Veteran Berlin DJ and Berghain Mainstay Nick Höppner Talks Passing the Torch
When it comes to big names in Berlin’s DJ scene, few loom as large as Nick Höppner. That’s due in no small part to his monthly residencies in the techno mecca’s esteemed Berghain club, as well as his management of the club's prestigious Ostgut Ton record label during its golden years. On top of that, Höppner tours extensively, wooing crowds with deep cuts from his own LPs like Work and Folk as well as using his sets to shed light on promising up and comers in the scene. Below, Höppner tells us about all that and more ahead of his Mar 30 set at Zhao Dai.
On deciding where to tour.
As long as I’m not getting a call from a really dangerous corner of our world, and as long my ex-wife agrees to take care of our kids for as long as I’m away, I’m going anywhere. It’s as simple as that. The itinerary needs to make a bit of sense as well, though. I won’t go to Australia for just one show, for example.
On choosing tracks to release on his new label, Touch From A Distance.
The tracks need to make me want to listen to them over and over again. I need to be able to say to myself that I would spend money on these if they were released on someone else’s label. And I need to see a place for them in my DJ sets. Right now I’m really keen on finding and supporting fresh talent who are making music who give old guys like me a run for their money [laughs].
On being praised for avoiding musical pigeonholes.
Well, it feels pretty good, I must say. A lot better than if people were bored with me because they always already know what to expect from me, although this kind of predictability seems to work really well for a lot of DJs.
On his albums Work and Folk.
I think they both offer a varied, well-timed listening experience that evoke a lot of different emotive states along the way.
On Berlin’s ever-evolving DJ scene.
There are much more of us now. And it’s gotten much much more diverse. I think all in all, things got a lot better. I sometimes miss a bit of a more intimate and personal vibe here and there, but I’m sure I could find it if I had the time and energy to look for it!
Nick Höppner will perform at Zhao Dai on Mar 30. Ticket prices are TBA.
Need to cut loose? See the best of this week's nightlife in our weekly column Beijing Beats.
Photos courtesy of Bye Bye Disco
