Hot Picks: Kaufmann Channels Psychedelic Energy And Rave Lineage
- Undrtone Blog
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Kaufmann’s Hot Picks selection traces a clear line back to her roots in Germany’s rave culture. Raised on long nights in clubs, warehouses, and improvised spaces beneath motorway bridges, her musical language was formed early through repetition, intensity, and shared energy rather than genre boundaries. That openness still defines her sound today, moving freely between techno, trance, and psychedelic influences while staying firmly dancefloor-focused.
Now over a decade into her creative journey, and releasing her own material since 2020, Kaufmann has developed a signature that has earned releases on Drumcode, Stil Vor Talent, Iboga, Truesoul, and more. Her contribution to Drumcode’s A Sides Vol.14, ‘People Are Strange’, captures that evolution, blending dramatic atmosphere with forward momentum and emotional tension. Buy/Stream via your preferred platform here: https://drumcode.ffm.to/dc340.
The tracks collected here offer insight into the references behind that record. From formative rave memories to songs that directly influenced its textures and mood, this playlist reflects a producer shaped by feeling first, and a deep respect for the culture that raised her.
Adana Twins – Strange
“I remember how hard this hit me when I heard Solomun play it. It shaped me from the very beginning and will always be part of my journey.”
311 – Amber
“The guitars inspired the synth for ‘People Are Strange’. It has this summertime sadness vibe that I really love.”
Zen Mechanics – Artificial Sunset
“I wanted to make a track like this, but couldn’t get it right, so I added a synth and vocals. Zen Mechanics, please release this.”
Kit Sebastian – People Are Strange
“If you ever get tired of my version of ‘People Are Strange’, please check this one out.”
Patti Smith – Gloria
“I often link The Doors and Patti Smith. She described Jim Morrison as both self-conscious and supremely confident, and I really like that contrast.”
Ace Ventura – Presence (Interactive Noise Remix)
“I played this in my first Fusion set. It shows how epic soundscapes and full-on dancefloor energy can work together.”
The Doors – Soul Kitchen
“Jim Morrison’s lyrics always remind me of a night out. And Ray Manzarek’s organ line is just perfect.”
Harvey McKay – Lost
“This was part of my first rave steps. Releasing on the same label more than ten years later feels really special.”
Taito – Lobotomy (San Nicolas Remix)
“This is underground, how I like it. Deep, trippy, and hard to find. It’s in nearly every set I play right now.”
Andfølk – Rollin’
“I played this in my Boom set this year. It feels timeless and somehow reminds me of the seventies.”
Kaufmann’s Hot Picks reads as both a personal archive and a creative map. Each selection reflects the emotional pull, intensity, and psychedelic curiosity that continue to shape her sound, rather than a rigid allegiance to genre.
As ‘People Are Strange’ lands on Drumcode and places her firmly within its A-Sides lineage, this playlist offers context to the instincts behind it. Rooted in rave culture, driven by feeling and always aimed at the dancefloor, it captures an artist still deeply connected to where it all began.
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