Bryan Müller, better known as Skee Mask, has spent the last ten years carving out a distinctive niche in the world of electronic music with his idiosyncratic fusion of techno, IDM, and breakbeat. Nestled in the Deep South of Germany, Skee Mask’s meticulous production style has earned him a dedicated following across diverse corners of the music world. We asked the people in our office what their favourite Skee Mask tracks are.

We’re in the year 2014 – Bryan Müller, who’s just about twenty-one years old at the time, releases his first EP entitled “Serum” on experimental German imprint Ilian Tape. The sample-heavy record is a promising appetiser to the expansive oeuvre that followed, and that by now comprises eight full albums, countless EPs, and heaps of remixes. Over time, Müller’s signature sound has evolved in many directions, but his hallmark use of intricate sampling, AFX-esque drum patterns, multi-layered pads, and mind-bending breakbeat arrangements has remained a constant throughout his career, rooted in a sonic hyperreality that’s uniquely his own. In 2018, Müller released Compro, an received widespread acclaim from some of the most respected names in electronic music. He subsequently toured the world as a DJ, bringing with him a hard drive full of deep cuts – selections that speak of the same dedication as his discography.

On July 31st, Skee Mask will bring his unmatched sense of flow and intensity to Dekmantel Festival. In anticipation of his show, we asked around at the office to find out what the Dekmantel Team’s favourite Skee Mask tracks are. Here are their answers:

Vinnie - Production Manager:

"Choosing a favorite track from Compro is a challenge, as the album feels like one continuous sonic journey from beginning to end. Dial 274 is one of the stand out tracks, the growling bassline and steady breakbeat form the foundation, while a variety of apocalyptic sounds add to that intense atmosphere. This track kept me right on the edge of my seat during those long office hours in 2018!"

Aniek - Artist Handling & Production Intern:

"My favourite track by Skee Mask has to be Dub Schneider. It’s one of those songs that perfectly matches my energy in the festival world—constantly moving and finding that flow in high-pressure moments. Whether it's a hectic production day or reflecting on everything I’ve accomplished (like becoming an intern at Dekmantel!), it’s a track I can always put on. It also really gets me in a festival mood haha."

Olf - Label Manager:

"This is one of my favorite recent Skee Mask tracks. The 606 has been used so many times and will always be a favorite (especially in combination with a Space Echo). Somehow, Skee Mask created a track with a 606 that's impossible to put in a box. A simple 606 loop, yet he managed to create something both interesting and complex with it."

Rutger - Music Programmer:

"I pick Skee Mask - Matchpoint. For me, this is the ideal track to maintain the groove. It acts as the glue between moments, holding the audience captive. With its deep, punchy basslines and subtle yet dominant percussion, it creates a powerful drive, ensuring the energy never fades. It doesn’t just fill space, it heightens tension and making you anticipate what’s to come."

Brendan - Content & Community Manager:

"My choice from the unlimited Skee Mask production vault is ‘Zzodiac’, released on Ilian Tape in 2020. The entire EP is really amazing and I still remember when it came out. Especially this track sounds so tough, it makes you frown and nod your head when listening to it."

Finn - Communications Intern:

"Compro is Skee Mask’s standout-release, and Rev8617 its most cathartic track. All the percussion smoothly cuts through the perfectly engineered mix. The melody is so strange it would sound cheesy on any other record but Skee Mask just about pulls it off. It’s that quality that makes all the Richard D. James comparisons so valid."

David - Head of Creative:

"This surprise release album of Skee Mask last year took me off guard and completely blew me away as usual. Undeniably talented musician and all round game nerd. Would like to know his online handle to game with him one day and tick that off my bucket list."

Words by Finn Pietrass

Photography by Victor Sloth for Resident Advisor