You know the history, right? How EDM only really started up in the USA in the 2000s, about 20 years after it kicked off in Europe? More specifically, in Berlin. You see, DJs and artists have always gravitated towards areas of controversy (in this case the Berlin Wall). It’s where we get our kicks and use our talents to make social changes. So what went down in those 20 years?
Make no mistake - dance music was well underway in the USA in the 80s. But it was the Detroit ‘warehouse’ sound which got the crowds moving. The industrial spaces of Detroit’s city limits became the venues for parties, much in the same way that the decaying inner city of East Berlin did. It was just a different sound, but the aesthetic was the same. We prefer to dance in the dark.
The electronic music happening in Europe in the 1980s and 90s was the bedrock of the shared EDM culture we enjoy today. Extended mixes, big risers and reverb washes all owe something to the Berlin scene. Festivals such as Winterworld, Love Parade and MayDay gained popularity. During this time, DJs such as Paul van Dyk, Zedd and Robin Schulz flew the flag high and popularized the music globally.
To this day, Berlin is basically the capital of club-music culture. The city is a magnet for producers and DJs from all over the world. The nightlife of the techno scene is unparalleled. Clubs on every corner, events for days and labels coming out the wazoo. And a thriving economy around new dance music.
For anyone looking to become a professional DJ, location is half of the game. It’s easier to gain traction now than ever by using livestreaming to grow your audience. But if you have a chance to get to Berlin and pursue a career in DJing, take it. Your other secret weapon? This DJ Careers course. Grab that knowledge which gives you the edge!