After the fall of the wall in 1989, this political city came up with a rich, diverse and characterful culture and is still recognized as the heart of music and counterculture. Across the years it has been the stage of many musical movements – starting right from the bohemian movement to punk. If you are a music lover or you just want to know more about the music history in Berlin, a corresponding hike will be the perfect trip for you. Follow us as we dig into the history and find out how the city turned from the place of arts to the punk haven, and learn more about the places you should definitely check out.
The Bohemian Era: Unveiling the Past
At the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century Berlin witnessed an extraordinary blossoming of art and literature. Its health laws attracted bohemians, with their promise of freedom in terms of artistic creativity in the city. Coffee shops, pubs and theatres were social rendezvous for artists, musicians, painters and writers and such other personalities. There was artistic production, new musical movements came to life.
Key Stops:
- Kreuzberg: Kreuzberg was at the epicenter of the Bohemian movement; thus, start your adventure at this pulsating area. This is a particularly good opportunity to walk through its streets and see covered with graffiti buildings and feel the intensity of the Southern California impressions.
- Clärchens Ballhaus: This ballroom was found in the Mitte neighborhood and served as the venue for meetings of Bohemian artists and writers. Although now it looks more like a quaint study, it is easy to get an idea of the great gossips that used to happen here.
- Salon Zur Wilden Renate: Located behind an unmarked door in an old factory in East Berlin, this is a rogue artsy bar and club. Bring soul-shaking moves to funky beats, rocked music, country tunes, hip-hop, house and more over the night.
The Rise of Punk: The Counter – Cultural Movement of Berlin
During the 1970s, London was up and running as a punk city, but towards the end of decade, punk’s spirit was transferred to Berlin. On another note the political and social environment of the city influenced a punk music ethos which would stress hardness, do it yourself attitude, and no compromise. Punk clubs and venue emerged throughout Berlin and gave the banding a voice of their protest and dissent.
Key Stops:
- Tacheles: Oranienburger Straße was an earlier adolescent art squat in the city was the primary aggregate point of the punk subculture. It was closed down some time ago, but for a while it played an active role in the development of Berlin’s underground scene.
- SO36: Situated in the district of Kreuzberg, SO36 has been staging punk and new wave concerts since the end of the seventies. Go to the theatre and feel the arousal and subversion which were characteristic of Berlin punk.
- Squats: Stroll down the streets of Friedrichshain and find out more about squatted architecture that was central to berlins punk scene.
Walking the Musical Path: Tips and Recommendations
Now that you’re familiar with the significant stops along the musical path through Berlin, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
Dress Comfortably:
Berlin is but one of the cities that were designed for walking. Choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in and layer your clothing because the weather can be quite changeable.
Research and Plan:
Before walking to different musical venues, you should look at the calenders of the venues to see if there will be any show, concert or event as you walk in. In this way, you can always schedule your visit during a live show or exhibition you consider important to you.
Engage with the Locals:
They love their city and do love their musical heritage even if they do not love their city as much as Americans love their nation. Therefore engage independent musicians and other people in conversations to learn more about the scene and the best places to find musicians.
Document Your Journey:
Take a camera or a smart phone to capture the vibes of the respective landmarks. Musical related graffiti, posters, and attractions are numerous and great photo opportunities should be expected.
Reflect and Have Fun:
It is worth to bear the time and needs to concentrate on the thought how music influenced significantly the cultural program of Berlin. Stay loose, be enthusiastic, and be merry while entertaining your audiences with historical facts about the musical city.
This is therefore a great chance to get up ochs and start walking throughBerlin while listening to its great artistry in form of music. Pioneer in music styles from the bohemian years up to the punk movement, Berlin’s music scene remains today’s spirit. Therefore, wear your comfortable, good quality shoes for walking, put on your Berlin music favorites and let me take art-loving hearts on a historical and music tour of Berlin.
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