Ellen Allien has been labelled as one of the most iconic artists of her generation. Having started with a residency at Berlin’s Tresor in 1992, she went on to create the techno label BPitch Control in 1999, releasing music from Seth Troxler, Ben Klock, Apparat, Cormac, Modeselektor and more. In 2019, Ellen Allien launched her other label UFO Inc. which houses many of her own releases. Her most recent LP, AurAA, dropped in June 2020 and featured a variety of techno cuts, all delivered with Ellen’s idiosyncratic sound signature, high energy beats and distinct use of vocals and rhythm.
Allien’s recently released Part 1 Remixes for her favorite band, English/Berlin dark-wave duo Lebanon Hanover. The remixes are out now on her label, BPitch Control.
In support of the new release, we chatted to Ellen about all things Berlin techno, read the interview below:
What can you tell us about the Lebanon Hanover remixes?
Ohhh Lebanon Hanover is my fav band…my soundtrack since their first album…so it was time bringing them to the techno floor. First I did edits and played them in my DJ sets..the remixes are coming out now on vinyl via BPitch..Part 1 is released and I am working on Part 2.
You’ve had BPitch Control for over two decades now, how do you feel the label has progressed?
It’s a platform for DJs, musicians and artists…It feels very creative and we are working with lots of talented artists..running our event “We Are Not Alone” rave. In 2022 we’re gonna release artists like Rosa Anschütz, Uncrat, Matasism, Nocow, Keith Carnal and more to be announced..
In 2020, you started your Balcony Streaming session from your apartment, can you tell us a bit about it?
Ohh yeah hanging bored on the couch my friend said “Ellen lets do a streaming to have fun.” So my flat mate danced with me and I mixed my fav tracks together to bring back the club vibe..We just did UFO balcony tees..online now.
How would you comment on the current state of Berlin party culture?
Mm boring lockdown again..Can’t wait for when the clubs gonna open again..and we gonna start our event again…The club situation well, we are waiting to open the doors again. We all just wanna work again, and do what we love. Bars are open full packed and clubs closed? Mmmm
What do you think will drive the culture forward into the future?
Creativity and we need spaces + less Corona to open the doors.
Who do you think are the most underrated local Berlin artists?
DJ Shaleen
Do you have a new party series that you’re working on?
“We Are Not Alone” events 35 hours.
Keep up with Ellen via Instagram and find upcoming shows on her website.
