Live From Earth at Berghain - This needed a Review
What comes after this intro is something that barely deserves the name "review." We were happy to see each other again, to socialize, to drink, and to explore the space. To be honest, at no point was I truly drawn in by the music. Neither Panorama Bar nor Berghain hit the spot for me. The longest time I remember being on the dancefloor was when Skrillex started around 4 AM. Before that, it felt as if the sound system wasn't properly delivering (not unusual for the beginning slots). I wasn't much in the Pano Bar mood, even though the House sound was similar to what I would expect from a regular Klubnacht, which I usually enjoy.
But even this Skrillex set didn’t keep me on the dancefloor for long. It felt too pop-coated for me; I jokingly said it felt like glazing Charli XCX's sound the whole 30–40 minutes I was there. However, it is important to note that I was probably distracted and am generally more used to the classic industrial techno usually played on the main floor. I heard from many people throughout the night that they were impressed by the sets and really liked the music. I fully believe them!
So why am I writing this review? I feel like these Live From Earth events get a lot of shit online and (especially on the Berghain subreddit) get discredited as "TikTok techno" events. They are made fun of and constantly frowned upon for drawing "the worst possible crowd."
People were complaining that the LFE crew is exploiting their connection to Berghain to draw in international artists with the goal of expanding their own visibility. On that evening, I saw multiple very influential pop culture stars, even though I am usually completely oblivious to celebrities—so I guess there were far more whom I didn’t recognize. It makes me understand the criticism. However, what people seem to miss is that Berghain has been supporting this for decades; back then, it was with the Drumcode nights. For sure, those also played a role in connecting the residents with international artists, labels, and bookers. How do you think those Ostgut OGs ended up playing Awakenings and the like?
Maybe lately the focus has shifted more towards pop culture (peak being Drake's visit), but in its core, Berghain has always operated this way.
While some might detest this approach, I am sorry to destroy your disillusioned self, but it’s just the way things are done in this industry. Neither Berghain nor LFE are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts; there is a business behind both the club and the label. So let’s skip all this philanthropy bullshit and get to the gist: Was the party actually good?
Despite all the keyboard warriors hating on such a "mainstream" event, it was one of the best evenings at Berghain I’ve had in a long time, especially on a Friday. The line looked long, but inside it was very tame. I rarely had to wait for anything, be it the wardrobe, bar, or toilet.
Sure, let’s be honest, that unhinged energy of a Klubnacht was missing. The fucked up zombies, the elitist cliques, the toilet stall occupiers… wait… those are all bad things?! Yes, but they also bring the messiness. The raw (sexual) energy, and the queer grit. If every night in Berghain looked like this, the club would probably be known as a very good one, but it wouldn't have all the myths around it. Part of the allure are those fucked up stories, the unhinged behavior, and the reputation as a place of mayhem.
But that environment is rarely considerate towards others. It can be abusive, predatory, and egomaniacal. That friday was much more toned down, which in my opinion made a much safer and more pleasant clubbing experience, looking at it neutrally.
My best guess is that people who usually exhibit those behaviors are often a "special kind of regulars" and hence feel it’s okay to behave like that (encouraged by their clique). It’s not a shot against all regulars, as I have a lot of friends who are the opposite and super sweet. But there undeniably is a certain subset. Usually, this subset sticks to the regular Klubnacht on Saturday or Sunday (and to hating on reddit). The same goes for the heavy GHB crowd, which mostly seemed to have skipped LFE.
Would I go again? Under the premise that I am interested in the lineup and there is a limited presale again? Sure! Would I wait in line for 3 hours on a rainy, cold Berlin evening? Hell no! Have I met some great people and enjoyed the night? Most definitely! Do I think the public hate from elitists towards LFE and their approach to curating a night is unjustified? Yes…
Contrary to the public opinion in Berlin about selection, ticketed events, and "mainstream techno," I only had positive encounters on that Friday and hope the Life From Earth crew will continue in a similar fashion.
