While Berlin’s iconic nightclub Berghain has maintained its underground status for nearly two decades, the venue’s latest collaborative project represents a significant departure from its fiercely independent roots.
Three groundbreaking artists—Spanish flamenco-pop innovator Rosalía, Icelandic avant-garde legend Björk, and experimental musician Yves Tumor—have joined forces to release “Berghain,” a track that captures the dark, pulsating energy of the former power plant turned techno temple.
The collaboration draws inspiration from the venue’s rich history dating back to 2004, when it emerged from the ashes of Ostgut, itself an evolution of the underground “Snax” parties that began in the early 1990s.
Set in a cavernous space with 18-meter ceilings, Berghain’s legendary acoustics appear to have influenced the track’s production, which features reverberating bass lines and atmospheric synths that mimic the club’s distinctive sound environment.
“We wanted to honor what Berghain represents—freedom, sexual expression, and musical boundary-pushing,” said one of the artists in a press statement released yesterday.
The song’s lyrics reportedly reference the club’s notoriously strict door policy and marathon weekend parties that often stretch from Friday night through Monday morning without interruption.
Music critics note that the collaboration mirrors Berghain’s position at the intersection of underground culture and international recognition.
Located on the border between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts (a geographic detail reflected in its name), the club has long symbolized Berlin’s transformation following the fall of the Wall in 1989.
The track alternates between Björk’s ethereal vocals, Rosalía’s flamenco-influenced melodies, and Yves Tumor’s experimental electronic production—a sonic representation of the different musical spaces within the venue, from the techno-focused main floor to the house-oriented Panorama Bar.
The song perfectly captures the sensory experience many describe upon entering Berghain, where the overwhelming excitement has been compared to the feeling of children entering Disneyland, yet with a distinctly adult and underground sensibility.
While purists may question this mainstream acknowledgment of Berlin’s fiercely protected club culture, others view it as evidence of Berghain’s enduring influence on global electronic music two decades after its inception.
The artists have also incorporated elements reminiscent of the post-pandemic art exhibitions that took place in the venue during lockdown, showcasing how Berghain continues to evolve as a cultural landmark beyond just nightlife.
The trio reportedly recorded their vocals over mostly completed instrumental tracks, employing acoustic treatment techniques similar to those used in professional studio environments to capture the authentic reverberations characteristic of Berghain’s unique spatial dimensions.
The track’s immersive underwater sections employ sweeping filters that create the muffled, submerged quality characteristic of Berlin’s distinctive club sound, inviting listeners to experience the music’s layered textures.
