Since his breakthrough single 'Freedom' back in 2017, German-Polish DJ and producer liquidfive (Martin Maximilian Kotzur) has been on a steady rise, carving out a reputation for euphoric, emotionally charged dance-pop that hits as hard on festival stages as it does through headphones. From the cathartic 'Back 2 U', written after a devastating apartment fire, to 'Veins', which broke into the US iTunes Dance Top 10, his tracks are lived experiences refracted through sound.
Now he returns with 'Leave An Echo', a single that perfectly captures his balance of vulnerability and release. Opening on an intimate vocal before swelling into glowing synths and pulsing rhythms, the track is both a personal reflection and a crowd-ready anthem.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I first fell in love with the drums, the energy and rhythm hooked me right away, and I was actually the drummer for liquidfive back when it was still a band and not yet my solo project.
What do you remember about the first album you bought?
When I was 16 I bought Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back , that record showed me how powerful music can be when sound and words come together.
What were your early musical tastes?
At first I was into rap, I also liked heavy metal, and only around 20 I discovered techno and dance music, that’s when my sound started to take shape.
What was the first song you wish you’d written yourself?
Definitely Avicii’s Wake Me Up, it’s uplifting and emotional, and it connects people everywhere, that’s exactly what music should do.
Do you have any rituals before writing music?
I usually start with a strong vocal melody in my head, and then I build the whole track around that vibe.
Which current artists are you most excited about?
Right now I really like artists who mix dance, pop and electronic, guys like Swedish House Mafia, Rüfüs Du Sol or John Summit really inspire me.
If you could have any artist as your dream opening act, who would it be?
For me it would be Swedish House Mafia, they’re legends and to share a stage with them would be a dream.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a musician?
It’s the connection, when I see people dancing and feeling the emotion in my tracks, that’s the biggest reward.
And the most frustrating?
The waiting can be tough, recognition in music takes time, and the business side isn’t always fun, but passion always wins.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in yourself and stay authentic, patience is everything, because success in music is a marathon not a sprint.
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liquidfive's new single 'Leave An Echo' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.