Flux BPM Online

Welcome to this exclusive interview celebrating the release of “Dirty Bird” on BluFin. In this heartfelt conversation, we dive into the creative journey of father-son duo Noah Levin and Chris Maico Schmidt, exploring how their shared passion for electronic music took flight in this track. From the initial spark of inspiration to the emotional layers behind their collaboration, we uncover what makes “Dirty Bird” more than just a song—it’s a testament to family, mentorship, and artistic growth.

Noah Levin: I experimented with some synthesisers and came across a sound that reminded me of a track by claude van stroke. He owns the label Dirty Bird and so this name initially functioned as a working title for this project. Our last joint production was called "Camel on Speed" and so we thought "Dirty Bird" would be a suitable successor.

Noah Levin: The cooperation with him has save the track. In the course of the production I was at some point where I didn’t get any further thematically. I had a good idea with a soundly stable basic framework but the more I tried to bring the project to a conclusion, the more I moved away from what the track made before. When hanging up together with Mike, I used a raw version of the track in the DJ mix and immediately aroused Mike’s attention. Originally he wanted to make a remix but in the end we decided to finish my raw version together.

Noah Levin: Mainly with his broadcast series „Auslaufen“ on Evosonic Radio. Anyone who knows the sound of this show knows that it is a journey through the history of electronic music. Bootlegs that don’t actually exist, unreleased tracks and remixes as well as songs that are exclusively available on vinyl. I initially attended this program as a pure consumer, until the sound grabbed me at some point that I wanted to get deeper into the matter.

 

Noah Levin: In terms of sound, the song keeps up with the current club sound, but we did not produce it specifically for the club. It is a very varied song that rather tells a story instead of maintaining danceable loops. If you work towards the track in a club setting, it can certainly fill a sophisticated dance floor.

Noah Levin: Both as well. Making music with Mike is incredibly enriching for me. Over 30 years of production experience that then sit next to me, are also not to be replaced by Ai or the Internet. In addition, I really appreciate that our shared passion brings us together. Despite all this, there will probably be more solo projects of mine than co-productions in the future.

Chris Maico Schmidt: Actually, "Dirty Bird" was the production where our collaboration was least synchronous. Noah approached me with this brilliant song idea, saying he was stuck and something was missing. Together, we found that missing ingredient, and just like that, the track was finished – a production that bears 80% of Noah's signature.

Chris Maico Schmidt: This was by no means our first collaboration; our musical journey began as early as 2023 or even before. Up until the middle of this year, we often sat side-by-side making music. Pretty early on, Noah began developing his own style. The most beautiful thing during this shared time was watching Noah grow into his own artistic confidence. As a father, you wish for your child to find something they're truly passionate about – that it turned out to be music, which has always fascinated me too, was incredibly fulfilling. As a mentor, it was a moment of pride, seeing how he not only absorbed knowledge but applied it in his own unique, creative way. Noah now has his own studio at home. You could say he has truly spread his wings.

With Noah, everything felt more intuitive and emotional. While with other artists you often have to start by aligning ideas, styles, and expectations, that wasn't necessary with Noah. He knows my way of working, my preferences, and he surprisingly quickly grew into this music. The dynamic was more playful and driven by curiosity, far removed from a professionally detached routine. It felt more like two explorers venturing into new territory together.

Chris Maico Schmidt: He surprised me with his pronounced sense of rhythm and his boundless willingness to experiment. Noah wasn't afraid to make bold suggestions – sounds I might never have thought of myself. Furthermore, he delved very quickly and deeply into the subject matter, partly because he wasn't afraid of English-language tutorials. The latter, by the way, is a real hurdle for me personally!

Chris Maico Schmidt: Once we started, after just six months, I no longer had to make great efforts or perform huge adjustments. And as I mentioned, it was never really a classic "teacher-student" relationship. The Corona period even proved to be an advantage in our case. At some point, he sat next to me, watching me move "colored boxes" around on the screen. Soon after, we started DJing together more often, then he played alone, until he eventually got his own PC and started moving "colored boxes" himself (literally!), explained to me how the bass works, and now he releases independently on labels like "Audio Safari."

Here's what I tell anyone in a teaching/learning relationship: The most important thing is to let go at the right moment. And if the learner has their own ideas, even if they seem completely outlandish, you should let them pursue it, so they can gain their own experience. Our goal was never for him to become a copy of me, but for him to discover his own artistic self.

Chris Maico Schmidt: The great thing about this track, and all the others we've created and will create, is simply the fact that I can produce electronic music together with my son. How many fathers can say that? Every track we make together will therefore never lose its significance in the future. Moreover, every track we have created and will create together is a shared milestone, a precious memory, and a strong sign that music can bridge generations. When I listen to the track, I feel pride, deep gratitude, and great anticipation for all that Noah still has ahead of him musically.

“Dirty Bird” is not only a compelling sonic journey but also a story of connection, exploration, and legacy. Through this collaboration, Noah and Mike have proven that music can transcend generations, blending experience with fresh creativity. Now available on BluFin, “Dirty Bird” invites listeners to step into the world they’ve built together—one track at a time. Stay tuned for more from this remarkable duo as they continue to spread their wings in the electronic music scene.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Noah and Mike for taking the time to respond to this interview in such a wonderful manner. 

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Andrea from BluFin Records for her unwavering friendship and support throughout the years.

Additional info: