Photography Neva Wireko
Berlin from the Eighties till today: Mark Reeder, Furfriend, Nico Deuster of Killekill, the Creamcake collective, Sullivan and the newcomers Metoux, Lord Pusswhip and Jascha Kreft talk about the music scene in the city. What has changed? And: is the city still longing for young creatives?
Could you please tell us more about you and your music?
Yes, I can. My music is really an extension of my inner thinkings and desires. A lot of the time I don’t feel comfortable to express how I feel, especially when it comes to love. Yeah, I guess most of my music is about attraction to someone or something… I also like to write songs that are simple. I believe that in simplicity is a complexity; the more you wonder about something, the more layered it becomes. Writing a simple song also allows ambiguity, so that when someone is listening they can interpret it how they like.
Where does your artist name come from?
Metoux was kind of a funny mix of things. I’ve always been attracted to the number 2. I’ve also always been interested in the idea of duality, how total opposites can create balance and how you can see yourself in someone else. Metoux is really “Me too” 🙂
When and why did you come to Berlin?
I came here 10 months ago to continue making more music. I’ve bounced around Canada and some places in the States and I kind of just wanted to get out of North America. Berlin seemed like a good fit and I figured if I didn’t like it I could move somewhere else. But I stayed. Berlin felt like home from the start.
What makes Berlin so attractive for young musicians?
Cheap rent. Openminded people. Nightlife. Daylife. Other artists. Freedom.
How would you describe Berlin’s music scene?
Berlin = Techno.
Did you notice any change regarding the music scene since you’ve moved here?
Well, I haven’t lived here for long, but of course when I got here it was the summer. Which meant I didn’t sleep much and I was running around exploring all the clubs. Since winter hit I’ve gotten the chance to see some live acts like Cities Aviv, when he played here and some local guys at smaller venues.
What’s the biggest difference between Toronto and Berlin’s music scene?
I found Toronto to be a little oversaturated with Hip Hop which is not the case here, to say the least. Toronto is undoubtedly breeding a lot of talented and interesting artists, but I think people in Berlin are more supportive. From my experience in Toronto everyone is trying to make their own way with their own camp. Here in Berlin, you may not know anyone or know the music and no one will look at you funny. Berlin is nowhere near as pretentious as a lot of cities.
Why does your music match the city?
I don’t particularly like anything overly produced or clean sounding. I like my music to sound a bit unpolished and Berlin is definitely rough around the edges.
Why do you as a person/as an artist match the city?
I’ve never fit in. I was always trying when I was younger, but it never worked. I think Berlin is full of people who don’t fit the mould. It’s accepted here. It’s encouraged. And I like that.
If you could change anything about Berlin regarding your life as an artist: What would it be?
I’m always meeting people and working on collaborations. I have a lot in the works. I wouldn’t change a thing right now.
When you tell musicians from other cities/countries that you live in Berlin, how do they react?
They all say how much they love Berlin, how much they want to live here or that they’re coming to visit.
Could you think of any other city that could become a competitor to Berlin?
With the rent increase and definite increase of expats (myself included), I really hope we don’t lose the rawness of the city. That’s what I enjoy the most. It’s not pretty out here, but there’s a beauty; in the people, in the lifestyle, in the ease of the city and the graffiti everywhere. I can’t tell you where next is, but I know there’s nowhere like Berlin.
Berlin is commonly known as a Techno capital – do you think that’s still true?
Of corse, but there’s a lot of subcultures and scenes here. They just need a little more love. I don’t see a reason why Berlin can’t become as established in other music as well as Techno.
So many newcomer come to the city and try to „make“ it – how can an artist stand out from the crowd?
In my humble opinion, I don’t think it matters where you come from or where you live anymore because of the internet.
Is the underground spirit still alive?
Eternally.
What’s your Berlin soundtrack?
When I moved to Berlin listening to ‘Zanzibar Chanel – One Question’ always brought back good memories. In my first few months I listened to it religiously and played it the first time I DJ’d here. So yeah, I think it’s that one.
Your message to Berlin:
I like what we got going on and I don’t mind if you see other people.
By Marieke Fischer
