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For Ellen Allien, Music Is Her Elixir

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Within the techno community there is no doubt that Ellen Allien is one of the most respected djs, producers and label owners out there. Ellen is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ; the influence to many artists that we look up to today. Her widely successful label Bpitch Control has been a techno taste maker since its inception in 1999. More recently through her Bpitch imprint, Ellen has released part 4-6 of her We Are Not Alone VA- a 36 track compilation of high quality techno that you expect from the label and the artist’s she picks. From having residencies across the world to being one of Berlins biggest acts, she has cemented her presence in the techno realm and is nothing short of legend status.

If you happen to be in North America, don’t miss her shows at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, US July 23rd and Piknic Electronik Montreal in Montreal, CA on July 24th.

Just a little while back at the techno mecca festival that is Movement Detroit, 6AM had the honor to speak with the techno titan about her about the importance of music, the current state of djs and producers, and how she connect with dancers with her signature dynamic sets.

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Keith Carnal

Premiere: Keith Carnal “Ape Shit Crazy” – BPitch

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Amsterdam-based DJ and producer Keith Carnal is a tastemaker in today’s world of techno. His own style of techno has a strong emphasis on melodies, groove, and percussive elements. The artist returns to BPitch with a rousing excursion into the visceral side of techno. Stocked with deadly drum arrangements, thumping kicks and imposing bass lines, Keith Carnal’s armory is well equipped to cause maximum impact on the dance floor.

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Listen to Premiere: Keith Carnal “Ape Shit Crazy” – BPitch

“Ape Shit Crazy” takes listeners straight into the depths of Keith Carnal’s wild mind. It’s a bombastic cut that utilizes a pitched down spoken word vocal. The storyteller takes its listeners into the world of after party excess and “ape shit craziness” as the beats pump relentlessly. It’s debauched, heavy and utterly alluring.

Connect with Keith Carnal: SoundCloud | Instagram | Facebook

In Interview with Ellen Allien

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There’s no other artist able to distinguish themselves quite like Ellen Allien has. No one else has been able to obtain such notoriety with the unique style that she brings. Ellen has been able to differentiate herself from the rest, making her a legend in the techno community. Ellen is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ; the influence to many artists that we look up to today. Ellen has not only started one label, but two. Besides her widely successful label Bpitch, Ellen also launched her new label UFO. Inc. last January. From having residencies across the world to being one of Berlins biggest acts, she was able to cement her presence in the techno realm.  

That unique style mentioned is blatantly intentional in order to make sure she distinguishes herself from the rest of the herd. She has mentioned that she wouldn’t play songs that are popular. She likes to play music that no one else is, make music no one else is, and cultivates projects that no one else is doing. She’s personally involved with everything she does, there’s nothing industry about her. From her own tracks, to the festival stages she curates, Ellen has full creative involvement. Obviously, she’s had help, but she only works with close friends that understand who she is. For example, the graphic designer for Bpitch has been the same since the beginning. 

If you have had a chance to listen to Ellen’s sets, either live or on YouTube, you are able to tell how innovative she can be. The way she chooses her music is interesting, because she’s enthralled by weird unpredictable music. She doesn’t focus on the high points or the popularity of a track, which is common among DJs. Instead, she likes music that’s more about intensity. As long as a track is intense, obscure, and unpredictable, it’s one for the collection. Her style of innovation has led her to a very successful career that has no signs of slowing down.  

There are a lot of interesting things about Ellen that go beyond her music. Playing around the world, Ellen shared some of her interesting experiences as well as perspectives being one of the most respected names in the techno world. There’s plenty to talk about, and what really captures people’s attention are Ellen’s roots in Germany.

In our interview, we take a deep dive to discuss her music, her culture, and her legacy.      Read more

Ellen Allien and Vinyl: A Love Affair

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This coming May 12th, BPitch Control boss Ellen Allien will release her upcoming LP Nost, her first club-ready album since 2010.

Nost is short for “nostalgia,” each track a homage to her twenty-five-plus years on dance floors all over the world. During her long career Ellen has emerged from Berlin’s fertile, post-wall era and gone on to secure an impressive list of achievements which have undoubtedly made her a consistent positive and progressive contributor to the evolution of the city’s techno scene. Her DJ sets, musical productions and her iconic label, BPitch Control have become intrinsic elements of the city’s effervescent techno culture, as well as that of the techno movement around the globe.

Throughout her career Ellen has remained an avid lover and collector of vinyl, still today choosing to play records at clubs and festivals whenever possible. Her love for vinyl has taken her to launch a series of events called Vinylism that see her perform very intimate vinyl-only sets at some of her favorite record stores around the world.


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