Shows
Studio BerlinLooking back on KCRW Berlin — Part 2During KCRW Berlin’s last week on air, we're sharing the story behind the story. Listen to the second of a special, two-part episode reflecting on the history of the station and commemorating more than 60 episodes of Studio Berlin. Host Sylvia Cunningham is joined by KCRW Berlin’s Program Director and Common Ground host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, Studio Berlin co-host Sumi Somaskanda, frequent contributor Erik Kirschbaum, and executive producer Monika Müller-Kroll.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.2020-12-0924 minStudio BerlinLooking back on KCRW Berlin — Part 1During KCRW Berlin’s last week on air, we share with you the story behind the story in a special, two-part episode with Common Ground.Host Sylvia Cunningham is joined by KCRW Berlin’s Program Director and Common Ground host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson; Studio Berlin co-host Sumi Somaskanda and frequent contributor Erik Kirschbaum; Studio Berlin executive producer Monika Müller-Kroll and Common Ground senior producer Dina Elsayed.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.2020-12-0728 min
The Bear on KCRW BerlinSaying goodbye with some all-time favorite storiesSadly, this month's episode is our last before KCRW Berlin goes off air on Dec. 13, 2020.In celebration of more than a dozen episodes over the past year-and-a-half, host Sylvia Cunningham invites The Bear's founder, Dyane Neiman, to talk about what inspired her to start this monthly storytelling event and how much it's grown since its launch in 2015.Tune in to hear some of Dyane's all-time favorite stories, including "A Big Black Bear" from Mike Trupiano, "Family Divisions" from Liz Erber and "What I Did For Love," by Khushi Pasquale. You'll also hear some...2020-11-2859 min
KCRW Berlin: AmplifiedBerlin-based musician Martha Rose on 'diving deeply and emotionally after something that you love' (Rebroadcast)Martha Rose, a U.K.-born, Berlin-based musician, just released her second full-length album titled “Undress & Dive After.” The 33-year-old multi-instrumentalist talks with us about her songwriting process, what her grandparents have to do with it and what’s behind her intriguing album title. (Originally aired Aug. 8, 2020)Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2020-11-2105 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedHow this year's edition of Jazzfest Berlin strives to build a 'transatlantic bridge,' just days after the US electionJazzfest Berlin has a long tradition in the city. It's been a platform for musicians from around the world since 1964. This year, the four-day festival is scheduled to kick off on Nov. 5 with a focus on the jazz scenes in Berlin and New York. We spoke with Nadin Deventer, the artistic director of the festival about what to expect from this special pandemic edition of Jazzfest Berlin.2020-10-2405 minStudio BerlinGermany vs. COVID-19, Round 2: Can we avoid another lockdown?As novel coronavirus cases skyrocket across Germany and Europe, we talk about what we've learned since the start of the pandemic. How can we best stop its spread, what are the new treatments and is a lockdown imminent or even wise?Host Sylvia Cunningham talks with Christian Karagiannidis, president of the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine; Korinna Hennig, science editor and co-host of public broadcaster NDR's weekly show "The Coronavirus Update"; Thomas Isenberg, health policy spokesman for the Social Democrats' parliamentary group in Berlin's House of Representatives; Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief...2020-10-2128 minStudio BerlinWhat would you do with an extra 1,200 euros per month with no strings attached? (Rebroadcast)This week we revisit our discussion on universal basic income. The debate over UBI is not a new one, but it has gotten more attention in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis. A new long-term study on how society would change if people were to receive an unconditional basic income is underway in Germany. The pilot project will involve 120 participants who receive a basic income over the course of three years and hundreds more in a control group who do not.Host Sylvia Cunningham talks with Michael Bohmeyer, co-founder of the Berlin nonprofit “Mein Grundeinkommen” that is b...2020-09-3028 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinBad mistakes make good storiesThis special edition of the "The Bear on KCRW Berlin" was produced for the "Fehler" project in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut in Washington, D.C.These true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear's "Eve of the Champs" event on June 19, 2020 at Pfefferberg Haus 13. The theme of the evening was: Bad mistakes make good stories.The storytellers featured in this episode are Galuh Rohmah, Annie Voigt, Renko Pauwels, Allia Sadeghipour and Denise Banks-Grasedyck. Illay Chester performed cello live.The Bear was created by Dyane Neiman and inspired by The Moth...2020-09-2650 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedJuno Francis: Swedish Pop Made In BerlinAngelica Ranåsen and Jacob Fagerstål are the Swedish pop duo Juno Francis. They teamed up in Berlin a couple of years ago to work on their vision of psychedelic 60s and 80s pop. We caught up with the singer, Angelica, who is 26, to talk about the duo's upcoming first EP "Oyster Love," and her fascination with all things retro.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2020-09-2004 minStudio BerlinHow connected are Germans really 30 years after reunification?On Oct. 3, 1990, less than a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, East and West Germany were reunited. Late Chancellor Helmut Kohl called it a "dream come true" after more than 40 years of division. For East Germans in particular, reunification meant access to new opportunity and freedoms, but the process of growing together brought trials and tribulations that sowed animosity between East and West Germans. Thirty years later, what does German unity look like?Host Sumi Somaskanda discusses the ups and downs of Germany's transformation with Anke Domscheit-Berg, parliamentarian for die Linke (the Left...2020-09-1628 minStudio BerlinWhat would you do with a basic income of 1,200 euros per month with no strings attached?The debate over unconditional basic income is not a new one, but it has gotten more attention in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis. A new long-term study on how society would change if people were to receive a basic income is underway in Germany. The pilot project will involve 120 participants who receive a basic income over the course of three years and hundreds more in a control group who do not.Host Sylvia Cunningham talks with Michael Bohmeyer, co-founder of the Berlin nonprofit "Mein Grundeinkommen” that is behind the pilot project and Marcel Fratzscher, president of...2020-09-0228 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified'A label for a lack of a label': hear now berlin's founder on playing genre-defying chamber musichear now berlin is a chamber group that plays works by contemporary composers. Inspired by the music she loves playing and hearing, the sextet’s founder and flutist, Kelly Watson Woelffer, searched for five musicians who shared her vision: a violist from Australia, a cellist from New Zealand, and a trumpeter, violinist and clarinetist from Germany.Though they are all classically trained musicians with orchestral foundations, the six are also skilled in a wide range of other genres, including singer-songwriter, big band, pop and jazz.About 18 months after the group’s debut performance, we c...2020-08-2905 minStudio BerlinShould the word 'Rasse' (or 'race') be removed from Germany's constitution? (Rebroadcast)This show originally aired on July 15.This week we revisit a controversial discussion that started earlier in the summer. Amid nationwide and international protests against racism, Germany's Green Party proposed to change Article 3 of the nation's Basic Law by removing "Rasse" - in English, "race" - from the text. Proponents of removing the word say it’s linked to Nazi ideology and this change is long overdue. Others say this move is too hasty and would actually harm people of color.Studio Berlin, host Sylvia Cunningham discusses this complex issue with We...2020-08-2628 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedMusician Candice Gordon on starting a new chapter in her lifeCandice Gordon is the new cultural officer at the Irish Embassy in Berlin. The musician is known well beyond Berlin’s music scene for her haunting voice and prolific lyrics.We caught up with Gordon about her new role in cultural diplomacy and her latest EP, “The Sacramental Traffic Lights.”Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2020-08-2205 minStudio BerlinDebating Berlin's anti-discrimination law (rebroadcast)This show originally aired on June 17, 2020.Back in June, Berlin passed a hotly debated anti-discrimination law. It is the first of its kind in Germany and allows victims to pursue legal remedies against state officials — including police — for discrimination related to race, gender, disability, sexual orientation and more. But is the new law the panacea its proponents claim or is it villainizing the police as the law's critics contend?Host Sumi Somaskanda talks with Armaghan Naghipour, who worked on the new legislation and is the political adviser to Berlin Justice Sena...2020-08-1928 minStudio BerlinBack to school amid the pandemic - how is Berlin keeping students and teachers safe?Berlin schools reopened this week amid fears of a second COVID-19 wave, with about 370,000 students returning to the classroom. What measures are in place to minimize the risk of coronavirus outbreaks, and how are students, teachers and parents adapting to the "new normal"?Host Sylvia Cunningham discusses these questions with Professor Olaf Köller, education expert for the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina; Berlin mom Anda Corrie and her 12-year-old daughter Sidonie, and teachers Micah Brashear and Ryan Plocher. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Sylvia Cu...2020-08-1228 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedBerlin-based musician Martha Rose on 'diving deeply and emotionally after something that you love'Martha Rose, a U.K.-born, Berlin-based musician, just released her second full-length album titled “Undress & Dive After.” The 33-year-old multi-instrumentalist talks with us about her songwriting process, what her grandparents have to do with it, and what’s behind her intriguing album title.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2020-08-0805 minStudio BerlinHow has the COVID-19 crisis impacted climate change policies and the environment?With the COVID-19 health crisis still at the top of Germany's agenda, have climate change policies fallen to the wayside? Or has the pandemic provided a test run in crisis management?Host Sylvia Cunningham discusses these questions with Clara Mayer, a press speaker for Fridays for Future in Berlin; Jakob Schlandt from the Energy & Climate briefing of the Berlin newspaper, Der Tagesspiegel; and Dr. Kira Vinke, who is a scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Sylvia Cunningham. 2020-08-0528 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedThe German swing band that vows to keep you entertained through the pandemicBack in March when all the music clubs closed in Berlin, big band leader Andrej Hermlin made a promise: to keep on performing as long as the coronavirus pandemic restricts our lives.His band, the Swingin’ Hermlins, started a non-stop series of nightly concerts streamed live via Facebook. KCRW Berlin’s Erik Kirschbaum met Andrej Hermlin to talk about his love for American music from the 1930s and why he made this crazy promise.Produced by Erik Kirschbaum2020-08-0105 minStudio BerlinA closer look at a series of death threats sent to politicians and other prominent figures in GermanyGerman authorities are investigating a series of death threats sent via email to politicians and other prominent figures.The threats were signed with the name NSU 2.0, a reference to a neo-Nazi terrorist group. Investigators found that some of the cases of these threats involved data accessed from police computers in the state of Hesse.Host Sumi Somaskanda discusses the latest development with Melissa Eddy, Berlin-based correspondent for the New York Times; comedian Idil Baydar, who has received death threats via email and phone; criminal lawyer Onur Özata; and Berlin police spokesman, Thilo Cablitz.T...2020-07-2927 minStudio BerlinIs the party over?Berlin lifted more pandemic restrictions this week, but the city's clubs remain closed for the foreseeable future. What does that mean for Berlin's iconic clubbing culture and the city's reputation? Host Sumi Somaskanda talks with Lutz Leichsenring of Clubcommission Berlin, and Matthias Stieler from "One Berlin" about new strategies to keep Berlin's club scene alive and explores the city's rich music culture with DJ Sarah Farina, and KCRW Berlin's Brave New Rave host Moderna.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Sumi Somaskanda. 2020-07-2228 minStudio BerlinShould the word 'rasse' (or 'race') be removed from Germany's constitution?In the wake of nationwide and international protests against racism, Germany’s Green Party wants to change Article 3 of the nation’s Basic Law by removing “Rasse” – in English, “race” – from the text. The conversation is not new, but controversial. Proponents of removing the word say it’s linked to Nazi ideology and this change is long overdue. Others say this move is too hasty and would actually harm people of color.This week on Studio Berlin, host Sylvia Cunningham discusses this complex issue with Werner Graf, the chairman of the Greens in Berlin; Martin Fischer, an evolut...2020-07-1528 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedSinger-songwriter Michael Brinkworth on how to create this 'Good Old Feeling'Brisbane-born Michael Brinkworth draws inspiration from Bob Dylan, Neil Young and from the city he now calls home, Berlin, “this weird halfway house that I ended up in.” The 33-year-old traveled the globe before settling down here six years ago.In the past couple of months, Brinkworth has been releasing tracks from his upcoming album, “Wasted Wonder.” We talk to him about his new music and life in Berlin. Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2020-07-1104 minStudio BerlinIs Germany's 'Corona-Warn-App' a success?More than 14 million people have downloaded Germany’s COVID-19 contact tracing app. Before its launch last month, the German government project came under fire over data security and privacy concerns. So does it work? What are users saying? And what questions about the app still need to be answered?This week, Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham breaks down the pros and cons of the “Corona-Warn-App” with Thomas Leonhardi, spokesman for the software giant SAP; Günter Voß, coordinator of the Senior Computer Club in Berlin-Mitte; Chris Köver, journalist for the website Netzpolitik.org and Svea Wind...2020-07-0128 minStudio BerlinWill Germany's EU Council presidency move Europe forward?Germany takes the helm of the EU Council on July 1. The presidency comes at a crucial time as Europe grapples with recovery measures to handle the unprecedented health and economic crisis. What are the expectations and challenges ahead? And what are the other topics on Germany’s agenda during its six-month presidency?Host Sylvia Cunningham discusses what’s at stake with Andreas Kluth, columnist at Bloomberg and Christian Odendahl, chief economist at the Centre for European Reform; with Christine Pütz from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung about the foundation’s recent survey on the German view of their...2020-06-2428 minStudio BerlinDebating Berlin's new anti-discrimination lawBerlin passed a hotly debated anti-discrimination law this month, the first of its kind in Germany, that allows victims to pursue legal remedies against state officials — including police — for discrimination related to race, gender, disability, sexual orientation and more. But is the new law the panacea its proponents claim or will it lead to a villainization of the police as the law’s critics contend?Host Sumi Somaskanda talks with Armaghan Naghipour, who worked on the new legislation and is the political adviser to Berlin Justice Senator Dirk Behrendt; Niklas Hofmann from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency...2020-06-1728 minStudio BerlinSoccer is back in Germany, should other countries follow suit?The Bundesliga resumed this month with soccer teams playing to empty stadiums. It’s the first major sports league in the world to restart amid the coronavirus health crisis. But is this a manageable solution in the pandemic era for soccer and other sports? And how are fans reacting to the so-called “ghost games”?Host Erik Kirschbaum is joined by Alima Hotakie, a broadcast sports journalist at Deutsche Welle, and Claus Vetter, sports editor for the daily newspaper Der Tagesspiegel. We also hear from two die-hard soccer fans in Berlin and Alexander Fuchs, who is in cha...2020-05-2728 minStudio BerlinHow has the pandemic changed Berlin gastronomy, and who are the people protesting COVID-19 measures?Restaurants and cafes are back open in Berlin, but how has the pandemic changed the experience of dining out? And protests against coronavirus-related restrictions, so-called “hygiene demonstrations,” are gaining attention across the country. Who are these protesters and what are they asking for?Host Sylvia Cunningham is joined by two popular food and restaurant bloggers, Mary Scherpe from Stil in Berlin and Per Meurling from Berlin Food Stories to talk about how the pandemic has changed gastronomy. She also talks with Melissa Eddy, a correspondent in Berlin for The New York Times; Andrea Dernbach from the...2020-05-2028 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedCollaboration in the time of the coronavirus: Record label Ransom Note supports artists by making them 'Pen Pals'With concerts and festivals canceled, artists are struggling to make ends meet.London-based label Ransom Note came up with a novel idea to generate some much needed cash for music makers. They invited a number of artists — among them, KCRW Berlin’s Moderna — to contribute to a compilation album by collaborating remotely on original tracks in just 10 days. The completed album, “Pen Pals,” went on sale on April 24 and features 15 tracks by 32 artists. The proceeds go to supporting the artists and the label.We got in touch with Ransom Note’s Rosie Cain to find out...2020-05-0903 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinWild: stories of passionThese true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on February 21, 2020 at ZENTRUM danziger50 in Prenzlauer Berg. The theme of the evening was "wild: stories of passion."The storytellers featured in this episode are Mike Trupiano, Ben McGuire, and Galuh Rohmah. Berlin musician Felix Komoll performed live. Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spector.The Bear was created by Dyane Neiman and inspired by The Moth. If you would like to tell a story or attend the next Bear storytelling evening, check out the Bear storytelling’s event...2020-04-2531 minStudio BerlinIs loosening restrictions the right way out of the COVID-19 crisis?This week Germany is trying to restart part of its economy and public life, but is loosening restrictions the right way out of the COVID-19 crisis? Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda examines Germany’s plan for a gradual return to normality and takes an in-depth look into the medical effort to contain the coronavirus. She is joined by Professor Ulrike Protzer, director of the Institute of Virology at the Technical University of Munich; fellow Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum; Ayten Doğan, who is with the SPD and Berlin commissioner for Integration and Migration, and seco...2020-04-2228 minStudio BerlinFaith leaders on celebrating a holy month during lockdown and the mental health ramifications of the pandemicThis April is a holy month for Christians, Jews and Muslims that would normally be one in which families and friends gather and people get together to pray. But how can the faithful observe their respective holidays given the COVID-19 pandemic? Also, what toll are the bans, closures and increasing isolation taking mentally on all of us?Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham gets tips on relieving stress from psychiatrist and head of the Fliedner Klinik Berlin Dr. Mazda Adli and hears from Father Sylvester Ajunwa, the head of the English-speaking Mission of the All Saints...2020-04-0828 minStudio BerlinWill the historic aid package protect Germany's economy during the COVID-19 crisis?Germany has abandoned its balanced budget to soften the blow the pandemic is delivering to the economy. Will this historic aid package get Germany through the crisis? And what is happening on the European level?Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda discusses the relief efforts with fellow Studio Berlin host Noah Barkin, and DW and NPR contributor Teri Schultz from Brussels. We also hear from small business owners in Berlin about their struggle to survive.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with Sumi Somaskanda.2020-04-0128 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinPremiere: stories of unforgettable firsts (part 2)These true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on January 17 at ZENTRUM danziger50 in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin. Yvonne Grünwald performed live.The storytellers featured in this show are Ben McGuire, David Mouriquand, and Fabienne Lang.Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spector. The Bear was created by Dyane Neiman and inspired by The Moth. If you would like to tell a story or attend the next Bear storytelling evening, check out the Bear storytelling’s event page. And if you’ve missed a previous episode of...2020-03-2834 minStudio BerlinDoes Germany deserve the accolades it's receiving for its handling of COVID-19?German Chancellor Merkel has called the coronavirus pandemic the biggest challenge to her nation since World War II and is receiving praise around the world for her government’s handling of the crisis. But is that praise deserved?This week, Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores that question and the impact of COVID-19 on Berlin, Germany and the EU with fellow Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda; the Bloomberg editorial board’s Andreas Kluth, and Henning Hoff of the Berlin Policy Journal.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Sylvia Cunningham.2020-03-2423 minStudio BerlinPedaling toward a paradigm shift?In the first six weeks of 2020, five cyclists were killed in road traffic in Berlin, propelling cycling advocates to demand more protection for people on their bikes.In this episode of Studio Berlin, we take a closer look at the city’s cycling infrastructure and Berlin’s mobility law. When the law came into effect in 2018, it was meant to mark a “paradigm shift” in the city’s transport policies. So where are we now?Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham is joined by Nikolas Linck, spokesperson for the German National Cyclists’ Association (ADFC) and Julia Ja...2020-03-2124 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedComposer, innovator, musical radical: Upcoming festival celebrates Beethoven's 250th birthday in experimental styleThis year marks 250 years since the birth of one of the most renowned composers of all time, Ludwig van Beethoven. Germany has poured 27 million euros into marking the occasion, and there are a number of events happening here in Berlin, including Labor Beethoven 2020, which is a contemporary reading of the work of Beethoven.We spoke with Julia Gerlach, the head of music at the Akademie der Künste Berlin and the director of Labor Beethoven 2020, to find out more about some of the musical experimentation that has grown out of the celebration and how this b...2020-03-2105 minStudio BerlinLockdowns, travel bans and cancellations - what's being done to contain COVID-19?The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing our lives. This week, Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham looks at where we are in this health crisis and what measures are being taken to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. She’s joined by Dr. Margaret Harris from the World Health Organization (WHO), journalist and fellow Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum, and Klaus Warmedinger, a German business economist who’s been living in China for the past two years.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Sylvia Cunningham.2020-03-1425 minStudio BerlinFacing the gender pay gap in GermanyDespite laws to close the gender pay gap, Germany’s gap remains one of the largest among all EU countries. As Berlin celebrates the second official International Women’s Day, Studio Berlin takes a look at how far Germany has come and speaks with Berlin women who are working for greater gender equality.Studio Berlin host Nikki Motson is joined by Tina Limbird from the Girls Gearing Up International Leadership Academy, Stefanie Bickert from the Business Professional Women network and Equal Pay Day, and Yvonne Büdenhölzer from Berliner Theatertreffen and the recipient of the 20...2020-03-0725 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinPremiere: stories of unforgettable firsts (part 1)These true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on January 17 at ZENTRUM danziger50 in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin. Yvonne Grünwald performed live.The storytellers featured in this show are Dyane Neiman, Martin Bering, Eva Göllner, and Nelson Farber.Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spector. The Bear was created by Dyane Neiman and inspired by The Moth. If you would like to tell a story or attend the next Bear storytelling evening, check out the Bear storytelling’s event page. And if you’ve missed a previous epi...2020-02-2934 minStudio BerlinHow will the 'mietendeckel' affect Berlin renters and landlords?This week on Studio Berlin, we talk about Berlin’s five-year rent freeze, which came into effect last Sunday. Will it lead to positive changes for Berlin’s renters, or will it slow down housing construction and scare away new investors?Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum takes a closer look with Wibke Werner, deputy director of the Berliner Mieterverein, Joel Dullroy, reporter for Deutsche Welle and the producer of a podcast called “Rent Freeze,” and Burkard Dregger, faction leader of the CDU in the Abgeordnetenhaus, the House of Representatives, in Berlin.2020-02-2925 minStudio BerlinThe Skilled Immigration ActA new law will go into effect on March 1: the Skilled Immigration Act. Why is Germany in need of skilled workers from non-EU countries and is Germany ready to welcome them?Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda takes a closer look at Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act with her guests, Michaelle Nintcheu, researcher for the German government’s portal “Make it in Germany,” and Sophia Burton, co-founder of Migration Matters, a non-profit based in Berlin.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Caleb Larson. 2020-02-2225 minStudio BerlinWhat can we expect from Berlinale 2020?Following the appointment of new leadership, will 2020 be the start of a new era for Berlin’s International Film Festival? Host Monika Müller-Kroll discusses the program of the 70th edition of the Berlinale with Meredith Burkholder, creator of Webfest Berlin, and Tom Dorow, co-founder of Indiekino Berlin, an arthouse movie magazine and online platform.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Sylvia Cunningham. 2020-02-1524 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedCaligari rises again with a rejuvenated score at BabylonOn Feb. 27, 1920, Berlin saw the premiere of the psychological thriller, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Today, it’s considered a quintessential film of German Expressionism. But a century ago, a mismatched score nearly cost the film its audience.We spoke to Hans Brandner from the Babylon Orchester Berlin who shares the story about the original screenings of the film and how they prompted the director to work with composer Giuseppe Becce on a whole new score. Components of that very same score have been rearranged by Brandner and conductor Marcelo Falcão to accompany screenings in Berl...2020-02-1504 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinSolstice: stories of the longest night of your lifeThese true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on December 14 at ZENTRUM danziger50 in Prenzlauer Berg. The theme of the evening was solstice: stories about the longest night of your life.The storytellers featured in this episode are Ben McGuire, Emma Kitching, Allia Sadeghipour, Mike Trupiano, and David Mouriquand. Harpist Johanna performed live. Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spector.The Bear was created by Dyane Neiman and inspired by The Moth. If you would like to tell a story or attend the next Bear storyt...2020-01-2546 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified‘The opera machine is not looking for disruption’: Opera Lab Berlin on breaking down traditional musical theater worksOpera Lab Berlin’s upcoming premiere of “ODYSSEY: Dead Men Die” promises a “an apocalyptic journey” encompassing Homer, James Joyce and Hollywood.We caught up with artistic director Evan Gardner to find out more about the free-form ensemble, which has produced or collaborated on over 20 productions in the past six years, as well as what to expect from their new show.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2020-01-2504 minStudio BerlinWhat are the big challenges facing Germany in 2020?What are the big challenges facing Germany in 2020?This week on Studio Berlin, host Sumi Somaskanda discusses the crucial questions of German domestic and foreign policy with Siobhán Dowling, editor at the Berlin Policy Journal, and Andreas Kluth, writer and editor at Bloomberg Opinion.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.2020-01-1125 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedSinger-songwriter Jackson Dyer on his debut album 'Inlet,' an ode to Australia and BerlinJackson Dyer is an Australian singer-songwriter and producer, based in Berlin. His debut album, “Inlet,” was released on November 15.We caught up with him to talk about going home to Australia to record his debut album, the pros and cons of producing an album solo, and his beginnings busking in Mauerpark. Stick around until the end of the interview to hear Jackson perform “Over the Dunes” live in-studio.Produced by Sylvia Cunningham2020-01-1107 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinPaper storiesThese true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on November 22 at ZENTRUM danziger50 in Prenzlauer Berg. The theme of the evening was paper and the extraordinary memories such an ordinary object can spark.The storytellers featured in this episode are Ben McGuire, Galuh Rohmah, Fabienne Lang, Mike Trupiano, and Rachel Jennings. Berlin musician Felix Komoll performed live. Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spector.The Bear was created by Dyane Neiman and inspired by The Moth. If you would like to tell a story or attend...2019-12-2841 minStudio BerlinWhat were the biggest news stories of 2019?As 2019 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the important news stories that we’ve covered on Studio Berlin. Hosts Sumi Somaskanda, Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Erik Kirschbaum discuss some of the big news stories of 2019 that left a mark on Berlin.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 2019-12-0725 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinEureka!: stories of discoveryThese true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on November 1 at Pfefferberg Haus 13. The show was presented in partnership with the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in honor of Berlin Science Week. On this month’s program, we feature four scientists who left the lab to enter the limelight and share stories on the theme: Eureka! Stories of discovery.The storytellers featured in this episode are Emanuel Wyler, Doris Wu, Annie Voigt, and Emma Anne Harris. Illay Chester performed cello live. Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spec...2019-11-3038 minStudio BerlinHow secure are Berlin's Christmas markets?It is Christmas market season in Berlin, a favorite of residents and tourists alike. How safe are these markets three years after the attack at the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market?Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the issue with Deborah Cole, correspondent for the news agency AFP, and city parliament member Marcel Luthe from the Free Democratic Party (FDP). We also hear from the Berlin Police Union spokesman, Benjamin Jendro.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, with assistance from Benjamin Restle.2019-11-3024 minStudio BerlinHomelessness in Berlin and GermanyGermany’s homeless population has increased by more than 4% over the previous year. What’s the reason behind it and what can authorities do to address the issue?Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda takes a closer look at homelessness and poverty in Germany and Berlin. She is joined by Jutta Allmedinger, president of the WZB Berlin Social Science center and Wilhelm Nadolny from the Berliner Stadtmission, or Berlin City Mission.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll, with assistance from Nikki Motson and Caleb Larsen.2019-11-2324 minStudio BerlinThe debate over 5G, Huawei, and Germany's digital futureCould it be one of the most important conversations of the modern era? This week on Studio Berlin, host Noah Barkin delves into the details of Germany’s 5G debate. Why all the fuss about Chinese company Huawei and it’s role in supplying parts of Germany’s 5G infrastructure?Does the decision against competitors like Nokia and Ericsson end chances for European tech excellence? Is the decision forcing Germany to decide between China and the US? Together with two of the leading experts on 5G in Berlin, guests Janka Oertel and Jan-Peter Kleinhans discuss why th...2019-11-1625 min
KCRW Berlin Amplified: LeitmotifsBarenboim-Said Akademie dean Mena Mark Hanna on his journey to Berlin and ‘A New Divan’Host Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Mena Mark Hanna, who started his musical life as a boy soprano in the Philadelphia Boys Choir and is now the Dean of Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin.2019-11-1600 minStudio BerlinBuilding a new Germany after the fall of the WallHow have East and West Germany grown together 30 years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall? This week on Studio Berlin, host Erik Kirschbaum remembers the Fall of the Wall and discusses the making of a new Germany after 1989.He is joined by Hope Harrison, Associate Professor of History and International Affairs at the George Washington University and author of the book, “After the Berlin Wall – Memory and the making of the New Germany. 1989 to the Present” as well as Günter Nooke, personal representative of the German Chancellor for Africa in the Federal Ministry of Econ...2019-11-0925 minStudio BerlinMusic and the fall of the Berlin WallWhat was the soundtrack of the late ’80s, shortly before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall? In this episode of Studio Berlin, host Erik Kirschbaum explores the power of music and how it captured the spirit of freedom and united people in East and West Germany. Erik is joined in studio by Jochen Staadt, leading researcher of the Forschungsverbund SED-Staat at the Freie Universität Berlin. We also hear from Jörg Stempel, worked for the GDR-owned Amiga music label and Tobias Rapp, author of “Lost and Sound: Berlin, Techno and the Easyjetset.”This sho...2019-11-0225 minThe Bear on KCRW BerlinSerendipity: stories of chance encountersThese true, personal stories were recorded live at The Bear on September 26 at ZENTRUM danziger50 in Prenzlauer Berg. The evening marked the opening of The Bear’s fifth season and was presented in partnership with the social networking platform and dating app, Bumble. The theme of the evening was serendipity: stories of chance encounters.The storytellers featured in this episode are Deep Dua, Allia Sadeghipour, Galina Fedulova, and Mike Trupiano. Berlin musician Felix Komoll performed live. Our show’s theme is “I Need Love,” remixed by D.J. Spector.The Bear was created by Dyane...2019-10-2641 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedIshmael Ensemble frontman on his love for Berlin and experimenting with soundIshmael Ensemble is a Bristol-based ambient-jazz-electronica outfit that defies being pigeonholed into only one genre. We sat down with band leader Pete Cunningham and bassist Jake Spurgeon to talk about what inspires them musically and why they love playing in Berlin.Ishmael Ensemble released their debut album, “A State of Flow,” in May of 2019. They are currently recording a new EP and planning a concert tour for 2020.Produced by Benjamin Restle2019-10-2605 minStudio BerlinA closer look at the protests in Hong KongPro-democracy activist Joshua Wong described Hong Kong as the new Berlin – a ground zero for a new Cold War. What does Germany make of Wong’s comparison? And how do the Hong Kong protests influence Germany’s relationship with China? Join host Noah Barkin and his guests, American journalist Melissa Chan and Kristin Shi-Kupfer of the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.2019-09-2825 minStudio BerlinWhat can individuals and businesses do to reach climate goals?What can individuals and businesses do to help Germany reach its climate goals? This week on Studio Berlin, host Nikki Motson discusses questions about energy efficiency with Martin Bornholdt from DENEFF, Laurenz Hermann from CO2 Online and Tim Kauermann founder of “Berlin Kann Mehr.”This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Nikki Motson, with assistance from Colin Shea.2019-09-2125 minStudio BerlinAre we headed for a global financial meltdown?This week on Studio Berlin we ask the questions – are we headed for a global economic meltdown? And what role do political threats play in the financial turmoil?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the German recession and growing global financial crisis with Marcel Fratzscher, head of DIW, American Berlin-based journalist Noah Barkin and Marc Adam, researcher at the Freie Universität John F. Kennedy Institute.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.2019-09-0724 minStudio BerlinUnpacking the Berlin airport sagaThis week on Studio Berlin, host Erik Kirschbaum delves into the BER saga.Berlin’s new international airport is scheduled to open in October 2020. What can we expect and are the past problems history? Erik is joined by Martin Delius, who was the head of the Berlin state parliamentary inquiry into the airport delays and freelance journalist Grace Dobush.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with production assistance from Benjamin Restle.2019-08-1725 minStudio BerlinWhat action is being taken against rising rents in Berlin?This week on Studio Berlin: What action is being taken against rising rents in Berlin?Host Erik Kirschbaum breaks down proposals, like expropriating property and the rent freeze (“Mietendeckel”), with Thomas McGath from “Deutsche Wohnen & Co Enteignen” and journalist Grace Dobush who has written about urbanization and the Berlin housing market for Handelsblatt and Fortune.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with production assistance from Léo Bräuer-Potier, Arie Burshtein, and Sylvia Cunningham.2019-07-2025 minStudio BerlinHow will a peace deal affect women in Afghanistan?The Taliban peace deal that Washington and Berlin want just became a lot more likely. But what will happen to Afghan women? Will more Afghans flee to Germany?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with YAAR Berlin’s Kava Spartak, three Afghan mountain climbers and Afghan psychologist Huma Sherzai.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.2019-07-1325 minStudio BerlinSummit in AfghanistanIn this week’s Studio Berlin, Germany is helping the U.S. reach a peace deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan. But is a deal with the Taliban a good idea?Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson will explore the far-reaching effects of a Taliban deal with Der Tagesspiegel’s Andrea Dernbach and JACK’s Daniela Dachrodt.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.2019-07-0625 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified30 years after the first Loveparade, founder Dr. Motte shares how he started a ‘rave-olution’On July 1, 1989, a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall, a couple handfuls of people started a dance parade to acid house music along Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin. It was called Loveparade and was organized by a DJ named Dr. Motte.30 years on, we caught up with Dr. Motte to find out more about the origins of the legendary event, and how a celebration founded in the name of “peace, love and pancakes” became a world-renowned party.Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2019-07-0105 minStudio BerlinInclusion in Berlin's schoolsIn this week’s Studio Berlin, we’ll be taking a look at the debate surrounding inclusion in Berlin schools. In particular, the discussion around children with special needs. How should schools best serve students with additional needs?Host Nikki Motson will be joined by Eileen Bernardi, the mother of an autistic child and founder of a Berlin support group for parents of special needs kids and Ryan Plocher, a teacher at one of Berlin’s more inclusive schools and a member of the GEW teachers’ union.This show was produced by Monika Müller-K...2019-06-2924 minStudio BerlinThe rise of Germany's Green PartyThis week on Studio Berlin: The rise of the Greens in Germany, an inside look with a longtime Green politician.Host Erik Kirschbaum is joined by Özcan Mutlu, a Green Party politician in Berlin and former member of the German parliament, and Andreas Kluth, a Berlin-based journalist who was previously the bureau chief of the Economist and editor-in-chief of Handelsblatt Today, to break down the success of the Greens and what it might mean for Germany’s future political landscape.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.2019-06-2225 minStudio BerlinBrexitSeven candidates are in the running to be the next prime minister of the U.K. Who will succeed Theresa May and how will the key players deal with Brexit? What can we expect to see next – new elections, a second referendum?Our second episode of “Studio Berlin” is all about Brexit, a three year divorce in the making, and how it affects the rest of Europe and Berlin. Host Maisie Hitchcock is joined by Jon Worth, communications consultant for European politicians, and Jan Techau, Senior Fellow and Director of the Europe Program at the German...2019-06-1524 minStudio BerlinFridays for FutureYoung people around the world are taking to the streets to demand action on climate change. What do the Fridays for Future activists want and how are politicians reacting to the movement?In our first edition of “Studio Berlin” host Sumi Somaskanda talks with Franziska Wessel, a 15-year-old activist from Fridays for Future in Berlin and Jennifer Collins, a reporter and writer who’s been covering climate and environmental stories for Deutsche Welle, among other media outlets.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Nikki Motson2019-06-0824 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedStreet sounds of Berlin: Soprano Christina Harslem shares her passion with the publicBerlin street musicians play everywhere, from street corners to public transportation. In this series, we’re talking with Berlin street musicians in order to find out more about who they are and what drives them to share their music throughout the city.We spoke with soprano Christina Harslem to learn more about the rewards and challenges of performing as a street musician.Produced by Flora Adamian2019-06-0804 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedListening to Tuareg music with African Acid Is The FutureMaryama Luccioni is the founder of African Acid Is The Future, a Berlin-based music collective that hosts concerts and radio shows, and has put out an LP titled Ambiance I.On June 6, African Acid Is The Future will feature Tuareg musician Mdou Moctar in a show at the Volksbühne in Berlin. We sat down with Luccioni to talk about the collective’s origin stories, plus a glimpse into Moctar’s music ahead of the show.Produced by Sylvia Cunningham2019-06-0105 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedThe Only Good System Is A Sound System festival explores the sounds and politics of bass culture“The only good system is a sound system” is an adage known among music heads and audio nerds. It’s also the name of a festival in Berlin designed to explore the sounds and politics of bass music.Co-curators Zuri Maria Daiß and Pascal Jurt want to stoke Berlin’s curiosity with the genre of club music and hope the festival will bring together technicians, musicians and theorists to foster an exchange of ideas on sound system culture.Produced by Charlotte Billing. 2019-04-2004 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedChamber group hear now berlin aims to reach new audiences with genre-crossing, emotional compositionsIt was August 2018 when Kelly Watson Woelffer, a Berlin-based flutist originally from the U.S., heard “Music in Circles” by American composer Andrew Norman and something in her ignited.“I’ve been a little bit artistically starved for the last five years or so because I have three tiny humans at home,” said Watson Woelffer. “I have been playing and teaching, of course, but have not led something of my own in about five years…I was just listening to [“Music in Circles”] and I had a sudden decision finally that I knew exactly what had to be next for...2019-03-2305 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedStreet sounds of Berlin: Ukrainian duo Igor and Anton dream of a musical futureBerlin street musicians play everywhere, from street corners to public transportation. In this series, we’re talking with Berlin street musicians in order to find out more about who they are and what drives them to share their music throughout the city.We caught up with Ukrainian music students Igor and Anton who play accordion and violin, playing at a U-Bahn station, to gain a bit more insight into their world.Produced by Nikki Motson2019-03-2305 minKCRW Berlin Amplified: LeitmotifsInterview with Anisha Bondy, assistant director at the Komische Oper BerlinIn this first edition of “Leitmotifs,” host Fredrika Brillembourg is joined by Anisha Bondy, an assistant director at the Komische Oper Berlin. Their talk focuses on Brody’s career, her work with directors such as Barrie Kosky and Andreas Homoki, and her involvement in the Komische Oper’s outreach program “Selam Opera!” – an intercultural program that brings opera to the city.2019-03-0900 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedStreet sounds of Berlin: Santur player Hakan Tuğrul on sharing traditional Persian music in a diverse cityBerlin is a vibrant place, full of diverse sights and sounds, and the city’s many buskers are a part of the scene. In a new series, we’re talking with Berlin street musicians in order to find out more about who they are and what drives them to share their music throughout the city.This week, we meet Santur player Hakan Tuğrul at Fehrbelliner Platz to listen to some traditional Persian music as well as his original compositions.Produced by Nikki Motson2019-02-0904 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified‘We wanted to tell the German story of the AIDS epidemic’: Berliner Opernverein chair on the AIDS Quilt SongbookSopranist Julie Wyma is the chairwoman of the Berliner Opernverein. Together with Berlin-based artists of different nationalities, backgrounds, and sexual orientations, Wyma has produced a staged version of the AIDS Quilt Songbook: Berlin Edition.The project was first started in the United States by baritone William Parker, who, according to Wyma, was driven by the belief that “the artistic community could do more to recognize the epidemic and support those living with it.” The Berlin edition includes two new commissioned pieces in German, because, according to Wyma: “Each place has its own unique own story to tel...2018-12-0103 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified‘I’m all about the self-hype’: Singer Gavin Turek on dancing her way to confidenceGavin Turek has been dancing, singing and writing songs for about as long as she can remember. The 31-year-old Los Angeleno came by KCRW Berlin’s studios while she was in town working with local producers, and we talked about her musical upbringing and how she finds her confidence on stage.Turek’s live shows burst with energy, unsurprising for a performer who originally trained as a dancer. “I find being on stage incredibly empowering and freeing even though it’s very vulnerable at the same time,” says Turek.Produced by Sylvia Cunningham2018-11-1705 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified29 years after the Wall fell: Mark Reeder on his memories of a divided cityNov. 9, 1989 was a historical turning point. This week, we look back and forward, bringing you different perspectives on the 29th anniversary of the fall of the Wall.Mark Reeder describes his life like a ball in a pinball machine: “I kind of met one person and then it ricocheted onto another, and that’s how I kind of made my career.”Most of that career was made in Berlin, where he says West Berlin was the “crazy, mad place where I lived” and East Berlin was the “crazy, mad place that I visited.” He joins us to...2018-11-1004 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedPrincess Chelsea on her new LP, returning to Berlin, and the joys of living on the outskirtsChelsea Nikkel, alias Princess Chelsea, brought her charming, onerous, twee-indie Pop back to Berlin last week for a show at the Funkhaus, her fourth time performing at the venue.While she wishes she had more time to explore Berlin on her tours, the city never fails to impress the New Zealand musician, or to draw a crowd: “a lot of people choose to travel here to Berlin from other countries where I haven’t played to come and see me, so maybe they think ‘Berlin , that’s gonna be the big show!’ And it always is a reall...2018-09-2903 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedBerlin-based band RÁN on unpredictability, feminism and the beauty of chance encountersBerlin-based duo RÁN play psych-infused indie rock. The band, comprising Laura Landergott from Austria and Yair Karelic from Israel, found themselves gig-ready within eight weeks of playing together, produced their debut EP, “Hunt Like Lions,” in 2017, and are working on a full-length album to be released at the start of 2019.We caught up with them to talk about their first chance encounter, their writing process, feminism, and their penchant for the unpredictable.Produced by Sylvia Cunningham2018-09-2203 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedBerlin-based folk-rock band, Mighty Oaks, sings anthems of Wanderlust and HeimwehThe folk-rock band Mighty Oaks has rooted itself firmly in Berlin soil, but in order to do so, its three members each had to journey far from their respective homes. It’s an origin story that feels so familiar in Berlin, it might be the set-up of a joke: An American, an Italian and an Englishman walk into a bar…Produced by Caitlin Hardee2018-09-0803 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedFrom Sarajevo to Baghdad, Moscow to L.A., KCRW DJ Valida brings a global perspective to her DJ setsBorn in a small Bosnian town, L.A.-based Valida has experienced life all around the world. Now a KCRW DJ for The Lab, Valida says that despite all of her travels, the music coming out of Berlin, and other parts of Germany, has stuck with her through it all.From stints in Moscow, Baghdad, and London, her globetrotting ways have undoubtedly influenced her musical style: “[There’s] no escaping the fact that…I really do feel like a citizen of the world.”Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll2018-09-0103 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedPEOPLE festival hits Berlin's Funkhaus, bringing artistic collaborations and brand new worksNext weekend sees PEOPLE festival at Berlin’s Funkhaus. The festival is unique for bringing artists from all over the world together for a week of experimentation and collaboration before performing new works for a live audience. 160 artists will take part, including Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and The National’s Bryce and Aaron Dessner, as well as Feist and Jenny Lewis. We spoke to festival organizers Tom and Nadine Michelberger, who devised the festival inspired by the spirit of the city. We also spoke to Berlin-based DJ Alex Ridha, aka Boys Noize, who will be perform...2018-08-1803 minKCRW Berlin: Amplified'By complete chance': How a search for an art studio turned into the Neukölln pub, gallery and performance space Das GiftBarry Burns of the post-rock band Mogwai, and his wife, Rachel, came upon the space that would eventually become their pub, Das Gift, completely by chance. Now, seven years later, Das Gift is a Glasgow-meets-Berlin mainstay in the neighborhood of Neukölln. We spoke to Barry about the bar’s beginnings and Berlin’s influence on it and the band.For Barry and Rachel, who moved to Berlin in 2011, Das Gift became central to putting down roots: “It was a good place to meet people…because we didn’t know that many people and the pub was a s...2018-08-0403 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedFrom Auckland to Berlin: Noah Slee on navigating techno, queerness and becoming a role modelNoah Slee is a Tongan New Zealander whose music spans genres from traditional soul to mixed electronica and R&B. He moved to Berlin about three years ago and has seen his career flourish, especially on Spotify, where he boasts an audience of 400,000 monthly listeners.We caught up with him to talk about his unexpected love for Berlin’s techno scene, finding success in his adopted home and becoming a role model.Produced by Marlene Melchior 2018-07-2804 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedThere'll be dancing in the Kiez: Fête de la Musique brings music to Berlin's streetsJune 21 sees Fête de la Musique coming to the streets of Berlin. The imported French festival has been a staple of the city’s event calendar since 1995 and brings music from over 800 musicians, bands, and choirs, performed in Spätis, Kitas, garden colonies and other unusual locations across the city. We caught up with Björn Döring, the Curator and Director of the festival.One highlight of Fête de la Musique promises to be a Europe-wide sing-along at 7pm featuring the “Ode to Joy,” John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” Dör...2018-06-1603 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedMusic producer Victor Van Vugt is back in Berlin to tap the city's 'youthful, anarchic' energyVictor Van Vugt is a producer, mixer, and engineer who has worked with acts including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Einstürzende Neubauten, and P.J. Harvey. We speak with Van Vugt about his return to Berlin and his plans for the future.Van Vugt made Berlin his home in the 1980s before moving away to live in London and New York. He returned to Berlin four years ago and has since been working with a host of artists, including on a bi-monthly night called “The Fan Club” to reinvigorate Berlin’s live music scene.2018-06-0204 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedWhen Axel met Sally: music to show the magical side of the U8Berlin’s public transport is both loved and hated by residents of the city, and the U8 line pretty much embodies this public sentiment. The line connects the north to the south, running through the heart of Berlin, and it connected an American from San Francisco with a Berliner for a musical homage of sorts.Journalist Sally McGrane and musician Axel Scheele both live on the U8. “The whole song just came to me between Schönleinstraße and Weinmeisterstraße,” says McGrane. Their band “Lou Electric and the Gold Kimono Band” just released “U8 U8” as a single...2018-05-2603 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedFrom Elton John to the downright bizarre: The Berlin Music Video AwardsThis year’s Berlin Music Video Awards will take place from May 23 and 26. Since 2013, the awards have highlighted the art behind music videos while acting as a networking platform for musicians and filmmakers.Aviel Silook, founder of the event, has always been a huge fan of music videos. In fact, at the age of 14, Silook would wake up in the middle of the night, just to watch all the censored videos he loved. It resulted in him missing 100 days of school. Now Silook says the biggest reward of his job is watching what happens throughout th...2018-05-1903 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedWhat's your favorite record of all time? In honor of Record Store Day, we surveyed Berlin record store ownersWhat is your favorite record of all time? In honor of Record Store Day, we asked the proprietors of Berlin record stores Riseikel, HHV, Musik Department, Oldschool, Soul Trade and Dodo Beach. Discover their favorite tracks and listen to our record store day playlist. We also threw in some favorites from KCRW Berlin’s staff and volunteers!We’ll be celebrating Record Store Day, all day. Come out and support your local record stores. Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds for updates, or check out our website for more information.Interviews for the piec...2018-04-2102 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedBerlin-based band 'Them There,' featuring hit songwriters Craig Walker and Phoebe Kildeer, just released their new single!Craig Walker, frontman of indie/electronica band Archive, and former Nouvelle Vague singer Phoebe Killdeer have been living in Berlin for a decade, and say the city has been great to them musically – which seems almost an understatement given the past few years they’ve had.The two co-wrote the 2016 hit “Fade Out Lines,” which was remixed by French DJ The Avener and became a massive hit that lingered at number one on the German charts for 52 weeks, with 100 million listens on Spotify and 42 million hits on YouTube.Now the duo have renamed themselves “Them There” and...2018-04-0703 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedCultural historian Josh Kun asks 'what music can do to us, and what music can do for us'Culture historian and 2016 MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient Josh Kun says although there’s no “magic science” to figuring out a city, there are at least three types of places he visits from the outset: bookstores, record stores, and stationery stores. Plus, he eats out – preferably street food.Originally from Los Angeles, Kun is in Berlin as a Bosch Fellow in Public Policy at the American Academy and is researching the relationship between music and global migration, specifically forced migration, and issues of displacement, detention and deportation. “What keeps propelling me forward is a much larger question about...2018-03-1003 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedInternational students convene at John F. Kennedy School for annual Honor Choirs festival At 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night, 200 students from all over the world will be taking the stage at the RBB Große Sendesaal in Berlin for the annual High School Honor Choirs Festival. The festival was established by the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) and has taken place annually since 1976. The event gives participating students the opportunity to work with renowned conductors and to travel to international schools for an intensive three day program.Joseph Curtis is the chairman of the fine arts department and choral director at the John F. Kennedy School in...2018-03-0303 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedFunkhaus Berlin pairs historical detail with cutting-edge soundWalking through the Funkhaus Berlin with its grand concert halls, sweeping hallways, and state-of-the-art equipment, one can’t help being reminded of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The former GDR broadcasting studios are an enormous complex, housing cutting-edge sound technology within carefully preserved historical interiors and cavernous industrial halls.The Funkhaus was designed in the 1950s by Bauhaus engineer Franz Ehrlich, who during World War II had been interned at Buchenwald and forced to design entrance gates and other concentration camp structures. He designed the Funkhaus after the war ended, including details like a stairway made o...2018-02-1004 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedDJ couple SpatzHabibi balance Berlin's nightlife with parenthoodDJ duo SpatzHabibi have been part of the underground club scene in Berlin for years. These days, when not looking after their son, Sophie Funke and Pete Littlewood can be found performing at venues around the city and running their label Polychrome Sounds.Creating their own label in Berlin “wasn’t 100% about music… it was a lot about just being involved and creating like a kind of community or a family feeling; that’s what the label feels like,” said Littlewood. And how do they balance this creative life with the demands of their own family? “Wh...2018-01-0604 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedSinger, songwriter and producer Sasha Perera on her latest album and the Berlin music scene“The inspiration was definitely how one has to deal with what’s happening right now,” says London-born and Berlin-based Sasha Perera, also known as Perera Elsewhere, about her new album.Perera talks with Marlene Melchior about the Berlin music scene, her experience performing in the same lineup as Pussy Riot, and what’s next for her.Produced by Marlene Melchior2017-11-1804 minKCRW Berlin: AmplifiedAmerican DJ and producer Sky Deep explains the inspiration behind her music, and why she moved to BerlinFor years, people told American DJ and producer Sky Deep that she should go to Berlin. It made her curious, so she planned a tour stop in the city with her band at the time. Now she’s lived in Berlin for three years.When asked about the current atmosphere in the U.S., Sky Deep said “as a black, queer woman,” she is terrified to return to her home country. She continued, “But I actually experience fear in several places in the world so I don’t think I can escape it.”Sky Deep joi...2017-11-1103 min