IN CONVERSATION WITH PAN-POT
Interview by Samo Šajn
Pan-Pot is a Berlin-based techno duo formed by Tassilo Ippenberger and Thomas Benedix. Through their label and event series HUMAN, they’ve built a global platform that celebrates authenticity, emotion, and real connection on the dance floor. Known for their powerful sound, the pair continues to evolve with their latest release “KALTSTROM.” This year, Pan-Pot brings the HUMAN experience to the Netherlands with performances at Toffler in Rotterdam on November 7th and Awakenings on December 31st.
“KALTSTROM” feels like another evolution in your sound. What was the creative vision behind it, and how does it fit into your journey?
We constantly move forward, always pushing ourselves to evolve both sonically and emotionally. With “KALTSTROM,” we wanted to capture that sense of movement and intensity. KALTSTROM has these two sides; it’s heavy, but there’s an emotional depth running through it that makes it stand out. It’s meant to hit at the peak of our live set, that moment where everything comes together in pure energy and connection with the crowd.
HUMAN has become both a label and a movement. What core idea or feeling did you want to express when you created it?
When we created HUMAN, the core idea was freedom, the kind that comes from being completely present in the music. It’s about those raw, human vibes you feel when everyone in the crowd is connected through sound, celebrating together. We wanted to bring back that human touch in electronic music, the emotion, the imperfections, the connection that goes beyond just rhythm and sound. HUMAN isn’t just a label; it’s a reminder that music at its best is deeply emotional and unites us on a real, human level.
HUMAN events have already reached cities like Berlin, the Netherlands, New York, and Zurich. What moments have stood out to you from taking this concept worldwide?
What really stands out is that we proved the concept. HUMAN works anywhere. From Berlin to New York, people just melt on the dance floor. No phones, no distractions, just pure vibes, smiles, and good energy. It’s beautiful to see that when you strip it all back to the music and emotion, people connect in the most real, human way. That’s the magic, those moments when everyone’s completely present, sharing the same energy, the same heartbeat.
The Street Parade afterparty looked incredible. How do you translate your sound and energy to such a massive crowd and still keep it personal?
The Street Parade afterparty was incredible. For us, it’s important to keep things close and personal, even in a huge crowd. We always try to keep people around the DJ booth, avoid too much distance, and really feel the room. Looking people in the eyes, feeling their reactions, that’s where the energy comes from. It’s not about just playing music; it’s about creating a shared vibe. We adapt the sound to the room and the moment, so even in a massive space, it still feels intimate and human.
The 50:HERTZ Club Train is such a unique idea, music on a moving train through the Netherlands. How did that concept come to life?
Yeah, it really is a crazy idea, and that’s exactly why we loved it. The 50:HERTZ team approached us with this concept of bringing electronic music into such an unexpected setting, a moving train across the Netherlands. It immediately felt like something special, something that connects people in a very physical and emotional way. You’re literally traveling together through landscapes, listening to music that evolves with the journey. It’s kind of symbolic of what techno culture is about, movement, energy, connection.
You’ve curated artists like Nicole Moudaber and Nina Farrina for HUMAN shows. What connects the artists you choose for your events?
For us, it’s always about authenticity and energy. When we curate artists for our HUMAN events, we look for people who bring something real, not just technically great DJs, but artists who have a strong identity and a deep connection to the music. Nicole, Nina, they both have this incredible presence and power behind the decks. It’s not just about playing bangers; it’s about telling a story, creating a vibe that feels alive and human. That’s what the whole concept of HUMAN stands for.
After so many years working together, how do you keep inspiring and challenging each other creatively?
That’s actually one of the best things about our partnership. We’ve known each other for so long that we don’t need to pretend or force anything. We can be brutally honest with each other, which keeps things real and creative. Sometimes one of us gets stuck in a loop, literally, and the other brings a completely different energy or idea. We’re constantly pushing each other out of our comfort zones. And of course, we still have fun doing it. If it ever stops being fun, that’s when you know something’s off. But so far, it’s still exciting every single time we’re in the studio or on stage together.
Your tracks balance heavy, driving techno with real emotional depth. How do you approach finding that balance in the studio?
That balance has always been a big part of our sound. We love the physical energy of techno, that drive you feel on the dance floor, but at the same time, we’re always chasing a certain emotion or atmosphere. When we’re in the studio, we usually start with a groove or rhythm that feels powerful, and then we build layers that add mood and depth. Sometimes it’s a subtle pad, a texture, or even just space. Silence can be emotional too. It’s really about contrast. You can make something hit hard, but if there’s no feeling behind it, it doesn’t last. We want our tracks to move people, not just make them move.
You’ve got tours in South America and Asia coming up. How do different places and crowds shape the way you play?
Every place has its own energy, that’s what makes touring so inspiring. In South America, the crowds are super passionate and expressive; you can really feel that emotional connection on the dance floor. In Asia, it’s often more about precision and flow, people are deeply tuned in to the details, which makes it amazing to experiment with tension and subtle changes. We never play the exact same set twice. We always read the room, feel the vibe, and let that guide where we go. That’s the beauty of traveling with music, it’s a conversation that changes with every crowd, every night.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Pan-Pot and the HUMAN project?
There’s a lot of new music on the way, and probably a few surprises too. We’re planning more HUMAN events and getting ready to start signing new artists again for Second State, which feels really exciting. Collaborations are also a big focus for us right now, working with people who inspire us and push boundaries. And something fans have been asking for, our first HUMAN apparel drop is coming soon. It feels like the next chapter is about expanding creatively, but always staying true to that human connection that started it all.
