So this is a post about the Musik/Nachtklub/Kneipe (bar/pub) scene in Berlin that I have experienced thus far... bare with me, it's quite extensive. Each name is a link to the venue's website. I think I've almost heard it all... Darkwave, Cold Wave, Minimal, Industrial, Deathrock, Batcave, Post Punk, Nu wave, Synthpop, EBM, Psychobilly, Rock, Metal... you name it, it happens... somewhere... probably every night of the week. Take your pick, or do them all, because you'll likely have 2 or more events to choose from. Decisions, decisions...
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Barbie Deinhoff - from the moment you open the door to this Kneipe, you will be squeezing your way inside and to the bar which is only a few feet in front of you, but feels like it takes 10 minutes to get to because you are packed in like a sardine. Definitely a place to chill and chat with your friends over a few rounds of perfectly mixed cocktails. The staff here really know what they are doing! The music playing the night we went was all over the place. Hard not to make everyone who was there happy.
Clash - the 3rd Saturday of every month is a wicked Nachtklub called 'Flowers of Romance'. When I first walked in I thought... "I'm home." Seriously, it reminded me of The Twilight Zone waaaaaaaaay back in the day when all different underground subcultures mixed together. The atmosphere was dark and moody, but the people were friendly and having a great time. The music selection was a fantastic combination of Batcave, Cold Wave, Minimal and New Wave/Romantic. I was in heaven on the dance floor. The ceilings are probably 20ft tall with a good sized dance area and tons of room to sit. If you aren't the dancing type there are pool tables, pinball machines and air hockey!!!
Duncker - the night to go is 'Dark Monday'. It's a cozy little Nachtklub with a dance floor the size of an apartment livingroom, some sitting room and bar in the main room. There is also another little room tucked off to the side with yet another bar and more room to sit and talk. Out the back you will find a smoking area... which is remarkable, and one of 3 venues I've been to, because smoking is acceptable indoors in Berlin. The music they played here was Darkwave, Post Punk, Darkwave, Industrial, Minimal, Neofolk and Gothic. P.S. They make killer Mojitos!!!
8mm - ended up at this Kneipe with some friends one night after dinner. Dark, dark, dark inside... and they were screening "The Shinning", hence the name 8mm. Always showing some sort of dark/alt movie on the wall, ohne volume, and serving up tasty cocktails too. A really great place to socialize.
King Kong Klub -every Thursday night is hosted by Jen Ellerson and called 'Modern Movement'. This is the Nachtklub I had my DJ premier. It's an intimate space as well, with a moody atmosphere, lots of eye candy, strong drinks, stellar bands and wicked DJs. You'll hear Minimal, Post Punk, Nu Wave, Electro and Cold Wave at this night. I *heart* it.
Madame Claude - first of all, an interesting fact, this Kneipe was once a brothel. As you enter a 'Red Room' a la Twin Peaks, you will be greeted by the grad portrait of Laura Palmer. After you walk down the twisty staircase, you will notice something a little peculiar... everything is upside down and attached to the ceiling. Chairs, lamps, tables, framed pictures are upside down, etc. Also to note, the entrance fee is pay-as-you-wish (€1 -6... but if you are cheap, you may be denied entry). This is a great place to listen to electronic experimental music and live bands. I saw a couple of bands play in the tiny, non-smoking (yay!) basement and the sounds was great.
Steinhaus - has special events on Saturdays that appeal to my musical palate. I attended an event titled 'Disco Disaster' featuring Post Punk, Batcave, New Wave and Coldwave underground and Minimal and Flexipop on the main floor. Can you guess where I was? Same DJ from 'Flowers of Romance' was spinning underground this night. Can you guess if I was dancing or not? Their next event is 'Spirit of the 80's'. Looking forward to it!!!
White Trash (Fast Food) - a little bit too touristy for my liking. Serves as a restaurant/Kneipe/Nachtklub with mediocre food (not too veggie friendly), expensive drinks and typical mainstream, top 40 of all genres, tunage. It's not horrible, it's just not too exciting. Kinda reminds me of Luv-a-fair toward the end of it's existance... really predictable. Cool venue though with the klub being in what feels like a bunker below the restaurant, with a tattooing shop and hair salon that are only open during the day. But again... really touristy.
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I think that's enough for now... I'll likely have a 'We Dance to the Sound of Sirens: v2' in the near future. I'm thinking of doing a similar post about dinning and shopping. A good way for me to keep track of the places I've enjoyed most and can recommend to others along the way.
Love and misses,
Devi
2 comments:
Mom - what an amazing place to club - you must be in your element - Mom
WHAT FUN!! you are on an exploration mission---like a space traveller hopping from one universal way-station to another. it all sounds alien compared to Vancouver, not that i know anything about the local clubs-- how exciting for you! really enjoyed the photos, your hand on the graffiti wall, your socked feet, you with your new friend Anne--who took the pic?,you with the guys from Covenant, who took the pic? --where was Eskil? looking forward to more. love Dad
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