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Where Is The Next Ibiza?

Ibiza DC10

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: Ibiza is changing – and if anyone tells you otherwise they have either not seen it with their own eyes or are simply lying to you.

In recent months we have seen local officials closing down beach parties, imposing 6:30am club curfews and admitting that the island cannot take in much more tourism due to depleted natural and local resources. And let’s not forget the imminent end of the legendary Space Ibiza (with ENTER and Carl Cox’s Music Is Revolution both leaving the island), the rise of VIP-centered Ushuaïa as well as the increasing prevalence of commercial dance music throughout the Balearic island. On top of that, a recent criminal investigation by local authorities has resulted in raids at Amnesia, Space and Privilege, with four men arrested, including the owner of Amnesia and his son.

Things are changing, and Ibiza is no longer the same Ibiza of 5, 10 or 15 years ago, and while progress is natural, a large portion of dance music fans are now looking for less-regulated new destinations to freely enjoy the underground sounds of their favorite artists. Below are our top picks for the “next Ibiza” – destinations that have been and continue to be more and more popular for those seeking to party while on vacation.

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New “Berghain” Label Stole and Released Copyrighted Material Using the Berlin’s Club Identity

Berggain 1

Intellectual property, and music copyrights, are a serious thing. For an artist to spend a considerable amount of money, time and effort to produce music and then see it stolen or misappropriated is nothing short of a huge slap in the face. With the advent of the internet, it has proven incredibly hard to curtail violations of IP and copyright, especially by those who take advantage of the no-confine aspect of the world wide web to steal and misappropriate others’ work.

In the latest such episode, it appears that a new label entitled “Berghain” has released a compilation record called “Berghain Secrets” containing techno releases by the likes of Oktave’s Jeff Derringer, Derek Marin, Samuly Kemppi and Alexi Delano. At first glance, one would think that this release is courtesy of the homonymous Berlin club and Ostgut Ton, the label behind the esteemed techno institution. This however, is not the case, as Derringer has himself pointed out with a Facebook post on his artist and personal page, specifically stating, “I found that this label has nothing to do with Ostgut Ton, nothing to do with the actual Berghain, and nothing to do with any of the artists they included on this so-called record. None of us were consulted about the inclusion of our tracks (or the use of the Berghain name/identity).”

As can be seen from the screen grab below, the compilation release and individual tracks were posted for sale on Juno (although it has now been taken down), as well as Amazon and even Spotify. As of time of writing, it is still available on these last two platforms as well as some lesser-known foreign music websites. We are specifically not linking to these websites in order to curtail traffic and prevent further copyright violation.

Berghain Secrets Juno

Please be aware that whoever is behind this is not only in blatant violation of IP and copyright law with regards to the music in question, but is also illegally using Berghain’s name for monetary purposes. Do not purchase any of these tracks – we have contributed to having these taken down by reporting the situation to the websites currently hosting this release.

Connect with the REAL Ostgut Ton: Online | Facebook | Resident Advisor | Juno

Berghain Trainer Simulator

Berghain Trainer: The Simulator That Trains You For The Techno Promised Land

Having managed to get into Berghain once, after failing earlier that very same weekend, I am often asked for “tricks” and “tips” on how to get into the fabled techno institution. But what if there were a Berghain training simulator you could practice with?

As everyone knows, there is no clear-cut answer, and it appears that getting past Sven and his team may be as much about luck as any real system of criteria they may be following in making their decision.

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Four Tet Has Plans For a London Version of Berghain

Four Tet performs during the Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp in Vienna, Austria on November 16th, 2013 . Picture by Red Bull Music Academy

Four Tet performs during the Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp in Vienna, Austria on November 16th, 2013 . Picture by Red Bull Music Academy

It goes without saying that when it comes to iconic dance music venues, Berghain/Panorama Bar wins the crown as the most sought-after and acclaimed nightclub in the industry.

However, British producer Kieran Hebden, best known as Four Tet, has plans for a London equivalent of the famed Berlin techno institution. The artist took to Twitter to voice his concerns about London’s nightclubs, stating that “there is no club in London right now where the sound is so good it will change your life. We need this.”

His plan? Take the recently closed Trocadero in Central London and transform it into a destination venue armed with an impressive Funktion 1 sound system to rival the world-renowned set-up at Berghain. While it’s not entirely clear if he is 100% serious about these plans, his series of tweets seem to indicate that he is indeed at least interested in following up with the idea.

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A review of Trocadero’s website, however, indicates that Four Tet may be a little late with this idea. The former entertainment complex is, “currently undergoing some exciting changes,” according to the website, which also states that, “a new website will be up soon with more information about these changes and the new operators [they] have on board.”

Will Kieran pursue this further? We can’t say we’re not intrigued by the idea of another iconic venue in the heart of the British capital!

Should Cameras Be Allowed Inside Nightclubs?

Phone Off

With the advent of technology we have seen a steep increase of camera usage inside nightclubs and at concerts in general.

In order to counteract this phenomenon, clubs such as Output in Brooklyn, fabric in London and most famously Berghain/Panorama Bar in Berlin have encouraged and banned the use of photography inside their venues.

What is your opinion on the subjects. Should nightclubs allow photography or should they ban it and allow more focus on the music?

[total-poll id=17855]

Inside Berghain/Panoram Bar: The Video That Should Have NEVER Been Made

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Image Broker/REX (2227351a) Berghain Club with queue, Berlin, Germany VARIOUS

Photo by Image Broker/REX (2227351a)

It is not a generality when you hear someone say that literally everyone knows cameras are forbidden inside Berlin’s famed Berghain/Panorama Bar. Needless to say there are countless of blogs, threads and social media discussions that debate the best way to be granted access into the techno fortress dubbed as the hardest techno club to get into in the entire world. It is also well known that those lucky enough to get inside get their phone cameras taped shut and that getting caught taking videos or pictures would risk in getting kicked out – something you do not want happening considering just how difficult it is to get in in the first place. Recently, Homeland actress Claire Danes was on national US television telling Ellen DeGeneres about her love of techno and Berghain experience, so it perhaps comes to no surprise that media attention on the famed venue is growing.

Regardless, it appears that all the above information didn’t stop an intrepid visitor from busting out a phone and taking a forty-three second video inside the club and posting it online. While this isn’t the first video shot inside Berghain/Panorama Bar, this particular clip posted last September has generated nearly 90,000 hits so far and shows no sign of stopping. It has certainly left hundreds speculating about how the video’s owner managed to get past the world’s toughest bouncer in Berghain’s Sven Marquardt and shoot the clip in the first place.

Sven Marquardt - Berghain's infamous head of security

Sven Marquardt – Berghain’s infamous head of security

We don’t encourage that you watch it, for the sheer allure and magic of entering Berghain for your first time after years of speculation and wonder is alone worth the wait. But should your voyeuristic interest get the better of you, you should know that you might find yourself somewhat disappointed by what is a just mere glimpse of what it is like to be inside Berghain/Panorama Bar. Truth be told, the video doesn’t do the club nor the experience even the smallest shred of justice. It is hard to capture the full atmosphere, vision, sound and feeling of Berghain in a short video, or any video at all for that matter.

It is for this reason that we chose not to link to the video, but instead post a selection of the comments that mirror our sentiments at this somewhat of a sacrilegious violation of what many consider the club mecca of techno’s worldwide scene.

Judging by the majority of the comments, it appears that most people were clearly mad at the poster, including roger darko who claims he is shown in the video. It is because of comments such as this first one that we strongly encourage you to follow Berghain’s policy and not take pictures or videos, and certainly not post them online for others to see:

roger darko: “Hi to everyone. somebody can reconize me, and i have to ask to the OWNER of this video…. PLEASE ERASE IT… if i remember, i was going down from the “cube” to tell you to erase the video. PLEASE… it’s only about respect. i’ll tell you a story, to try to explain why is so important . what if i record a video , that you’re doing something wrong ( and you have understand very well what i mean ) and show it to the world ? why you don’t have to be respectful to the club ( probably, the best club in the world ) that is building the techno culture ? please , erase it, …. the fucking crazy guy that’s dancing somewhere. thanks.”

Madwatt: “And that’s one of the reasons they don’t want to let dumb tourists in. Thanks YOU IDIOT!”

Ian Blevins: “Take it down”

jacko g: “NEVER COME BACK TO BERLIN. WE HATE TOURISTS LIKE YOU”

Abishek Dixit: “You know, I have never been to Berghain. But Neither was I excited to see this video. And let me tell you I haven’t even clicked on the play button. You are a living example of a dickhead dumbfuck tourist, who fail to understand the reason behind any rule. I still wonder how you got out of that place without a flat nose and, bruised face and your phone sticking up your ass.”

Santiago Montagno: “Where is the respect? Karma is watching you, stupid! Delete this video”

PHat in a hat: “I flagged this video to YouTube as invading my privacy”

 

Others brought out some very valid points: Who still takes vertical videos? And does anyone have that track ID? Shazam is failing me too!

outerpol: “The only thing more annoying is it’s a vertical video.”

Manuel Mantje: “Delete this clip. But what is the track played in the background? really curious, couldn’t find it with shazam”

Zach Ingram: “day six – i’ve now shazamed this track a million times…… still no luck, better keep on trying”

 

On the other hand, there were a few users who didn’t think making and posting the clip was a big deal:

alterdings: “Most of the people leaving negative comments/dislikes here are just butthurt techno “purists” who take themselves way too seriously. Anyway, thanks for the vid.”

TheMattd546: “Why are so many hush hush about this. Don’t the place want more customers??  what is it an illuminati club. so top secret? everyone is acting like this is a top government secret or something lol”

You Can Now Buy Ben Klock’s Uneaten Banana from Berghain

BerghainKlock

Berghain’s Ben Klock played a 12-hour set to close out the Berlin club’s New Year’s marathon celebration on January 4th. Now, it’s your chance to own a piece of that night: a banana he reportedly handed over to a fan when his set was over, who has since put it up for auction on eBay.

The role of the banana during marathon sets has been well documented in the past, with many artists choosing it as a snack of choice thanks to its mix of vitamins, minerals, and low glycemic carbohydrates.

The seller notes: “He handed it to me as a sop of his conscience after remaining ravers and me begged him to play another last record – I kissed his hand, he kissed mine and the banana was the physical bond of ours, of this moment.  He explained he had some before and they were delicious; I believe him, his banana still looks yummy! I am leaving town soon and can’t take care of this precious diamond so decided to sell it here.  Hope it finds a good home. Can be used/appreciated in several ways.
Good luck with the auction!”

As of the minute this article was published, the auction has drawn 29 bids reaching 49.50 Euros, the equivalent of $54.08. Want it? Here is your chance – the seller is shipping internationally!

Ben Klock Banana

 

6AM’s Thirteen Best Halloween Electronic Music Parties of 2015

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Halloween is definitely a holiday that is not for the faint of heart… and neither are these electronic music parties. We will take you around the world with our hand-picked selection of Halloween parties to hit up this year. Shiver me timbers, these thirteen picks deviate from the usual circuit of parties. Proceed with caution and let the spooky all-night raging commence. Read more

Felix Da Housecat Denied Entry at Berghain

Berghain Berlin

Of all the clubs in the world, Berghain has the reputation of having one of the strictest door policies out there. Even house veteran, Felix Da Housecat, wasn’t safe from the clubs notorious selection process. After Felix Da Housecat was denied entry to Berghain, he took to Twitter to bombard the German institution with his distaste over the matter. Read more

Berghain celebrates ten year anniversary, initial line-up announced

Berghain-Venue
Berghain is set for a grand decade birthday celebration on December 13th. Initial line up has been announced including guests and residents Blawan, Shed, Marcel Dettmann, Joy Orbison, Ben UFO, Ben Klock, Gerd Janson and more will take the decks during the two-night, three-day party (starts at Midnight Saturday, ends Monday around Noon) that has been the norm of the Berlin underground venue gaining global recognition as one of the most proper techno parties in the world. More names are expected to be announced in the next few weeks, including the line-up for Panorama Bar (the other half of Berghain). The club’s annual birthday session is usually one of Berlin’s biggest parties each year.

Since being founded in 2004, Berghain has become one of the world’s best-loved clubs. Its list of residents includes numerous top-tier techno and house artists, with high-profile names like Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock and Steffi among the jocks with monthly slots. A notoriously strict door policy has furthered the venue’s reputation, as have its extremely long opening times and regular male-only fetish parties.

Source: RA