20 years Berghain
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Techno for two decades
Video: rbb24 Abendschau | 12/14/2024 | Victor Marquardt | picture: dpa/summer
Outside the queue beyond the night, techno is booming inside via an uncompromising sound system: Berghain is celebrating its 20th anniversary. already underground or mainstream? But also, say the guests. By Jule Lippick
For those who don’t know, it’s a blurry picture: hundreds of people in black clothes waiting in line in the cold. There is a certain tension in the air, people don’t talk much. Here and there you can hear bits of voice: English, Spanish, less German. A Späti plays soft electronic music into the night.
A group of young people are already standing at the height of the construction fence in front of the club – from here it is indeed not far to the bouncer. They have pulled their black jackets down to their noses. One of them takes a sip of mulled wine, another rolls a cigarette to shake hands. they have been standing here for two hours, and they expect another hour. “It’s just the Grove’s birthday.” They estimate that 1,000 people are already waiting in line to enter. “Friday evening it’s only tourists,” says one of them.
Evolving from the Ostgut, a smaller, slightly rougher predecessor, the Berghain opened its doors in 2004. It quickly became clear: This club is different. The huge hall of the former thermal power plant, the uncompromising sound system and the strict door policy quickly conquer the hearts of Berlin’s night owls. Berghain, also known as Hain, quickly became an insider tip for techno fans and a common place in the gay scene.
As we all know, secrets have a limited half-life in a networked world.Today Berghain is a global phenomenon. Tourists from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Berlin to make it into the club – or at least to turn them around. Similarly, a guest from Switzerland said: “Waiting here is half the experience. If I don’t get in, at least I had a good time in line. That’s nice too.”
for some people, the interest is hard to understand: Why wait in line until hours when Berlin has so many clubs to offer? Regular guests like Karsten see it differently.Even before Berghain was born, Karsten regularly
At first Karsten was skeptical, but his first visit to the club in Berlin convinced him: “When you go upstairs for the first time and this music comes in, it really excites you. It’s a very charged it.” he wants the club to continue as before. Even if the improvement of the sound system and the professionalism of the operation bring good things, Karsten hopes that further commercialization will not happen. Berghain is no longer underground, but not yet mainstream either.
Mareike, who is 39 years old, still remembers her first time in Bergen. The psychotherapist is originally from hamburg and has been visiting the club regularly since 2012. “How I went upstairs and saw this room with the lights, with the people and heard this system. It played straight into my heart. It sounds pathetic, but it was a little like coming home. “
There is longing in Mareike’s voice. The Hain is a place that connects people with others through music, fun, enjoyment and dance. “It’s a space where you can be non-judgmental and it doesn’t matter what you look like, where you come from or what language you speak.” The audience has changed, says Mareike. It has become more diverse and international.In the meantime, however, the floor at Berghain is becoming more and more a means of self-expression. Zeitgeist and social media play no role here: techno is trendy.
But even if the change seems to threaten the original informality, there are positive changes. Mareike is happy about the feminist influences: ”There is now a Flinta toilet. Not just a real toilet, but simply a Flinta urinal. That is an remarkable improvement in the quality of life.”
What impact has Berghain had on the global techno scene over the past two decades?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Techno Expert on Berghain’s 20th Anniversary
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today! It’s an exciting time as Berghain celebrates its 20th anniversary. For those unfamiliar, can you give us a brief background on the significance of Berghain in the techno scene?
Techno expert: Absolutely! Berghain isn’t just a club; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Opened in 2004 in Berlin, it quickly became the epitome of the underground techno scene, known for its immersive atmosphere and groundbreaking sound system. It’s a space where diverse people come together to experience the energy and creativity of techno, making it a staple of Berlin’s nightlife.
time.news Editor: The line outside Berghain has become iconic in its own right. What does that atmosphere signify for both locals and international visitors?
Techno Expert: The queue outside is almost like a rite of passage—it represents a sort of exclusivity and anticipation that many people seek. Those waiting in line become part of an unwritten rule of the clubbing culture. It draws a diverse crowd,and that tension you mentioned—the mix of languages and the cold—is part of the experience,heightening the anticipation of stepping into that pulsating world of sound.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of sound, Berghain is celebrated for its state-of-the-art sound system. How does the sound quality contribute to the overall experience of the club?
Techno Expert: The sound system at Berghain is meticulously designed to provide an unparalleled audio experience.Artists can play extended sets, ensuring every beat resonates deeply wiht the audience. The sound envelops you, creating a physical and emotional impact that enhances the connection between the music and the crowd. This dedication to audio excellence is a important part of why it has such a legendary status.
time.news Editor: There’s been ongoing debate about whether Berghain is now more mainstream than underground. What’s your take on that?
Techno Expert: This is a nuanced discussion. While it has undeniably gained fame and recognition, which could suggest a shift towards mainstream, many of its core values remain intact.Berghain still prioritizes an authentic, raw techno experience and champions underground artists. So, while the audience may have widened, the essence of what Berghain represents hasn’t diluted.
Time.news Editor: How do you see the evolution of techno music and clubs like Berghain in the next decade?
Techno Expert: The techno scene is continuously evolving. With technology making music production more accessible, we may see an influx of new sounds and styles. Clubs like Berghain will likely adapt while staying true to thier roots. There will always be a need for spaces that foster creativity and community.I’m excited to see how the scene will innovate while preserving the core values that have made places like Berghain seminal in the first place.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights! Any closing thoughts on what Berghain’s anniversary means for the future of techno?
Techno Expert: Berghain’s 20th anniversary is a celebration of resilience and the enduring power of music and community. It reminds us that, no matter how much the scene evolves, the spirit of techno—a fusion of culture, identity, and liberation—will always live on. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable nights!
Time.news Editor: Cheers to that! Thank you for joining us today, and happy 20th anniversary to Berghain!