If you gave a club goer the option to travel anywhere in the world right now, there are probably two places that would crop up. Sun-seeking, vest-wearing respondents might say Ibiza, the white isle where big club anthems and an empty wallet are the norm. But other side of the coin is Berlin, and one club in particular: Berghain.
Opened in 2004, it has since become the epicentre of the techno subculture, repeatedly sending its shockwaves across the world. A medium for this global influence is the club’s offshoot label, Ostgut Ton. It was initiated in 2005 by Nick Höppner, who derived its name from the older incarnation of Berghain, which was heartlessly demolished in 2003 to make way for other developments.
The label maintains a resident only policy, ensuring water-tight releases fuelled by an intense concentration of musical brainpower. For those who can only hope to get into the notoriously semi-permeable club, the mystique emitted by the huge ex-power plant becomes more and more alluring.
Lucky for us in Leeds, Butter Side Up is bringing Höppner and his Ostgut mate Tama Sumo to Wire in a few weeks for a showcase of their label. On a smaller scale, Wire stays true to the raw, Berghain style that leads to the success of any club, focussing on quality music and sound. We hope the two of them will feel quite at home in the basement.
To get you ready for the event, here’s our pick of Ostgut Ton’s tracks:
A spaced out deep house thumper from this dynamic duo off their album ‘Serenity’ released in 2008, featuring a gnarly Chicagoan bassline and twirling sawed-up synths. Prosumer is no longer a resident at Berghain, unfortunately. Expect more stuff from these two soon, or at least some activity on their Potion label.
Some twisted and rather terrifying techno from Luke Slater here, representing Berghain’s freakier side. Slater has been churning out techno and acid since the mid-90s, and has really earned his place on this most prestigious of labels.
The American producer projectiles this bit of seething, but ultimately euphoric, minimal house on his joint Panorama Bar 02 EP with Steffi.
A 2015 EP from a previous ‘One Night With…’ guest, Virginia. This is such a classy release. Wickedly funky, with a warm, glowing retro aesthetic.
And finally, Nick Höppner with this absolutely stunning minimal house composition. He’s a master at creating a darkened mood, cut through with an unstoppable groove. We can’t wait to hear his selections at Butter Side Up.
Butter Side Up’s Ostgut Ton Showcase w/ Tama Sumo & Nick Höppner and support from resident Jonny Sleight is on 12th February 2016.
Final release tickets are available HERE.
Oliver Walkden