Lottery: Live Music Before Spotify | New Night

BerlinS ‘Pleasant Sessions‘ Offer Intimate first Listen to Emerging indie Artists

A new live music series in Berlin is prioritizing the experience of discovery, offering audiences a chance to hear fresh tracks from autonomous artists before they hit streaming platforms. The recurring event, dubbed “Pleasant Sessions,” aims to foster a sense of community and provide a unique, up-close connection between musicians and their fans.

A Shift Away From Digital Consumption

“Spotify can wait. Hear it live first,” reads a statement from the organizers, encapsulating the core philosophy behind the series. Launched last month, Pleasant Sessions is designed to counter the increasingly digital consumption of music, offering a space for audiences to experience new sounds in a tangible, shared habitat. The series celebrates the “thrill of hearing somthing before it hits your playlist,” according to event materials.

Did you know? – Berlin has a thriving independent music scene, often serving as a launchpad for emerging artists due to it’s relatively low cost of living and artistic freedom.

What to Expect at a Pleasant Sessions Event

Each event showcases a lineup of Berlin’s most promising independent artists,performing new music – including unreleased songs and unique live arrangements. Attendees can anticipate:

• 5+ live acts spanning genres like indie, folk, soul, and alt-pop.
• A “listening-room setup,” primarily standing with limited seating.
• A BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere.
• Doors opening at 18:00, with music commencing at 19:00.

Pleasant Sessions are intentionally held in unconventional spaces throughout Berlin – including rooftops, coworking lofts, art studios, and even private homes – to emphasize the series’ focus on human connection and live sound. Capacity is limited, and entry requires an RSVP.

Pro tip: – RSVP quickly! Limited capacity means events fill up fast. Follow Pleasant Sessions on social media for announcements and links to the guest list.

Charlotte Kudella to Headline

German pop musician Charlotte Kudella is slated to be a main act at an upcoming event. Kudella gained recognition through a viral TikTok challenge featuring her original song, “Hellwach” (Wide Awake), which caught the attention of established artist Mark Forster, who subsequently invited her to join his tour. Kudella is known for her emotionally resonant lyrics, exploring themes of growing up, self-doubt, and heartbreak. She has already released her EP, “Am I feeling too much?”

Additional artists performing “new” music will be announced at a later date.

A Focus on Intimacy and connection

Pleasant Sessions are positioned as more than just concerts; they are intimate music nights built around fostering genuine connections. The series emphasizes the value of experiencing music “up close, in real life, surrounded by good people.” Organizers note that videos and images may be taken at the event, and attendees consent to potential inclusion in event media by attending.

Reader question: – What kind of atmosphere do you think is most conducive to discovering new music? Share your thoughts!

The Güntzelkiez neighborhood, known for its alternative culture and vibrant nightlife, will host the next event on November 18th. The series is ongoing, with future dates and locations to be announced via their Instagram page (@pleasant.sessions). Organizers hope to expand the concept to other cities, bringing the “Pleasant Sessions” experience to a wider audience.

Did you know? – The Güntzelkiez neighborhood in Berlin has a history of being a hub for counterculture and artistic expression, dating back to the post-war