ATB

In the ‘80s ATB would frequently visit clubs around Germany to listen to the Eurodance DJ, General Base, who was one of ATB’s primary influences. By the early ‘90s ATB was starting to compose music himself and was using his minimal setup of just an Amiga computer and a synthesizer. After befriending Thomas Kukula – aka General Base – ATB was permitted to use Thomas’ Sequential Pro One, which was able to produce warm, analog tones for ATB’s recording. After being so fascinated with the Sequential Pro One, ATB decided to name his first musical group after the synthesizer. Through his group, Sequential One, ATB released several hit singles in 1993, “Let Me Hear You” and “Dance/Raving” as well as their debut album “Dance”, which was released in 1995. Although the band achieved rising popularity throughout Europe, the band dissolved in the late ‘90s after having released two phenomenal studio albums and several catchy singles.

Tanneberger began releasing solo material under the name ATB in 1998 and released his first single “9 PM (Till I Come)” that same year. The single became an instance hit and became a club staple throughout the ‘90s. Not only was the single successful in Germany, it was also successful internationally reaching the No. 1 spot in the UK charts and the No. 1 spot in the Republic of Ireland. The single ended up selling over 850,000 copies in the UK and was the fifth best selling single in the year 1999.

“9 PM (Till I Come)” was featured on ATB’s debut album “Movin’ Melodies”, which came out in 1999 and also featured the hit songs “Don’t Stop” and “Killer”. His debut album was not a full fledged dance album like the song “9 PM (Till I Come)” might imply, but it featured a diverse mix of songs that contained ambient and new age characteristics, which drew inspiration from artists like Enigma and Mike Oldfield. ATB’s second studio album “Two Worlds” was a double disc album that came out in 2000. Each disc was meant to convey a different mood from the other. The first disc titled “The World of Movement” was more upbeat and dance oriented while the second disc “The Relaxing World” was more serene and ambient. The album was also notable for the guest artists who appeared on the album, which included Heather Nova, Wild Strawberries, and Enigma.

ATB is a prolific artist that is consistently writing new music and releasing it. Each album he releases seems to be trying to approach things through a different angle by using different techniques and sounds. Unlike most DJs he is not afraid to switch up his style. His music can be highly upbeat and danceable as well as incredibly melodic and ambient, consisting of beautiful piano compositions and soft vocals. ATB’s 2014 release “Contact” was another double disc album that featured a disc with catchy, danceable tracks and another disc that featured more chillout music. The album featured the singles “Face to Face” and “When It Ends It Starts Again” as well as featured several guest appearances by musicians such as Tiff Lacey.

ATB music also translates quite well in a live setting. He is highly popular on the festival circuits having played such festivals as the immensely popular Ultra Music Festival. ATB’s vast range of musical styles have earned him much respect from “DJ Magazine” who has ranked him as high as No. 9 in terms of the best DJs. “The DJ List” had him ranked as the world’s No. 1 DJ.