What you may have missed in Berlin [019]

Berlin's Techno: Documentaries about a journey through music, culture and nightlife

Hey there,

Since today is a holiday, I would like to take the opportunity to talk about music culture, clubbing, nightlife, and my time in Berlin.

I landed in Berlin in 2005, wide-eyed, at the age of 16. Growing up in East Germany (I was born in 1988), the city was a constant spectacle.

My music production journey began with hip hop, but Berlin's infectious electronic music scene, with its legendary clubs and pulsating nightlife, quickly pulled me in a new direction.

The final Love Parade, with over 1 million people on the streets in 2006, became a turning point, igniting my passion for electronic music and propelling me deeper into the scene.

Listen to some of the Love Paarde 2006 DJ Sets:

While the 90s undoubtedly hold a wild and storied place in Berlin's techno history, the 2000s and 2010s witnessed an explosion of iconic nightclubs: Golden Gate, Bar25 & Kater Holzig, About Blank, Sisyphos, Wilde Renate, Kitkat, Berghain, Griessmühle, and countless others etched in the memories of countless ravers.

Berlin nightlife wasn't just about late nights. You could party From Monday to Monday, almost 24/7, a constant invitation to lose yourself in the rhythm and discover new sounds and meet new people.

So, what sparked this story?

This trip down memory lane comes courtesy of a documentary from 1995 I stumbled upon – a historical gem exploring the birth of Berlin's techno scene in the 90s. While it might not capture the explosion of clubs I experienced, it's an invaluable resource for anyone curious about the roots of this vibrant techno culture

*If you want to watch the documentaries with subtitles, visit YouTube directly and activate them in the settings

Techno der verkaufte Traum (Techno the sold dream)

Are you fascinated by the history of techno music, particularly its rise in Berlin and what sets this city apart? Or are you interested in the broader context of techno music in Germany? If so, I have some fantastic video recommendations that will captivate and enlighten you on these subjects.

Capital B - Wem gehört die Stadt (who owns the city)

The documentary series “Capital B” explores the transformation of Berlin since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It delves into the city’s development into a vibrant metropolis and the ongoing conflicts over its future, examining how Berlin became the city it is today

Sound Of Berlin

The documentary “Sound of Berlin” is a deep dive into the city’s electronic music scene, showcasing its history, culture, and the impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall on the genre. It features interviews with influential artists and takes viewers on a journey through the vibrant club culture that defines Berlin’s unique sound

Techno House Deutschland

Techno House Deutschland” is an eight-part documentary series that chronicles the rise of electronic music in Germany, focusing on the legendary clubs and festivals that shaped the techno and house scenes. It features insights from iconic DJs and scenes from Frankfurt to Berlin, highlighting the cultural impact and evolution of this music genre

Enjoy viewing these gems and be inspired!

Marcus