Pole

Berlin-based producer and electronic musician Stefan Betke, known as Pole, initially collaborated with the dub-influenced techno label Basic Channel before launching his own music career. Using a 4-Pole Filter to create his distinctive sound, Betke's early releases featured skeletal, bass-heavy tracks infused with random clicks and crackles, adding an air of mystery to his minimal compositions. He later expanded his sonic palette on albums like Tempus, evolving from his noisy beginnings into more ornate productions.

Betke's musical journey included a trilogy of albums released by the Kiff label and distributed by Matador, showcasing intricate rhythms and ghostly melodies layered over analog haze. After experimenting with different labels and styles, Betke returned to his Scape imprint, where he continued to push boundaries with releases like Steingarten. His more recent work, including the album Fading and the 2022 release Tempus, reflects a return to his roots, embracing randomness and imperfection in his music.