Marcel Dettman

Everyone involved in house and techno knows that Berghain is one of the most celebrated clubbing institutions in the world. Well, then Marcel Dettmann is, by extension, one of the most celebrated artists in house and techno because he’s held a residency at Berghain since its doors opened all the way back in 2004 (he even held a residency at Berghain’s predecessor, OstGut, in 1999).

Such a reputation is certainly earned for Dettmann far beyond the walls of Berghain, though. Born in Germany when the country was split in two by the Cold War, he found refuge during such a dark time through inherently rebellious forms of music like new wave, post-punk and industrial music before eventually moving on to equally rebellious techno.

That rebellious spirit is one that defines his artist profile, never sticking with one sound for too long either in the studio or in the club. He thrives in all soundscapes, adapting his DJ sets to whatever energy they may demand whether it be minimal, deep, or fully leftfield, and his extensive release catalog reflects this talent for versatility.

With dozens of releases to his name including five full length albums, there is something for every clubland citizen across Dettmann’s discography. Whether it be the fully connected journey of his addition to the legendary DJ-Kicks series, his collaborative album with fellow Berghain resident Ben Klock entitled Phantom Studies, or his most obscure material which her reserves of his own label, aptly titled Marcel Detmann Records (or MDR for short) it becomes immediately clear why he is so celebrated in one of the world’s most celebrated clubbing institutions.