Schlossgarten Open Air: Paul Kalkbrenner

Paul Kalkbrenner: An extraordinary path in the world of techno

The Berlin-based Paul Kalkbrenner has had a unique career over the past two decades. He started out as a techno artist in the underground and has developed into an icon without compromise. Chart successes, leading roles in films, soundtracks, festival headliner appearances and millions of fans worldwide - Kalkbrenner remains true to himself and his great techno sound.

His name is synonymous with electronic music. He grew up in a golden era of techno, with the reunification of Germany and the growing rave culture in Berlin. As a teenager, he was already collecting records and DJing, but soon decided that DJing was not his world. Instead, he has since focused on live performances of his own music.

Kalkbrenner's breakthrough came during the heyday of "Berlin techno" and through his association with the Bpitch Control label. However, his global success transcended this scene, particularly through his starring role in the cult film "Berlin Calling" and its soundtrack. Before this milestone, he had already released albums such as "Superimpose", "Zeit" and "Self" and built up a loyal fan base.

Today, his catalog comprises eight albums, over 137 tracks and numerous remixes. With his live performances, he brings the energy of a dancefloor to its peak with his own music alone. He has broken barriers in the electronic music scene by playing stages normally reserved for rock stars - including the mainstage debut of a techno artist at the commercial Tomorrowland festival. A particular highlight was his performance in front of 400,000 people as part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Since 2009, Kalkbrenner has been releasing music on his own label, later on Columbia Records. There, he was the first artist to gain access to the Sony Legacy archives to sample untouched classics such as Luther Vandross and Jefferson Airplane for his album "7". After his return to independence in 2022, he experimented with new formats such as viral mixtapes ("Back To The Future") and singles like "Graf Zahl", "Si Soy Fuego" and "Schwer".

Despite all his successes, Paul Kalkbrenner remains deeply rooted in techno. He is a tireless pioneer who defies trends and remains one of the most influential artists in electronic music with his uncompromising vision.