodigy, NERD, John Hopkins, and DJ Koze. My second album, Nightwalk, was released in 2021 on Limbo Records, and our latest, Cosmic Soundscapes Vol. One is out now.

What are your first memories of Electronic Music?
I have been a fan of electronic music since 1988, pretty much the beginning. My earliest memories include listening to acts like Reese and Santonio, Orbital, and Aphex Twin, which have greatly influenced my sound.

Where do you see the techno scene in 10 years?
It is hard to predict where the techno scene will be in 10 years. I believe it will continue to evolve and incorporate new sounds and technologies. I hope to see the genre become more organized, inclusive, and diverse, with various artists and styles represented.

Where do you most enjoy performing or DJing? I enjoy both performing and DJing in various settings, but some of my favourite places to play include forest festivals, intimate clubs, and venues where the crowd is really into the music and the energy is high. My label Bakroom has just finished its first party last weekend in Bad Bobs Rooftop Terrace where we sold out the event. This amazing venue holds 150 and has to be one of the best venues I’ve ever played, the atmosphere was amazing, and the crowd were brilliant. We will be hosting our second party on the 26th of August and I am very excited to return.

Do you primarily play live or DJ sets? I primarily DJ these days, and after a break of 5 years of DJing in venues I am enjoying it once again, I never stopped collecting music for my monthly residency radio show on www.di.fm/techno Technoscene podcast on Digitally Imported.

Can you share some of your career highlights or proudest moments to date? Some of my proudest moments include releasing my debut album, “Why 1 is One and 2 is Two” in 2015. Djing after Prince in Spirit Nightclub in Dublin in the 2000s. Performing live for the first time at Body & Soul Festival in 2018, was pretty spectacular and the release of our second album – Nightwalk in 2021 on Limbo Records.

What other genres of music do you enjoy listening to when you’re not working? I enjoy listening to multiple genres including soul, pop, tech house, ambient, experimental and alternative music.

Are there any upcoming parties or festivals you would recommend for our readers to check out? We recommend checking out festivals such as Awakenings, Toffler, and ADE – the Amsterdam Dance Event and our own Bakroom party at Bad Bobs Rooftop Terrace in August.

Do you have any advice for aspiring DJs? My advice is to be true to yourself and your music taste and always be open to experimenting and trying new things. Don’t be afraid to take risks and play the music you’re passionate about. Even if it’s not the most popular or mainstream.

Lastly, can you tell us your plans for the rest of 2023? I’m planning to release more music on Bandcamp this year and working on exciting collaborations and remixes!

https://phraktalofficial.bandcamp.com/music

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