Mathias Kaden

Likably undisguised, always surprising, and full of verve—these words encapsulate the charisma of Mathias Kaden. Experiencing him live in a nightclub or open-air setting is unparalleled; he naturally absorbs the audience's vibe and radiates his own energy back, whether it's during a warm-up, at prime time, or while closing a set. Mathias Kaden has been a DJ for over 20 years now, and after more than 1,500 gigs, he still hasn't lost the addictive enthusiasm that has created special moments for fans on dance floors across almost all continents.

Early Life and Career Beginnings
It all started far from the big clubbing centers, in the green heart of Germany between the contemplative cities of Jena and Gera. Growing up there, Kaden was a passionate nightclubber and discovered DJing in the mid-'90s. His early sets were dominated by the classic vocal house of his American heroes. Later, his sound preferences broadened from minimal house arrangements to a contemporary eclecticism that Kaden has coined as "Power House." Instead of strict genre limits, Power House describes his unique approach to fast mixing while keeping a certain groove and continually surprising his audiences with his music. None of his sets are like another.

Musical Evolution and Collaborations
Kaden's outstanding ability to interweave different spheres of electronic club music is documented by mix compilations for Watergate Records, Cocoon Recordings, and the German magazine Groove. His stylistic open-mindedness also shapes his own productions. His first tracks were crafted in 2001 together with Marek Hemmann, resulting in five EPs for the Jena record label Freude am Tanzen. Simultaneously, Mathias Kaden developed a versatile style as a solo artist, releasing music mainly on the Berlin label Vakant between 2005 and 2009. In 2009, he completed his debut album 'Studio 10' for Vakant—a surprisingly experimental and diversified piece of music featuring various guest musicians, which was well-received by both fans and the press.

With his 'Tentakle' EP on Desolat, the 'Polyphonic' EP on Pets Recordings, and his second album 'Energetic' on Freude am Tanzen, Kaden returned to his house roots, letting the energy of his DJ sets infuse his music. During the tour for 'Energetic', he played the tracks live with a setup of beloved hardware, allowing him to recreate his musical repertoire playfully and spontaneously. In 2016, he spent significant time touring North and South America. Along the way, he reactivated his Japanese-inspired side project Mathimidori with the EP 'Ongaku' on Mule Musiq and a remix for Timo Maas. Throughout his career, Kaden has added new facets to tracks by artists like Trentemøller, 2000 & One, Jesse Rose, KiNK, Monika Kruse, DJ Koze, and Emanuel Satie.

Continued Success and Recent Works
Mathias Kaden's reach has vastly extended over the years, with regular performances at renowned clubs and festivals worldwide, including his residency at Cocoon Ibiza at Amnesia. Despite his global presence, he has remained closely connected to his Thuringian homeland. Since 1998, he has lovingly nurtured his residency at the legendary Muna—a club that, for more than 20 years, has been highly appreciated as an important location for ambitious parties outside of Berlin and Hamburg. At the well-known club Kassablanca in neighboring Jena, Kaden promoted the Klanglauf night for ten years, hosting renowned DJs like Luciano, Steve Bug, Solomun, and Soulphiction. Freude am Tanzen has become Mathias Kaden's home due to longstanding friendships and their work as a label and booking agency.

Friendships have often led to new creative endeavors for Kaden. With the Leipzig band Marbert Rocel and Jena percussionist Michael Nagler, he founded a real band for a spontaneous live set at the Nachtdigital Festival in the summer of 2010. Three years later, this band released the widely appreciated album 'Plaited' and embarked on several tours. With his friend Daniel Stefanik, he has been playing intensive and exuberant back-to-back sets.

In 2019, Mathias Kaden released his third studio album, 'Liberation', on Rekids, the label owned by Radio Slave. This album marked a new chapter in his career, showcasing a broader musical palette and incorporating more vocals and diverse sounds. 'Liberation' received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and solidified Kaden's reputation as an artist unafraid to explore new territories.

Present Activities
As of 2023, Mathias Kaden shows no signs of slowing down. His timetable remains tightly packed with international gigs, festival appearances, and studio work. He continues to innovate and inspire within the electronic music scene, both as a DJ and producer. His latest releases reflect his ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering fresh sounds to his audience.

Kaden remains a beloved figure in his home region, maintaining his residency at Muna and supporting the local music scene. His passion for music and his connection with fans worldwide make him a standout artist in the global electronic music community.

Conclusion
Mathias Kaden's journey from the quiet landscapes of Thuringia to the global stage is a testament to his talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of musical innovation. His ability to blend genres, surprise audiences, and remain true to his roots has made him a respected and influential figure in electronic music. With a career spanning over two decades and a future filled with new projects and performances, Mathias Kaden continues to shape the soundscape of contemporary club culture.