In opinion of many techno fans, especially the younger ones, Berlin is the center of techno music. And the story is starting at the very beginning of 90s.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the people once divided united, and a culture of unity presented into sub genre of electronic music never seen before. Fans of electronic music at parties and raves promoted freedom and hedonism, and after a short while it was unstoppable movement. Abandoned buildings were turned into temporary clubs and DJs became the stars of the hour. What is now Berlin’s primary reputation took a long time to flourish. Here is how Berlin became the undisputed capital of techno.
Techno originated from Detroit, it was developed there in late 80s. In opinion of many, new machine sound was also inspired by German band Kraftwerk. Techno came to West Germany at the very end of 1980s. After the fall of the wall, many abandoned abuildings were taken over by young people who organized illegal raves. Power plants, bunkers, hangers and underground stations became temporary clubs. The relief and freedom after the reunification was celebrated with nonstop parties and flourished through the strong gay, art and underground scenes. Young people from East Berlin were pushing a much harder electronic sound — no vocals, harder basses.
When it comes to club culture, Tresor, Der Bunker and E-Werk played a major role in the establishment of techno music and club culture in Berlin. Tresor started as Ufo Club and was an illegal party for more than three years. The venue of today reopened in 2007 in Mitte. Der Bunker is now closed, and E-Werk is used as a general location venue these days.
This culture remains and even today many of the people who started illegal raves after the fall of the wall own most of the successful Berlin techno venues. They understood how to turn their illegal activities into successful business opportunities. Knowing how to satisfy the music lovers from the early days, they built up a club scene where everybody can feel at home and be who they are.
