Few artists have shaped the electronic music scene like Fritz Kalkbrenner, and with his new album Third Place dropped this week, he’s proving once again why he’s a cornerstone of the genre. Known for his soulful vocals and groove-heavy productions, Fritz has crafted a record that doesn’t just stay true to his roots—it pushes boundaries. Third Place promises to be a standout, merging emotion with rhythm in a way that only Fritz can deliver.
In this interview, Fritz opens up about the journey that led to Third Place. He reflects on learning patience, embracing imperfection, and why persistence is the secret weapon in an industry built on highs and lows. He also shares how balancing a relentless career with personal sacrifices has fueled his creativity and kept his sound fresh. This is Fritz at his most honest, breaking down what it really takes to stay on top in music.
With the buzz already building around singles like “Into The Night” and “Fall Between The Cracks,” Third Place is shaping up to be one of Fritz’s most defining releases yet. And with a global tour kicking off in 2025, this album is a statement indeed.
Let’s dive into what makes Third Place a milestone for one of electronic music’s most iconic voices.
When you think back to your earliest projects, what’s something you would do differently now?
Looking back at my earliest projects, I realize how much learning and experimentation went into
developing my sound. If I could do something differently, I would be more patient with myself. I was
often overly critical and driven by the need to make everything perfect.
Over time, I learned that true creativity requires space for mistakes and unexpected turns. Nowadays, I approach the process with more calmness and let it unfold naturally.
Why do you think persistence is such an important part of making it in the music industry?
Persistence is everything in this industry. It’s all about continually evolving, adapting to change, and
putting in the work, even when things get tough.
The music industry can be brutal—there are countless highs and lows. The artists who succeed are often the ones who keep pushing through those challenges, refining their craft, and staying true to their vision.
What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
I’ve realized that allowing my emotions and personal experiences into my music creates a deeper
connection with listeners. Authenticity resonates more than perfection.
What’s the hardest part of maintaining a music career that people don’t often talk about?
The hardest part is balancing personal life and constant travel. The public sees the shows, the energy,
and the excitement, but the behind-the-scenes reality could be exhausting. It’s difficult to stay
grounded and connected to loved ones when you’re always on the move. Finding stability in this
career requires a lot of sacrifice and mental resilience.
What’s one of the biggest sacrifices you’ve made to stay committed to your music?
One of the biggest sacrifices has been giving up the luxury of predictability. Working in music means
living with constant change, from fluctuating schedules to the creative demands that don’t fit into a
nine-to-five routine. It’s a lifestyle that requires flexibility and readiness to embrace the unknown.
This unpredictability can be challenging, but it also brings an energy and inspiration that keep the
music fresh and alive.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
