There is a flavor of electronic music that I had though of as “yet another sub-genre of house” for quite a while. I am talking about those slow grooving tracks between 100 and 120 BPM that incorporate elements of Disco, ethno grooves, Electro and Funk, among others. Some refer to that particular flavor as “Cosmic”.

Tim oS from Bavaria (southern Germany) promotes this sound together with the rest of his Beatz For Freakz crew, and he explained to me what is special about this sound and why it is so rare for someone living north of Bavaria to be familiar with this.

But let’s start with a DJ set by Tim oS so that you know what we are talking about here:

Tracklist:

  1. DJ Luna – Soma Part II
  2. Gorillaz – White Flag
  3. Schoenrock – Jujube
  4. Tim & Puma Mimi – Aquarium
  5. Alternative Car Park – Jack Your Sorry White Ass
  6. White Label
  7. The Champ’s Boys Orchestra – Tubular Bells (Cosmic Mix)
  8. JJ Cale – Ride Me High (Joakim Edit)
  9. Kafka – Afro Innay (Golden Soul Remix)
  10. Sabo & Uriel – Mi Tierra
  11. DJ Ebreo – Balkan Tour
  12. Sabo – La Negra Chula
  13. Basement Freaks – Disco Life
  14. Guem – Le Serpent
  15. Amplified Orchestra – Dune
  16. DJ Zeyhan – Discomatic (Enne Mix)
  17. The Popular People’s Front – Arpin’ On (Hot Mix Live)
  18. Lost ‘N’ Alive – Feels Like Love (Tiefschwarz Remix)
  19. Afrobutt – Wunderbutt
  20. Downtown Party Network – Days Like These

“The Cosmic scene is pretty much limited to Italy, Tyrol and Bavaria. I don’t know why, but it just hasn’t spread any further. However, where I live, you have various party crews who promote that style, and there is even quite a bit of competition.”

With its spacey and ethno-influenced soundscape, it is no surprise that those parties often take place in unusual locations and attract a hippie-esque crowd.

“We sometimes organize parties in clearings in the middle of the forest. We are a good team, so we usually have everything set up in little more than an hour, and the next morning it looks like we have never been there. Those parties are very unique experiences. I would also say that it definitely influences my sound and my track selection. It’s just very different to play outside in a forest under the starry sky than to play in a basement club.”

Tim started DJing with House music, but got in touch with Cosmic sounds through his DJ-colleague Zeyhan. While he still likes House music and other flavors of electronic music, Tim oS has found his personal style.

“This style is just perfect for me, and there really is no need for yet another House DJ. There are a lot of good House DJs around who do a great job. I still listen to different sounds, but I don’t understand why rather subtle styles like Minimal or Tech-House are so popular right now. I like it when a DJ set is very dynamic. It’s fine for me when there are times for both relaxed and excessive dancing during a party.”

Beatz For Freakz have also just launched their own record label. Their first release “Discomatic” is already available through all major download shops.

The next forest party will take place on May 22. If you live in the Munich area, check their website a few days before the party to learn about the exact location!