Fleanger (@fleanger_musik) approaches DJing from a place that sits slightly outside the usual focus on reaction, scale, or visibility, and that perspective shapes how his sets land in a room. Based in Berlin and working within deep and melodic house, his output has consistently leaned toward slower development, layered emotion, and a sense of progression that builds over time. His EP Down, which we covered a couple of weeks ago when it dropped, reflects that direction, drawing from influences across the European scene while keeping the emphasis on atmosphere, pacing, and restraint rather than immediate payoff.
That same thinking carries directly into how he describes his time behind the decks.
He treats a set as an exchange rather than a presentation, focusing on how the room feels instead of how things appear from the outside.
When that transition happens, the distractions that come with modern DJing tend to fall away, leaving a clearer connection among music, timing, and response. He also speaks about the impact of mindset on performance, noting how nights driven by ego can feel forced, while sets built on patience and honesty tend to open up and settle into a more natural flow.
Outside of performance, his approach stays consistent.
He places value on listening, respect, and staying engaged with the wider community without seeking an immediate return. That carries into how he views the current landscape, where algorithms often reward speed and attention, yet he continues to focus on identity, intention, and long-term connection. Across his music, his label Tiefe Resonanz, and his presence in the scene, there is a clear throughline built on consistency and awareness, with each decision tied back to how it feels rather than how it performs.
Interview With Fleanger
What helps you stay present behind the decks, especially when distractions are everywhere?
What helps me stay present behind the decks is treating the set like a conversation, not a performance.
The moment I stop thinking about how things look and focus on how they feel, I become much more grounded. I try to listen deeply to the room, the transitions, and the emotional flow of the music. When that connection is real, everything external fades into the background.
Have you ever had a night where your mindset or values completely changed how things played out?
Yes, definitely. I’ve had nights where I came in trying to prove something, and the whole set felt more forced and disconnected. But when I let go of ego and focused on honesty, patience, and connection, everything opened up naturally. Those moments reminded me that people feel your intention more than your strategy.
How do your personal values show up in the way you play, connect, or move through the scene?
My values show up in the way I choose depth over spectacle.
I care about emotional truth in music, so I’m drawn to sets that tell a story instead of chasing a reaction. I also try to move through the scene with respect, humility, and real curiosity toward others. For me, a sincere connection always matters more than image.
What does presence look like off the decks, in the way you carry yourself in the community?
Off the decks, presence means being genuinely engaged even when there is nothing to gain. It means listening, supporting other artists, and treating people with the same respect no matter where they are in their journey. I think the quiet moments say more about your character than the visible ones.
For me, presence in a community is about consistency and trust.
Do you think values and integrity still matter when algorithms reward other things? Why or why not?
Yes, I think they matter even more now.
Algorithms may reward speed and attention, but they can’t replace sincerity, identity, or real artistic substance. What lasts is not visibility, but the feeling that there is a real person behind the work. Integrity may be slower, but it builds something deeper and more lasting.
What kind of energy or attitude do you try to bring into each gig, and why does it matter to you?
I try to bring a calm but emotionally open energy into every gig. I never want to force intensity for effect.
I want the set to feel alive, intentional, and honest. For me, the best nights hold both movement and meaning. That matters because music can create a real emotional space.
Can you share a moment where presence or principle made the night, not the gear, the track, or the crowd?
I’ve had moments where the night shifted simply because I stopped trying to control it and started truly listening. Sometimes the most important choice is giving a moment space instead of rushing to impress.
I remember one set where I realized the room needed less pressure and more breath, and that changed everything. It reminded me that presence often shapes a night more deeply than any big track ever could.
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.
