+++UPDATE: Guardian feature on United We Stream. A new form of house music
Berlin, the techno capital may be under lockdown but the clubs are still banging – in kitchens worldwide, so fans can party at home.
United We Stream is a collaboration of about 40 clubs and several other nightlife businesses in Berlin. Every evening at 7pm (6pm UK time), DJ line-ups are live-streamed from the city’s nightclubs. And people worldwide are tuning in to get a taste of Berlin’s world-famous techno parties from their kitchens and living rooms.
According to Leichsenring, United We Stream will keep broadcasting performances at least until 20 April, the earliest date Germany’s coronavirus restrictions could be eased, but probably even longer. “We suppose that clubs will be the last to reopen,” he says, “so we will do the streams as long as necessary.”
Ellen Allien, one of the world’s most famous techno DJs and a born-and-bred Berliner, describes United We Stream as important escapism during lockdown times, mirroring how Berlin’s nightlife itself also provides hedonistic R&R for all.
“We are still in the golden era [of Berlin clubs],” she explains. “There are so many rules in clubs overseas that we don’t have here – religion, the government, clubs having to close at 4am. Closing at 4am – that’s insane.”