Razvan Botez aka Utip is an up and coming Berlin based producer and DJ who draws his inspiration from the city’s unique underground house scene. His music combines a series of minimal and house elements with groovy beats. He enjoys and finds his escape in the beauty of connecting to an audience through the energy created by the sound of the music. He has collaborated with labels like: NG Trax (Ibiza), Golden Gate (Berlin) , Micronica Record (Riga), Lemon Herb Records (UK), Tzinah Record (Romania), Layer Caked Records (UK), Musik Lab Records (Uk), Backstage Records (Romania), Ariki Records (Romania), Conceptum Records (Brazil), Evaporate Records (Taiwan), Puzzle Rec(Brasil).
He is currently a resident at Bloop Radio London. He played all around Europe from Berlin, Ibiza and Barcelona to London, the Azores, and Timisoara in Clubs like Sisyphos (Berlin), Golden Gate (Berlin), 303 Audiophile (Barcelona) and Sigma (Ibiza) to name a few.
Tzinah Records: To start with, please, recommend us something to listen to while we go through this interview. It can be anything.
I recommend listening to the album Neil Young – Harvest. It’s an excellent 1972 album, and I have it on vinyl at home.
Tzinah Records: Could you remember when and where have you felt it for the first time that you were to become a music artist?
The first time I realized I wanted to become an artist was nine years ago, on a Wednesday that happened to be my birthday. After work, I went to a party in Berlin at Watergate, where a DJ was playing vinyl records all night. I had a vinyl with me, a gift from a colleague, featuring a track by Theo Parrish. I asked the DJ if he could play a track from it, even though I knew it was an unusual request.
He looked at me, then at the vinyl, and said he’d try. After five tracks, I heard one from the vinyl I gave him playing through the club speakers. Watching the crowd enjoy the music, feeling the happiness and love in the air, I knew I wanted to be an artist who could heal the world with love through music.
Tzinah Records: Why did you choose to create and play this particular type of music? Are there any artists that touched you deeply while developing your own style?
I chose to create and mix this style of music because I’ve been to many parties in Romania and Berlin where I fell in love with these musical frequencies at a young age. Many Romanian artists, and not just Romanians, have inspired me deeply through their music.
Tzinah Records: Please, briefly, describe for us, the current state of the underground music scene in the place you come from. Is it any good?
Romania’s underground music scene is largely driven by electronic music, particularly minimal techno. The country has become a hub for innovative DJs and producers. Artists such as Raresh, Rhadoo, and Petre Inspirescu are internationally recognized, often referred to as the “Romanian Minimal Wave.” The scene is characterized by extended sets, subtle textures, and a hypnotic vibe, perfectly suited for outdoor and warehouse parties.
Berlin’s underground music scene is legendary, with roots in the counterculture of the Cold War era. Clubs like Berghain, Sisyphos, and Tresor are iconic, offering spaces where music is both an art form and a cultural movement. Beyond techno, Berlin also hosts DIY venues, squats, and open-air raves that embrace a wide range of genres. The scene thrives on creativity and freedom, often linked to the LGBTQ+ community, and is supported by independent record stores, labels, and artist collectives.
Tzinah Records: Without giving out too much about your secret weapons, please tell us how does the magic work in your production routine. Software? Analog? What does your DJ set-up imply?
I spend between two and eight hours daily searching for music or creating. It’s a routine I’ve maintained for a long time. I have a small home studio with a mix of digital and analog equipment, including the Modular System Analog A100 Doepfer. I also work with someone who helps with arrangement and mastering to ensure my tracks sound professional.
Tzinah Records: What are the aspects of your daily life that are influencing the shape and sound of the music that you currently make?
The aspects of my life that influence my music include the parties I attend for inspiration, the unique frequencies of Berlin, and my drive to create something every day after my normal job.
Tzinah Records: Which underground house DJ or producer would you love to take out for a summer picnic? With which artist (from any music genre) would you spend 24 hours stuck in an elevator?
For a summer picnic, I’d love to spend time with Raresh. I’ve had the chance to meet him and listen to his sets live. I’d also enjoy a picnic in Berlin’s Tempelhofer Feld at sunset. Additionally, I’d love to spend 24 hours with Dave Gahan, the vocalist of Depeche Mode.
Tzinah Records: Have you already played in your most-dreamed about venue? Which one is that?
I’ve played at Sisyphos seven times, and I’m sure there will be more gigs there in the future.
Tzinah Records: What motivates you to be an active part of the underground movement?
What motivates me to be part of the underground scene is the city I live in—Berlin—and its energy and creativity.
Tzinah Records: What’s your favorite type of breakfast?
Here’s an interesting detail about me: I’m a big fan of breakfast and prepare a huge one almost every morning. It includes a vegetable salad with at least eight different vegetables, an omelet with onions, mushrooms, peppers, and tomato sauce, bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, and garlic, various cheeses, olives, and dry salami. Sometimes, I also include salads like eggplant, peppers, or guacamole.
Tzinah Records: What do you do when the music is not playing?
In my free time, I travel, spend time with my wonderful wife and my cats, and go for walks to watch the sunset in the park. I also enjoy sports and food.
Tzinah Records: What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it and are there released or unreleased tracks?
I’ve followed the Tzinah label for a long time and had the opportunity to meet its owner, Primărie (aka Dan Primaru), in Berlin at one of his shows. We became friends, and I proposed creating a mix for the label’s podcast section. The mix is entirely made of my tracks and includes both released and unreleased material.
Tzinah Records: Are there any of your plans/upcoming projects that you would like to share with us? Where can we see you play next?
I’ve been in discussions with some well-known labels in Europe, and I’ll release some tracks in the near future, including with Tzinah Rec. This summer, I’ll also perform at two festivals, one in Berlin and another in London.
Tzinah Records: Supposing you come back reading this interview in 10 years from now; could you try saying something to your future-self?
Ten years from now, I’d be very happy to look back and realize that I’ve continued doing what makes me happy and spending my time working on it consistently.