feat. Bernard Sumner – Crystal

Crystal embodied a milestone of evolution and collaboration. Two years after New Order introduced their version on Get Ready, Flesh proudly unveiled my interpretation, featuring Bernard Sumner’s vocals, infused with the signature Wet & Hard aesthetic. While the story of the original demo is pivotal (explore the full history here), this release shifted the focus toward club-driven innovation and sonic exploration.

Pornoclub and Siliconsex

While Mark Reeder and our partner Carlos represented Flesh at the Miami Winter Music Conference in 2001, I stayed behind in Berlin, immersed in my studio at Narodni Podník 2, experimenting with newly acquired equipment. The result? Two distinct mixes that defined the release:

The Pornoclub Mix: The primary track, a hypnotic ode to the unfiltered hedonism of Berlin’s underground clubs. “Moroder” basslines, gritty textures, and an unapologetic rawness shaped this anthem for dancefloors that thrived on excess and intimacy.

The Siliconsex Mix: A deeper, subtler exploration of sensuality. This mix layered Sumner’s vocals with sultry rhythms and intricate soundscapes, offering a moody counterpoint to the Pornoclub Mix’s unrelenting energy.

These tracks reflected the duality of Wet & Hard – unrefined yet intricate, deeply emotional yet undeniably club-ready.

The Creative Process

Producing Crystal was a moment of transformation. The studio became an experimental lab, a place to dissect and reconstruct sound. Bernard Sumner’s unmistakable voice wove seamlessly into layers of basslines, Tardis-like echoes, and meticulously arranged percussion. Every element was crafted to balance the wetness with the hardness, pushing the boundaries of my current production techniques. The Pornoclub Mix pulsated with the seductive chaos of peak-hour energy, while the Siliconsex Mix acted as its reflective counterpart – a soundscape for the moments between frenzy and calm.

A Milestone for Flesh

Released on Flesh (MFS Sublabel), Crystal marked a defining chapter on my way as an artist and as part of the Flesh family. This wasn’t just a release – it was a statement. DJs worldwide embraced the Pornoclub Mix as a staple, while the Siliconsex Mix became a favorite for more intimate, late-night moments. The single exemplified the creative synergy between Berlin’s underground subculture and progressive, global club music.