The newly launched Club Festival from Berlin-based house label and event series Home Again offers three days of nonstop performances across various genres of electronic music, opening the 2023 festival season. From Friday evening to Monday morning, visitors can look forward to a diverse line-up of 49 cross-genre artists, including Levon Vincent, Cinthie, Leon Vynehall, Satoshi Tomiie (live), Gabrielle Kwarteng, DJ Seinfeld, Thabo, DJ Mell G, Elijah, Vera and DJ Boring. In addition to Home Again itself, other international underground brands such as Slapfunk from Amsterdam, Porzellan Bar from Berlin and Get Traum by French DJ Traumer will present their own stages. The industrial former Bärenquell brewery in Niederschöneweide, Revier Südost, will be transformed into the festival grounds from May 19th to 22nd.
Dancefloors will be spread across two warehouses and an open-air area, while the RSO’s beer garden will serve as a learning hub and chill out area for the weekend. Here, visitors can listen to music industry professionals offer panel discussions and master classes covering various topics related to electronic music. The cultural programme is rounded off by food stalls and light installations and complemented by custom-made Kirsch Audio sound systems.
We chatted to the Home Again label founder, Nils Thabo Gelfort, who along with his team has initiated this new addition to the Berlin festival landscape.
Home Again has found success as a label and event series for new and established
artists, pushing the boundaries of electronic music in Berlin. What is the story
behind its conception and electronic music’s importance to the city?
Home Again began as an event series with the aim of providing a cozy atmosphere where people could be themselves and enjoy the company of their friends. This was our interpretation of a safe space long before the term became ubiquitous. The label’s approach reflects this vision, and we launched our first four releases with talented individuals from our close-knit community. Our intention was to elevate their music by giving them a platform and pairing their work with remixes from more established artists. As there is an abundance of exceptional music out there, we remain committed to seeking out new talent and contributing to the evolution of electronic music culture.
Is this the first event that you have produced on this scale and what is inspiration and goals for behind creating this project?
As a former marketing manager for a larger event company, I’ve been involved in quite a few events of this size. However, this one is different. A small team, most of whom have nine-to-five jobs, is handling all aspects of this event without any investors involved. There are moments when I personally feel a bit shaky, but our passion for this music and culture keeps us going. House music is an integral part of Berlin nightlife, but it sometimes misses the big stage that techno gets in this city. We’re trying to change that in our own style.
The festival’s line-up is stacked with fresh talents and club veterans. What was
your curative vision for the project, was there any specific inspiration you drew
from when conceptualizing the space and programme?
We had a few names in mind and requested them for the event. From there, we built musical blocks around them, always ensuring a smooth transition between them. For example, we put Amy Dabbs in between Satoshi Tomiie’s live set and Interplanetary Criminal as she is active in both musical worlds. We also aimed to offer a unique musical experience each day, so attendees could leave on Saturday morning and come back at night without feeling like they’re hearing the same track over and over again. I’m really happy with how the timetable worked out and can’t wait to release it next week.
Planning a festival is no small feat. Were there any aspects of the planning you
found particularly difficult?
This event wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of us dedicating ourselves to creating something special. There were many difficult aspects of planning, like waiting for an agent who keeps options open until the last moment and then cancels because the artist gets a Panorama Bar residency, or not knowing where to place the backstage. But we persevered.
What do you have in store for attendees and what do you hope they take away from the Home Again Festival?
Aside from the 65 hours of non-stop music, we’ll also be announcing the panel, keynote, and masterclass program next week. We have some exciting things planned, including Elijah holding one of his famous yellow square keynotes. We’ll also have little surprises, like additional lighting or food and well-being options. This event will feel like a proper festival without the hassle of borrowing a tent, driving for hours, or searching for your tent at 6 in the morning. We’re aiming to combine the best of both worlds, clubbing and festivals, and make it as convenient as possible. No disrespect to any of the amazing festivals of course.
From record label and event series to festival, what is next for Home Again?
Regarding the future, we’re passionate about creating a second edition of this festival next year. We’re also going to announce our next dates at Shelter Amsterdam and an ADE showcase at Lovelee soon. And we have loads of amazing music ready to go, with 8 digital and 3 vinyl releases waiting to be heard.
Tickets are available from just 17€ for the whole weekend. To avoid long queues, there will be a ticket time slot system to ensure that all guests get to the festival site quickly and without unnecessary queuing. Those who want to leave the festival to freshen up or take a nap and come back later only have to pay 5€ re-entry (the same fee is due if the time slot for the booked entrance is missed).
Tickets on-sale now: https://ra.co/events/1663548
