From Berlin Basements to Global Stages: The Rise of Keinemusik
Introduction:
In the fast-paced and constantly changing realm of electronic music, there are few who have captured the hearts of audiences and set dance floors ablaze quite like a collective of music creators hailing from Berlin.
The remarkable insights in this article are based on an exclusive interview originally featured in Forbes. This interview provides a deeper look into Keinemusik's journey and their unique perspective within the music industry.
Keinemusik's Unconventional Approach and Genre-Defying Style
Keinemusik's unconventional approach to music production extends even to their name, which playfully means "no music" in German. This tongue-in-cheek moniker encapsulates an approach that challenges norms within the music industry. Their signature sound is a unique blend of techno and deep house, influenced by a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, electronica, and afrobeat. It's an eclectic style that not only sets the members apart but also serves as a testament to their creative freedom.
A Decade of Artistic Freedom and Global Reach
This artistic freedom is at the core of the Passion Economy, a movement that empowers creators to forge unconventional paths in and beyond the music industry. In the past ten years, Keinemusik has unleashed over 65 EPs and two albums through their independent label, alongside numerous remixes. They've taken their music to live stages across more than 60 countries, showcasing their global appeal and widespread acclaim.
The Trio Behind the Collective
Rampa, whose birth name is Gregor Tresher, stands as a key figure in the trio at the heart of the collective. His journey into the realm of music commenced during his early school years when he first explored rhythm through drumming. At the age of 12, Rampa ventured into the world of DJing and established a setup in his family's basement, transforming it into his personal music production hub.
The second member of the trio, André, known by his stage name &ME, crossed paths with Rampa during their internships at a recording studio. During their night shifts, they often traded their cleaning duties and other intern tasks for experimenting with the studio's professional music equipment, nurturing their shared passion for music.
Adam Port, completes the trio, and much like Reznik and Monja Gentschow, he crossed paths with Gregor and André through mutual acquaintances who shared their enthusiasm for innovative electronic house music. In 2009, Keinemusik was launched.
In-House Design and Branding
During their early days, their performances were limited to Berlin's club scene, and it seemed like only a close-knit community recognized their work for an extended period. However, with perseverance, they eventually carved out a unique niche within the deep house genre that transcended Berlin's typical nighttime settings and underground basements, embracing daytime beach clubs and serene sunset terraces.
The Slow and Steady Approach to Success
"Our foremost commitment has always been to maintain a consistent energy, and that's why we've chosen to progress at a deliberate pace," Rampa explains, portraying himself not just as a musician but also as a creator with an almost poetic disposition. Embracing their uniqueness and distinctive style has proven instrumental in the group's musical growth, business success, and social media presence. In recent years, the Keinemusik "crew" has transitioned from performing at festivals and clubs to becoming characters in the world of GTA 5, embarking on global tours, and contributing beats to tracks like "Falling Back" and "A Keeper" featured on Drake's album "Honestly, Nevermind," which soared to #7 on the Global 200 Billboard Charts."
Capturing Keinemusik's Energy
During their performances, you'll frequently spot a prominent cloud and peace sign hovering above Rampa's emerald hat, Adam's ice hockey jersey, and &ME's curly hair under the bucket hat while they hold their station in the DJ booth. The atmosphere tends to evoke the warmth of sunset rays rather than the darkness of night, and the infectious energy at a Keinemusik show ripples through the airwaves.
Beyond Music: Entrepreneurship and Collaborations
Beyond their merchandise offerings, the Keinemusik members are closely associated with the Berlin-based clothing brand Civilist and TEILE, a hardware startup initiated by Rampa. This startup specializes in crafting DJ-centric products, including tailor-made analog effects, powerful speaker systems, and a range of DJ-oriented gadgets. In a manner akin to Drake's OVO (October's Very Own) label, Keinemusik has forged a distinctive brand identity within their niche. This creative universe has not only captivated a dedicated fan base but has also given rise to numerous collaborative ventures and artistic productions.
Staying True to Themselves
“I think people started liking us because we really did our own thing, not trying to be anybody else”. Rampa describes his way of operating as ”less is usually more”, an approach that goes hand-in-hand with taking it slow.
By embracing bright colors and daytime performances in a music genre often associated with nighttime events, Keinemusik is likely playing a role in influencing the future of music and contributing to the evolution of the passion-driven creative economy.