From the heart of Frankfurt’s iconic underground electronic music scene emerges Dark Moon aka Christian Stein and Tino Hufeld in 2004., the duo whose journey spans decades of innovation, passion, and sonic storytelling. Shaped by legendary clubs and countless nights immersed in the rhythm of the dance floor, their music captures the essence of both analog nostalgia and digital evolution. In this exclusive conversation, Dark Moon takes us behind the decks and into the studio, sharing the moments, influences, and techniques that have defined their sound and legacy.
- Early Career
Dimitris: How did your early experiences in Frankfurt’s electronic scene influence the creation of Dark Moon in 1999?
Dark Moon: We were lucky to grow up near legendary clubs like Dorian Gray and Paramount Park, where we spent countless nights immersed in the underground electronic scene. The sounds and energy of that era were a huge inspiration—they directly shaped not only our musical direction but also our first release, “Zeitreise.”
Tino and I met at work and quickly discovered our shared passion for electronic music. It actually took about three years before we decided to build our own studio. I still vividly remember those early days around 1998 when we finally started producing together.
Dimitris: Can you share some memories from your first studio setup and how it shaped your sound?
Dark Moon: In the beginning, our setup was very basic—a Behringer mixing console and just a few synths like the Nord Lead, JD-990, M1, as well as Akai and E-mu samplers. With so little gear, every sound had to be crafted perfectly. We would record parts, reuse the same synth, and build the track layer by layer.
All final mixes were recorded to a Sony DAT recorder, and from the very start—even back on the Atari computer—we’ve always worked with Cubase. That workflow has stayed with us ever since.
Dimitris: What was the creative process like behind your breakout remixes, such as Marc et Claude’s “I Need Your Lovin”?
Dark Moon: When we received the remix request from Marc and Klaus, we first studied the original track by The Korgis in detail. We spent hours analyzing the vocals and experimenting with chord progressions that would complement them. Once we found the right chords, we built the groove around them—the rest of the arrangement evolved naturally from there.
If you compare our remix to Marc et Claude’s original, the vocals are the only element that remained—everything else was completely reimagined.
Dimitris: How did remixing big names like Lange and Marc et Claude impact your career in the early 2000s?
Dark Moon: Those remixes opened doors worldwide. They helped us connect with other artists and labels and gave us opportunities to collaborate on new projects. It was a key moment that raised our profile and pushed our career forward.
Dimitris: What inspired you to start Breathemusic and Dark Moon Music Publishing in 2004?
Dark Moon: The idea for Breathemusic began around 2002. We wanted full creative control—over rights management, promotion, and especially our musical direction. That level of freedom simply isn’t possible when you work under labels that prioritize their own sound.
Dimitris: Which track from your early catalog best represents Dark Moon’s signature style?
Dark Moon: That’s a tough question, as our tracks have always reflected different moods and styles. We love to experiment and follow emotions rather than formulas.
If I had to choose one, it would be “Zeitreise,” our very first release. Hearing it played in clubs and on the radio for the first time was unforgettable—and it’s amazing that DJs still include it in their classic sets today.
Dimitris: How did the break in 2015 affect your perspective on music and the industry?
Dark Moon: Thanks to our connections with artists like Talla 2XLC, we stayed aware of how much the industry was changing. The way record companies operate has completely transformed.
Today, thousands of tracks are released every day, making it much harder to reach your audience. When Tino and I decided to return, we knew it would take serious work to rebuild everything—but we were ready for the challenge.
- Technical Production
Dimitris: What technical setup and gear do you rely on today compared to when you first started?
Dark Moon: We’ve always loved working with analog gear. For many years, our centerpiece was the Soundcraft Ghost mixing console, which we bought in 2004—it gave our tracks the warm, rich character we were looking for.
When we restarted the project, we sold the console and switched to a fully digital setup to be more flexible for mixdowns and collaborations. Still, we kept all our beloved synths—we’ve never sold a single one—and they continue to play a crucial role in our new productions, alongside some new additions collected over the years.
Dimitris: How has your production workflow evolved with new music technology over the years?
Dark Moon: The biggest change has been the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. In the early days, everything had to be finished before starting something new.
With digital workflows, we gained freedom—but we also had to learn how to retain that analog warmth we love. We spent a lot of time experimenting with plugins and tools until we found the right balance between the clarity of digital sound and the soul of analog production.
Dimitris: Which synths, plugins, or instruments are essential to achieving the Dark Moon sound?
Dark Moon: Our go-to synths include the Nord Lead 1 & 2, JP-8080, Access Virus, Roland JD-990, and Waldorf Q. These machines have a timeless character that defines the Dark Moon sound.
On the plugin side, we rely heavily on UAD for warmth and precision, and we use Spire and Kontakt Player for extra textures and layering when needed.
Dimitris: How do you balance creative intuition with technical precision in your productions?
Dark Moon: It’s a constant balancing act—creativity and precision don’t always align naturally. We often tweak sounds in the final stages to ensure everything fits perfectly. During mixdown, we compare our tracks to reference tracks, paying particular attention to sub-bass and kick frequencies, where most issues hide.
It’s a process of continual adjustment until the track feels both emotionally and technically right.
Dimitris: Can you walk us through the production process of a typical Dark Moon track from concept to final master?
Dark Moon: Everything starts with the groove—it’s the foundation. Once the rhythm feels right, we add chords, pads, melodies, and sound design.
When a loop feels powerful, we arrange the track and layer in details like effects, arpeggios, and textures to shape the emotional flow. Every track should tell a story.
Final mastering is always done by a close friend who has worked with us since the beginning. Having someone with fresh ears ensures the result is balanced and objective.
Dimitris: What role does vinyl and physical media still play in your music releases today?
Dark Moon: Currently, everything we release is digital. That said, more people are requesting vinyl, and we’d love to make that happen. There’s something magical about holding a physical record—it connects you to the music in a way streaming never can.
- Collaborations
Dimitris: How do you approach collaborations with other artists like André Visior and Talla 2XLC?
Dark Moon: Every collaboration starts with an idea—usually a sound or melody brought by the other artist. We often spend a few days developing this initial concept on our own, creating a basic framework. Once everyone is aligned on the foundation, we collaborate closely to develop the track until it’s finished, blending our strengths and creative visions.
Dimitris: Which of your remixes or original tracks do you feel stands the test of time the most?
Dark Moon: Remixes: Aurora – “Hear You Calling” and of course Marc et Claude – “I Need Your Lovin.”
Own productions: Honouring Instincts, MIA, and Be My Light (in cooperation with NELLY TGM).
Dimitris: Which up-and-coming producers or DJs would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Dark Moon: There are so many talented producers out there! I’m inspired by XiJaro & Pitch, Daxson, and several others. At the same time, it would be amazing to collaborate with legends like The Thrillseekers or John O’Callaghan—artists who have shaped the scene and continue to inspire us.
- Future Plans
Dimitris: What motivated your 2024 comeback, and what can fans expect from this new era?
Dark Moon: Tino and I have been passionate about making music since we were kids. While the break was necessary, we always missed being in the studio and letting our creativity flow. In 2022, we renovated and modernized our studio, and by early 2023, we were fully immersed in our new digital setup.
Fans can expect us to continue creating emotional, heart-touching music while exploring a wide variety of styles on our Flavour sublabel.
Dimitris: How do you plan to integrate your classic sound with modern trends in electronic music?
Dark Moon: Over the past year, our releases on Breathemusic and Breathemusic Flavour have already showcased a broad spectrum of sounds. This exploration will continue, especially on Flavour, where we aim to push boundaries and experiment with new variations.
For Dark Moon, our focus remains on uplifting tracks. We’re open to blending our classic sound with current trends, but our main goal is always authenticity and emotional impact.
Dimitris: How has the global digital music landscape changed the way you release and promote tracks?
Dark Moon: Promotion has changed completely. Before our break, it was all about networking and getting DJs worldwide to play your tracks. Today, platforms like Spotify and social media are central to reaching audiences. At the same time, many DJs mainly perform producer sets, making it harder to connect directly with listeners.
It took some time to navigate this new landscape, but we now feel we’re on the right path.
Dimitris: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Dark Moon and Breathemusic in the next decade?
Dark Moon: We’re currently working on multiple tracks for our Suncolours project, as well as new Dark Moon releases. There may also be one or two exciting collaborations.
By the end of 2026, we’ll take stock and decide the next steps. Personally, my hope is to continue touching the hearts of our audience for the next ten years and beyond.
As Dark Moon continues to bridge the gap between the roots of trance and the ever-evolving modern landscape, their story remains one of dedication to craft and emotion. Whether through collaborations with rising talents or honoring the timeless energy of vinyl, they invite listeners to experience music as a journey—one that resonates far beyond the dance floor. With new projects on the horizon, Dark Moon proves that their artistic voyage is only just beginning, carrying their signature sound into the future with unwavering authenticity.
Please note that you’ll have the incredible opportunity to enjoy Dark Moon’s guest mix featuring their classics and current releases on their label, Breath Music, on the trance radio show, Trance Anthology. This show will be streamed on the EDM stream of 1mix radio on Saturday, October 25th, from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. UK Time, and on Evosonic radio on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CET.
Additional info:
