Artist Profile: Roman Flügel

Roman Flügel has spent over three decades carving his space in electronic music by following his instincts. A celebrated DJ, producer, and co-founder of multiple influential record labels, Flügel has earned a reputation for reshaping electronic music from the inside out. His sound is as versatile as it is distinctive, evolving with—and sometimes ahead of—the genres he moves through. Hailing from the quiet town of Darmstadt, Germany, Flügel is known among peers and critics alike as a model of creative adaptability. This November 15, he’ll bring his unique energy to Bucharest, where Control Club welcomes him to the decks for a night of immersive sound.

Flügel’s journey began serendipitously in 1987 when his brother handed him a copy of the Chicago Trax compilation by DM/STREETSOUNDS. It was his first taste of Chicago house—a genre just beginning to find its way across Europe—and it set off a spark. That spark led Flügel from Darmstadt to Frankfurt, where he immersed himself in the city’s thriving electronic scene while studying musicology. Nights spent in legendary clubs like Dorian Gray and Omen, under the spell of Sven Väth’s sets, laid the foundation for his future.

Alongside longtime collaborator Jörn Elling Wuttke, Flügel co-founded three record labels—Ongaku Musik, Klang Elektronik, and Playhouse—that would become cornerstones of European electronic music. Playhouse, in particular, launched the careers of artists like Isolée, Ricardo Villalobos, and LoSoul, shaping the sound of house and techno in the late 90s and early 00s. With Wuttke, Flügel also released music under various monikers, including the influential project Alter Ego, whose 2004 track Rocker became a global electroclash anthem with its relentless beat and gritty edge.

As a solo artist, Flügel has built a rich catalog that showcases his range and experimental edge. His 2004 track Geht’s Noch? was an instant underground hit, its hypnotic rhythm leading him to Hamburg’s Dial Records. There, he released some of his most introspective work, including the acclaimed Fatty Folders (2011). His later albums, Happiness Is Happening (2014) and All The Right Noises (2016), saw him dive deeper into melodic techno and complex soundscapes, with tracks like Wilkie and Occult Levitation blending emotional depth with rhythmic pulse.

Flügel’s output isn’t limited to albums. His extensive catalog of EPs and singles shows his willingness to push boundaries. On Sliced Africa (2015), he experiments with Afro-inspired percussion, while Black Acid (Phonica; 2017) explores darker, more experimental sounds. 2018's Themes on ESP Institute takes listeners even further afield, venturing into ambient and drone music. Various aliases, including Soylent Green, 8MH, Ro70 and Roman IV, also allow Flügel the flexibility of creative expression without typecast.

His adaptability shines through in his work as a remixer as well. Over the years, Flügel has reimagined tracks by an impressive range of artists, from Daft Punk to The Human League, the Pet Shop Boys to Daniel Avery (with whom he also formed the NOUN project). He approaches each remix with respect for the original while subtly weaving in his style—a balance that has made his remixes as sought-after as his solo work. These remixes have found life on the likes of Innervisions, Hot Creations, Life & Death, and Spectral Sound.

Known for his eclectic, thoughtful approach to DJing, Flügel doesn’t rely on flashy tricks or dramatic drops. Instead, he focuses on building an organic, cohesive journey that draws from house, techno, and beyond. His sets adapt to the energy of each audience, creating a shared experience that feels both personal and expansive. His mixes for prestigious series like Live at Robert Johnson (Vol. 5, 2010), Fabric 95 (2017), and an ongoing Rinse FM show further highlight his ability to blend classic tracks with obscure gems into a cohesive, unexpected whole.

Since 2016, Flügel has also hosted his own party series and label, Sister Midnight, in clubs around the world. These events reflect his ethos of connection and spontaneity, inviting both the artist and the audience to explore new sonic territories together. As a label, it is home to re-releases and hidden hard disk gems.

Flügel’s recent releases showcase his ever-evolving approach to music-making. His Lucky Charm EP (2023) on Running Back brims with playful experimentation, blending piano house with intricate detail. In April 2024, he released Hotel Karthago / Energies on Phantasy Sound, where he embraced ambient textures and sophisticated sound design.

Roman Flügel has built a career on staying true to his vision, quietly shaping electronic music while letting his work speak for itself. He avoids the self-promotion and spectacle that often come with success, preferring a humble, introspective approach to his craft. Whether behind the decks, in the studio, or curating an event, he remains a vital presence in electronic music, an artist whose work continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in the underground culture he loves.