We had a lovely conversation with the eclectic electronic artist Dirk Kitterlin. Check it out below and be sure to check out his new 8 Track album titled “Tempus Novare”
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?
“My music blends atmospheric electronic textures with elements of pop and rock, creating immersive, instrumental soundscapes. It’s rooted in IDM and synth-driven compositions, with a focus on melody, layered synths, and electric bass. If you’re into artists like Boards of Canada, Tycho, or even the more cinematic side of Nine Inch Nails, you might find something to connect with in my music.”
How has your sound evolved since you first creating music?
“Since I come from a background as a rock and pop sideman, my approach to music has shifted dramatically. I spent years supporting other artists in a live setting, but stepping into solo electronic composition allowed me to explore a more textural and cinematic side of music. Early on, I was experimenting with sounds and structures, but over time, I’ve refined my approach—balancing atmospheric depth with strong melodic elements. My current sound is more intentional, blending intricate synth layers, drum machines, and electric bass to create something immersive and personal.”
What’s a completely non-musical skill that you bring to the dynamic?
.”One major non-musical skill I bring to my project is my background in music PR and promotion. Having experience in that side of the industry has been invaluable—I’ve been able to handle everything from press outreach to playlist pitching on my own, which has made my album rollout much more strategic and cost-effective. Instead of relying on a big budget to hire professionals, I’ve been able to take a DIY approach, learning what works and adapting along the way. It’s given me a stronger sense of control over my music’s visibility and helped me build real connections in the industry.”
What’s a bizarre or unexpected inspiration behind one of your songs?
“One of the more unexpected inspirations behind my song Tactile Web Browser comes from late nights in front of a CRT monitor, surfing the web in the early days of AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ chat relay. There was something almost hypnotic about the glow of the screen, the rhythmic clicking of the keyboard, and the feeling of being connected to this vast, mysterious digital world. That era had a certain dreamlike nostalgia—glitchy interfaces, slow-loading images, and the strange, ambient hum of a dial-up modem. I wanted to capture that vibe in the track, blending warm synth strings and a laid-back drum machine groove to evoke the feeling of drifting through the internet at 2 a.m., lost in thought.”
Tell us all you can about your latest release and where and when to find it?
“My latest release is Tempus Novare, an 8-track instrumental electronic album that blends atmospheric synths, intricate drum machine rhythms, and deep electric bass grooves. It’s inspired by a mix of IDM, cinematic textures, and my background as a rock and pop sideman. The album was released on November 29, 2024, through American Grapefruit and is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. If you’re into immersive, synth-driven soundscapes with a mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking production, I’d love for you to check it out.”