There's even going to be a special after-party gig at Prinsep Street featuring house and techno local DJs
Anyone who’s batty about Berlin will know that this German capital is more than just a hub of stunning architecture, war-torn history and Bratwurst. There is yet another hedonistic reason why visitors like to frequent this city that doesn’t sleep – its staggering significance on dance music culture. Berlin is a raver’s heaven where nightclubs throw parties ’til Monday morning, and a sanctuary for DJs and producers all over the world to establish their claim to fame. While the party cultures of the US and The Netherlands continue selling out to attain the peaking levels established by the EDM bubble, Berlin is one playground that remains relatively unsullied, keeping underground sounds intact with nonchalant laissez-faire.
But if you’ve yet to witness this clandestine side of the city, you can have a sneak preview of it right here in Singapore. A collaboration between the DECK art space and Goethe Institut Singapore, there will be a month-long affair that sheds light on this oft-feared-but-revered phenomenon. Immerse yourself through sights and sounds, as photography exhibitions showcase snippets of Berlin’s ’90s club culture, with galleries soundtracked by some of Berlin’s most illustrious house and techno producers (like Tale Of Us, Modeselektor and Marcel Dettmann). Furthermore, there will be a rare media installation and appearance by Sven Marquardt – a photographer more famously known for his stint as a bouncer for notorious, no-entry superclub, Berghain. Perhaps, you’ll even get the chance to ask him the Dos and Don’ts of getting into the club!
And because we know that observing all that will leave you restless for some dancefloor action of your own, we’re also letting you in on the hush-hush Club Berlin Afterparty that’s happening on the opening night of the exhibition. Organised by gig promoters, Moonbeats Asia, this underground shindig will feature some of the slickest house and techno DJs in the local scene, like Debbie Chia, EJ Missy, FAL:X, and the enigmatic teamcake. Even if you’re not a fan of techno yourself, we do recommend dipping your toes into this niche yet cherished realm of dance music. Who knows? You might just book yourself a ticket to Berlin before you know it.
Club Berlin: Electronic Music & Photography, 5 March – 3 April, DECK, 120A Prinsep Street, Singapore 187937, p. 6735 4555. Admission fee is $5.
Club Berlin Afterparty, 4 March, 9pm-3am. Standard price is $15, $20 at the door.