Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with BK Duke

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

When I was 5 or 6 years old, my parents used to listen to the latest vinyl records at home – German Schlager, but also international artists like The Beatles or Elvis.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

Back in the 90s, I was DJing. One night at the club, a guy came up to me and asked if I’d like to come by his studio with my vinyl collection. He had to produce a house remix but didn’t have a clue about the genre. So I visited him at his studio, played him some fresh vinyl – and just like that, I found myself in the studio with him. Over the following six months, I went through a crash course in music production, learning everything right there in the studio.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I started DJing at 15. Back then, I was playing American Football for the Munich Cowboys’ youth team, and later I played in the first division/German Football League. 

My nickname was “Duke”, so I took that as my DJ name. I added “BK”, which means “Beatking”, and that’s how BK Duke came to life. As BK Duke, I produce house music in all its forms. For me, it has to have groove — and it has to be danceable.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

If you’ve never heard my music before, imagine this: You’re driving with the windows down as the sun sets. Or cooking dinner, and suddenly your hips start moving on their own. Or you’re in a dark club, and the bass hits your chest before you even reach the dancefloor. That’s where my sound lives—not in one place, but wherever you need a groove. It’s house music that works in your headphones, your car, your kitchen, and on a festival stage. It’s music that makes you move, no matter where you are.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Perfectionism killed more of my tracks than bad ideas ever did. I used to spend weeks on one song, tweaking tiny details nobody would ever notice. Then I learned: finished is better than perfect. Now I finish tracks faster, release more music, and learn from each one. Quantity led to quality, not the other way around. “Keep It Simple”.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

You don’t see those massive studios anymore these days. Everything is packed into a laptop. When I’m traveling, I produce on my MSI Katana 17 laptop with an external audio interface (Yamaha UR22 MK3) and my OLLO X1 headphones . Back home in the studio, I’ve got a desk with two extra large screens and a M-Audio midi keyboard. Also professional studio monitors plus a subwoofer from Genelec. For software, I use Steinberg Cubase 13 Pro, along with a variety of VST plugin, instruments like Serum, NoiseAsh plug-ins, Phil Speiser plug-in collection, Halion, and more.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Oh, that’s a tough one. In my private life, I listen to many different genres – from classical and chillout to house music, right through to alternative rock.

When it comes to dance music, Max Styler’s ‘London’s On Fire’ and ‘Freaky 1’ are tracks I really enjoy.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

As a DJ, I spent a lot of time traveling all over the world. That’s when you quickly see what the crowd really enjoys — and what gets them moving on the dancefloor.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I want them to feel joy and lose themselves in the dance – letting the beat and bass carry them away for a great time.

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

I’m not talking about the music itself, but the music business. Trust your vision. Stay open. Try to connect with artists worldwide. And don’t sign every contract that comes your way. It’s better to pay a music lawyer once than to end up in years of legal fights with a major label.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Greenvalley in Brazil, legendary open-air club

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

For me, there’s only one answer: Kraftwerk – the German pioneers of electro-pop. I’d really like to bring a house music vibe to their sound and make use of those unmistakable Kraftwerk sounds.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

My website: www.bkduke.de

Search for BK Duke on SPOTIFY or link:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bk.duke

TIK TOK: @bk.duke

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I’ve been in this industry for over 25 years. I’ve built labels, produced hundreds of tracks, and worked with amazing artists. Now, my dream is to help the next generation of producers find their path — whether through my studio, my network, or my experience. I also want to release more of my own music, but with a focus on quality over quantity. And honestly? I’d love a Grammy nomination one day. That would be the ultimate recognition for a lifetime of work.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope listeners will discover that I’m just a normal guy who loves music. I’m not a superstar. I’m not trying to be cool. I’ve had ups and downs, successful releases and failures, good days and bad days. Along the way, I want people to realize that you don’t have to be perfect to make great music. You just have to be real — and stay true to your sound.