Music

Music has been at the heart of Berlin since forever.

You only have to think back to Bowie playing in West Berlin in ’87 with hundreds of East Berliners listening from the other side of the wall, to realise just how much music means to Berliners.

Music is everywhere in the city. From bands playing randomly in the park to three day techno parties to an afternoon serenade under your window on a Sunday.

It’s something I really miss. There was always some friend’s gig or a music event to go to, or often you’re just simply cycling along and stumble upon something cool.

Not to mention the organised music events like Fête de la Musique in the summer where literally every corner of the city becomes a stage. Or the Sunday Kareoke in Mauer Park, which is great fun whether you want to embarrass yourself singing, or just watch.

Everyone seems to be a musician of sorts in Berlin: a singer; a drummer; someone making electronic music. We’ve all met them, always DJing, jamming or writing lyrics.

In my first apartment a pianist lived in the apartment above, which meant free concerts through the ceiling.

Music is a form of freedom of expression and is often a vehicle used by people with something to fight for, which probably goes some way towards explaining why Berlin lives and breathes music.

With clubs that have become international household names, it’s easy to see why hundreds of thousands of people flock to Berlin at the weekend for its music scene.

But, you don’t have to be into techno to find something you love music wise in Berlin. That said, it does help!