Pan-Pot: Techno as Stripped as Possible, but Still Emotional
- Filip
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 29
The DJ/producer duo have quietly sculpted decades of techno evolution—from the basement glow of SAE Berlin to crystal-lit stages worldwide. This summer, they launched “OPERA (Street Parade Anthem)”, a cinematic anthem designed to echo across Zurich during the world’s largest electronic-music street party. Meanwhile, HUMAN, their label turned events empire, continues to redefine collective experience—turning raves into rituals of raw energy.
We caught up with Tassilo and Thomas between studio sessions and jet-legged landings, asking them about “OPERA,” touring HUMAN across cities, duo dynamics, karaoke missteps, and whether techno is heading headlong into virtual utopia… or whether the analog club will remain the truest temple for dancefloor transcendence.
Q&A: Techno, Truth, and Digital Tension
Can you tell us more about how “OPERA” came together? Was your experience at Zurich Street Parade the inspiration?
Tassilo: “‘Opera’ was born out of a lot of late nights in the studio, where we were trying to capture this feeling of tension and release. We wanted something that builds like a narrative, almost theatrical, but still grounded in the hypnotic pulse of techno. That’s why we went for those wide pads and a lead that almost feels like a human voice cutting through—not literally singing, but something that resonates emotionally.”
“Funny though, the track was already called Opera before we knew it would be the Street Parade Anthem 2025.”
You launched HUMAN, both as a label and a touring event brand. What’s the ethos there?
Tassilo: “HUMAN was born from the idea of connection... when everything unnecessary disappears and you’re left with just people, energy, and music.”
“Even though techno can sound mechanical, at its core it’s deeply human: it’s emotion, it’s tension and release, it’s community.”
HUMAN played in Zurich and Cologne before heading to Los Angeles. How do you tailor each city’s vibe while staying true to HUMAN’s DNA?
Tassilo: “Each city has its own energy... In Zurich, you feel this deep-rooted love for electronic music… Cologne is more intimate, but just as powerful… LA? It’s diverse, open to genre-bending, with a cinematic scale.”
You met at SAE Berlin, released Pan-O-Rama in 2007, now you're running two labels. Reflecting back—what’s been the best, the worst, and what keeps this duo alive?
Thomas: “The best part is definitely the journey itself … playing a sunrise set and seeing thousands of people smiling back at you—that’s unforgettable… The worst? The constant traveling. Airports. Long nights. Time away from family… But those moments make the highs even more intense.”
“What keeps us going... trust and chemistry. When one of us has a low, the other brings the energy.”
Who’s the good cop and who’s the bad cop in Pan-Pot?
Thomas: “Depends on the situation. Tassilo keeps things grounded and assures smooth sets—so he’s the good cop… But when I’m calmer and push harder, I’m the good cop. We balance each other out.”
Which one of you would drop the unexpected curveball at 6 a.m.?
Thomas: “Back in the day, it’d probably be me. But now it’s balanced. Dropping something unexpected when everyone’s half-dreaming throws them. When Tassilo drops something I didn’t see coming, I’m as thrilled as the crowd.”
You’re known for producing masterfully—but what’s your go-to karaoke song?
Thomas: “I’m not sure if you’d call me a singer, but 'Du hast' by Rammstein – and ‘Sonne’ by Rammstein.”
Techno’s caught between “metaverse chaos” and analog resurgence. Where do you stand?
Thomas: “It’s both. We’re seeing livestreams, VR, ‘metaverse rave’ ideas—great for opening access. But post-pandemic, you realize how irreplaceable the analog club experience is. The analog side will always be the heart… but we’re not opposed to tech advances as long as they serve music and the community.”
“Instagram can amplify the scene, but it will never replace it… those goosebumps at 4 a.m. are bodily, not digital.”
Final word: What’s next for Pan-Pot and HUMAN in the coming months?
Thomas: “We’re pushing HUMAN into its next chapter… expect a string of new releases, fresh names we’re excited about, and some surprising collaborations.”
