Unsigned Berlin

In this episode, Sebastian sits down with Alejandro, the leader of Entre Trópicos - an events organising project that is building a home away from home for the Latin American community in Berlin and facilitating concerts for Latin artists that want to come to Berlin to perform. Originally from Colombia, Alejandro moved to Berlin and started working as a barista before starting Entre Trópicos with a group of friends and the project has since grown to have a show on Refuge Worldwide (a Berlin-based community radio station), an ongoing partnership with venue SO36, and concerts happening every month! Jump to where you like in the episode: (00:00) Start (00:33) Introduction (03:13) What is Entre Trópicos? (10:49) Decolonisation of Mindset (18:04) The Start of Entre Trópicos (25:25) Here to Stay (27:27) Tropical for Us (29:09) Latin Music’s Place in Europe (36:56) Refuge Worldwide Shows (43:32) Making a Living Beyond Streaming (45:37) Las Cantoras de Tumaco Entre Trópicos Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2cGinNcQq15kqtXBb9Pfkb?si=797368bc865a48a4 Entre Trópicos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entretropicosberlin/ More from Entre Trópicos: https://linktr.ee/entretropicos Listen to Unsigned Berlin on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/jDhbcZMDHo Produced by Unsigned Berlin Edited by Anton Heeckt Hosted by Sebastian Sheath

Loophole is a long-standing pillar of the Berlin music scene, providing an accessible stage to over 10 thousand artists in 15 years. On July 4th, the police raided the venue during a show and shut it down, claiming missing permits as the primary reason, locking the staff out of the building and removing the venue’s bar licence. In this episode of Unsigned Berlin, we sit down with Hannah Gonzalez, one of the most senior members from Loophole’s volunteer team to get some clarity on the events leading up to this police raid, the current situation, and where Loophole might be headed next. (00:00) Start (00:37) Introduction (04:36) Loophole Before the Shut-Down (07:20) The Police Raid (12:43) Reorganising Planned Concerts (15:45) Loophole Moving Forward (20:24) Soundproofing and Noise Complaints (27:27) What to do with Crowdfunding? (33:54) Response from the Government (37:34) Curating and Team Management at Loophole (41:46) How to Support Further chapters will be updated on 23.07. Due to technical issues this was not possible today If you want to support Loophole, you can join their fundraising campaign here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/new-loophole Or find up to date information on their website: https://loophole.berlin/  And follow their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loophole_brln/  To support the podcast, share this episode with a friend that would be interested. Otherwise, you can follow us on your podcast platform or social media of choice here: https://linktr.ee/UnsignedBerlin  Credits: Produced by Unsigned Berlin Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Editing by Anton Heeckt

Aura is a Colombian singer-songwriter and classically trained vocalist. Having just released her debut EP, MujerPlantaEco, she visits Unsigned Berlin to talk about the challenges facing independent artists in today's music scene, the nuances of classical vocals and South-Colombian culture, and more! To her right is Sebastian, regular host of Unsigned Berlin, who produced the EP and is working closely with Aura on the business side of the project as well. (00:00) Start (00:42) Introduction (04:53) Classical Vocal Training (11:00) The Challenges of Traditional Music (15:41) Classical vs Popular Music Education (22:44) Teaching Vocals (30:23) Working with Improvisation (38:58) Favourite Songs on the MujerPlantaEco (47:45) Challenges in Making the EP (50:23) Spotify & Making Money with Music (01:03:56) What’s Next? Listen to MujerPlantaEco here: https://open.spotify.com/album/14Yiy9P7AwyToPMEs9MTu2?si=L65W4O8wS4OgpLwJ7wS6Eg Don't miss out on updates! Follow Aura on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aurasofiasotelo Stay up to date with new podcasts and our guests by following us on instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ ⁠ Or, for other platforms such as our monthly newsletter, find our Linktree here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin Credits: Produced by Unsigned Berlin Hosted by Malaika Thumbnail by Anton Heeckt #musicbusiness #feminism #classicalmusic #jazz #musicproduction

For this episode of Unsigned Berlin, we sit down with Toshín, a talented RnB artist and dynamic radio host of RTE's "Tea with Toshín". Beyond her music, Toshín is a powerful advocate for women's mental health, organising impactful events like "A Safe Space for the Girls" in Ireland. She also hosts "The Toshín Extravaganza," a vibrant celebration inspired by soul music and drag performances. With her debut album on the way, we explore her journey, music, and vision for the future. (00:00) Introduction (00:41) Toshín’s New EP (07:00) Her introduction to music (12:59) Tea with Toshín (22:48) Choosing to build her career in Ireland (26:18) Performing as Aretha Franklin (31:17) The Toshín Extravaganza (34:21) A Safe Space for the Girls (38:35) - Covering Janis Ian Stay up to date with new podcasts and our guests by following us on instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ ⁠ Or, for other platforms such as our monthly newsletter, find our Linktree here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin ⁠ Credits: Produced by Unsigned Berlin Edited by Yannick Solandt Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Thumbnail by Anton Heeckt #musicbusiness #RnB #mentalhealth #womenempowerment #soulmusic #dragculture #newmusic

For this episode of Unsigned Berlin we sit down with Daud Zulfacar, entrepreneur and web3.0 fanatic. Daud founded a web3.0 music licensing company, License Rocks, in 2017 which received over 1 million dollars in seed funding and backing from the EU. Now he is working on a new transparent ticketing system that can better service artists, fans, and venues, cutting out ticket scalpers and gamifying pricing. We talk about all this and more with Daud, including touching on how streaming could be improved, where independent artists are being taken advantage of, and much more! (00:00) Introduction (00:09) What was License Rocks (11:29) Why it didn’t work (17:57 - Issues with the current licensing model (22:50) Democratised, transparent streaming models (26:58) Ticketing with Blessed (40:00) Breaking down the current ticketing model (43:58) Daud’s daily blockchain apps (45:44) Advice for Web3.0 entrepreneurs License Rocks: https://license.rocks/ Daud on X: https://twitter.com/zulfacar Stay up to date with new podcasts and our guests by following us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ ⁠ Or, for other platforms such as our monthly newsletter, find our Linktree here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin ⁠ Credits: Produced by Unsigned Berlin Edited by Yannick Solandt Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Thumbnail by Anton Heeckt

In dieser Episode von Unsigned Berlin setzt sich Malaika mit *Maliiik zusammen, um über sein neuestes Album, HORNY!, zu sprechen, tief in Anime und Manga einzutauchen und zu versuchen herauszufinden, warum die deutsche Sprache so leicht cringe wirken kann! (00:00) Einführung (03:58) HORNY! Und der Hase (10:49) Musikvideos (21:48) Anime und Manga (31:54) Englische Sprache vs Deutsch (39:16) *Maliiiks neue Arbeiten (42:43) Der Zustand des Deutschrap (46:00) *Maliiik sucht eine Band HORNY!: https://linktr.ee/hornyrec *Maliiik auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maliklangesi/ Für weitere Episoden und Informationen zu unseren Gästen, folgt uns auf Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ ⁠ Oder, für weitere Plattformen einschließlich unseres Newsletters, schaut euch unseren Linktree an: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin ⁠ Credits: Produziert von Unsigned Berlin Bearbeitet von Sebastian Sheath Moderiert von Malaika Thumbnail von Anton Heeckt

Mark Reeder is an important actor in the Berlin music scene over the last 40 years. He moved here in 1979 and quickly took on the role of German representative for Factory Records, working to get Joy Division gigs in Europe. He spent the 80s smuggling records into East Berlin, organising secret concerts, and producing for bands like Malaria! In 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mark founded his label MFS, named in part after the Stasi abbreviation "Ministerium für Staatssicherheit" or "Ministry for State Security". His label, "Masterminded for Success", saw great success with DJs like Paul van Dyk (marking the foundation of Trance Music, which Mark is responsible for naming) and took somewhat of a hiatus for around 10 years before he returned with Chinese electronic band STOLEN. In this interview, Sebastian sits down with Mark to talk about all of the above. The majority of the interview is focussed on his work following the fall of the wall because there is a massive wealth of information about his work pre-1989 and, to find out more about that, you can listen to the ARD1 radio show "Grenzgänger" or watch the docu-film about his life, "B-Movie: Lust and Sound in West-Berlin"! (00:00) Introduction (03:18) Representing Joy Division (12:58) Smuggling Music into Communist Berlin (15:57) The Story Behind MFS (26:42) STOLEN and Reviving the Label (35:48) Releasing Music in China (43:42) Touring with New Order (again) and STOLEN (46:00) Producing Pet Shop Boys Remixes (49:04) How Chinese Nightlife has Changed (59:22) Music Recommendations (1:03:49) Club Scene Berlin (1:08:28) Outro B-Movie: https://www.amazon.com/B-Movie/dp/B012BTVPNS Grenzgänger Radio Show: https://www.ardaudiothek.de/sendung/grenzgaenger-die-geschichte-des-berlin-sounds/94715528/ Mark's recent work on Bandcamp: https://markreeder.bandcamp.com/ Mark's older work on Bandcamp: https://markreedermfs1.bandcamp.com/ Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markreeder.mfs/ STOLEN: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NiLgDSjGiX5cVrPjhkrm6 For more episodes and information on our guests, follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ ⁠ Or, for more platforms including our newsletter, check out our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin ⁠ Credits: Produced by Unsigned Berlin Edited by Yannick Solandt Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Thumbnail by Anton Heeckt

In this episode of Unsigned Berlin, we sit down with Eiliyas, the host of Mixtape Menage, to delve into his unique approach to experimental feedback-based performances. We explore his compelling Black Communion project, supporting black artists in Berlin, and discuss the music that is important to him. Elias is a fountain of music knowledge from Native Tongues Hip-Hop to experimental soundscapes. Join us for a conversation on pushing the boundaries of music, supporting black artists from around the globe, and the future of experimental sound in Berlin's vibrant music scene.  (00:00) Introduction (01:18) Kamasi Washington and Thundercat (04:20) Black Communion (18:01) Performing with Feedback and Creating New Instruments (38:36) Relative and Tonnetz Notation (45:07) Sebastian's Projects (57:13) Questions from Mixtape Menage Stay updated with Mixtape Menage: ⁠https://linktr.ee/mixtapemenage⁠ See the newest from Black Communion: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackcommunionberlin/⁠ For more episodes and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ ⁠ And for all other information, check out our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin ⁠ Credits: Edited by Yannick Solandt Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Thumbnail by Anton Heeckt Produced by Unsigned Berlin

In this episode of Unsigned Berlin, we are excited to welcome RnB and Neo-Soul singer and lyricist, Ria. Known for her soulful EP "Memo" and collaborations with Teesy, Ebow, and Xay, Ria has recently graced the stage at Off-Season Berlin - an event series that has hosted other previous guests including Gami, *Maliiik, and Dianamaracuja. Join us as we explore Ria's creative process and her approach to curating a space for creativity. Despite a year and a half without releases, Ria remains active on TikTok, hinting at exciting new projects that we discuss in the episode. Ria also shares insights into her entrepreneurial spirit and upcoming projects beyond music. Don't miss this deep dive into the mind of a multifaceted artist making waves in Berlin's music scene! Stay updated with Ria’s on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sliceofria_/⁠ For more episodes and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/⁠  And for all other information, check out our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin⁠  Credits: Hosted by Sebastian Sheath  Edited by Yannick Solandt Thumbnail by Anton Heeckt Produced by Unsigned Berlin

In this compelling episode of Unsigned Berlin, we sit down with Lutz Leichsenring, a key influencer in Berlin’s clubbing scene, to explore the future of night culture in one of the world's most vibrant nightlife capitals. With his background as a former spokesperson for the Berlin Club Commission and his co-founding role at VibeLab, Lutz brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on urban cultural development. In our conversation, Lutz highlights the importance of inclusivity and safety within nightlife, discussing effective measures like anti-assault signs and the creation of sensory-friendly spaces that cater to diverse audiences. He shares insights into how these strategies not only enhance safety but also foster a more welcoming environment for all club-goers. Additionally, Lutz introduces us to Night School, a fresh initiative by VibeLab started in 2023, aimed at nurturing new talent in the nightlife sector across Europe. He candidly addresses some of the unexpected hurdles encountered by his innovative project, Fluctuations, which seeks to mobilise cultural institutions on a ship traversing European waters. Throughout the episode, Lutz articulates why night culture holds profound significance for him, recounts the work he is most proud of with Berlin Clubcomission, and explains the Clubcomission's relationship with MusicBoard Berlin. 00:46 Introduction 01:15 The State of Berlin Night Culture 04:37 Vibelab 06:33 How Vibelab Approaches New Cities 11:25 Navigating Cultural Differences 18:05 Cultivating Awareness 30:43 Three Supports of Cultural Vibrancy 34:48 Building a Floating Venue 39:09 Achievements of the Berlin Clubcomission 46:05 Advice on Supporting Night Culture Vibelab: ⁠https://vibe-lab.org/⁠ The Malmö Report: ⁠https://vibe-lab.org/malmostudy⁠ Berlin Clubcomission: ⁠https://linktr.ee/clubcommission⁠ Lutz on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/revolutz/⁠ This episode of Unsigned Berlin was sponsored by Music Streaming Awards - proudly display your streaming milestones! Visit MusicStreamingAwards.com and use the code ‘Unsigned’ for an exclusive 10% discount! Support the podcast and get early, ad-free episodes by subscribing here: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unsigned-berlin/subscribe⁠ For more episodes and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/ And for all other information, check out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin Produced by Unsigned Berlin Edited by Yannick Solandt Hosted by Sebastian Sheath

In this episode of Unsigned Berlin, host Sebastian Sheath sits down with Diana Maracuja, a multifaceted artist known for her dynamic DJ sets and vibrant social media presence. Diana recently hosted the first "Spicy Tunes" party, a charity event dedicated to hip-hop and 2000s music that supported victims of sexual violence. She shares the motivation behind creating events that combine music with food and meaningful causes and discusses what she likes in a venue when she performs. Diana also delves into her 11-year journey on social media, transitioning from German to English, and why she shifted her focus from primarily makeup artistry to music. The conversation touches on her personal encounters with icons like Erikah Badu and Yung Lean, and why she decided to stop posting on SoundCloud. 00:47 - Introduction 01:07 - Spicy Tunes party  02:18 - DJ sets with expectations 06:12 - Thai-African fusion dinner and DJing event  09:19 - Growing up around restaurants 10:35 - Diana’s IG journey  14:59 - Getting in DJing 19:35 - Diana’s introduction to hip-hop 25:03 - Diana’s recent playlist updates 30:17 - Baile Funk and Jersey music 37:11 - Thai Yakult, red cow milk, and piercings 40:21 - Ghosts and exorcisms 41:51 - Outro This episode of Unsigned Berlin was sponsored by Music Streaming Awards - proudly display your streaming milestones! Visit MusicStreamingAwards.com and use the code ‘Unsigned’ for an exclusive 10% discount! Support the podcast and get early, ad-free episodes by subscribing here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unsigned-berlin/subscribe Stay updated with Diana's latest gigs and projects on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianamaracuja/  For more episodes and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unsigned.berlin/  And for all other information, check out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unsignedberlin  Credits: Hosted by Sebastian Sheath  Edited by Yannick Solandt & Sebastian Sheath Produced by Unsigned Berlin

Recent guest on Unsigned Sessions, Sorvina is a poet and hip-hop artist from the US now making her way in the hip-hop scene of Berlin. In this episode, she talks with Sebastian about the influence that her church experience has had on her music, manifestation, and much more! 00:00 Supporting the podcast 00:12 Introduction 10:06 Sorvina’s passion for photoshoots 13:36 Exploring new genres and personal growth 16:00 Sorvina’s experience with hip-hop in Berlin 24:21 Manifestation and work ethic 33:04 The affect of church on her work 36:06 “Oh The Places You’ll Go” and the Concept behind the EP 43:54 The black experience in Europe 53:17 Closing thoughts and future endeavours Sorvina on Unsigned Sessions: https://youtu.be/vJBtMCSeA2k?si=I36MOLO8HZoHyd7v Sorvina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorvcarr/ Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Edited by Anton Heeckt Produced by Unsigned Berlin Sebastian Sheath: https://linktr.ee/SebastianSheath Unsigned Berlin: https://linktr.ee/UnsignedBerlin

In S4E5 von Unsigned Berlin haben wir uns mit dem Rapper, Sänger und Produzenten Toji und unserer neuen Moderatorin für deutschsprachige Episoden, Malaika, zusammengesetzt! Sie sprechen über Usher, lebensverändernde Studio-Sessions, die Shows, die dein Perpektive verändern, und vieles mehr! Toji auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tojiondatrack/ Toji's Musik: https://linktr.ee/tojiondatrack Diese Folge von Unsigned Berlin wurde von Soundplate Clicks gesponsert - besuche Soundplate Clicks unter https://click.soundplate.com und benutze den Rabattcode 'Unsigned' für 50% auf deinen Tarif, wenn du dich für ein Upgrade entscheidest! Moderiert von Malaika Geschnitten von Sebastian Sheath Gefilmt von Anton Heeckt Produziert von Unsigned Berlin Sebastian Sheath: https://linktr.ee/SebastianSheath Unsigned Berlin: https://linktr.ee/UnsignedBerlin

Half of a Rainbow is a previous guest of the podcast from Season 1 Episode 14, when he sat down with Sebastian and Mila alongside his producer Conan Clohessy. Now, almost a full year later he is back with his dream-themed project “The Dream Archives”, a new single “Only in Dreams (I Can Hide), and more! The Dream Archives (including the essay): https://halfofarainbow.com/the-dream-archives  Half of a Rainbow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/half.of.a.rainbow/  This episode of Unsigned Berlin was sponsored by Soundplate Clicks - visit Soundplate Clicks at https://click.soundplate.com and use the discount code ‘Unsigned’ for 50% of your plan when you choose to upgrade! This episode of Unsigned Berlin was sponsored by Music Streaming Awards - proudly display your streaming milestones! Visit MusicStreamingAwards.com and use the code ‘Unsigned’ for an exclusive 10% discount! Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Edited by Yannick Solandt Produced by Unsigned Berlin Sebastian Sheath: https://linktr.ee/SebastianSheath Unsigned Berlin: https://linktr.ee/UnsignedBerlin

Malaika is a choreographer, dancer, and director having appeared on stages around the world and choreographed videos in several cities in Germany, Malaika toured last year with Peter Fox for his album “Love Songs” and is getting ready to do so again this year. We talk her recent video choreographing “Fruchtsaft” by LAYLA, dancing clothes, and much more! Malaika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malaiikan/  This episode of Unsigned Berlin was sponsored by Soundplate Clicks - visit Soundplate Clicks at https://click.soundplate.com and use the discount code ‘Unsigned’ for 50% of your plan when you choose to upgrade! This episode of Unsigned Berlin was sponsored by Music Streaming Awards - proudly display your streaming milestones! Visit MusicStreamingAwards.com and use the code ‘Unsigned’ for an exclusive 10% discount! Hosted by Sebastian Sheath Produced by Unsigned Berlin Sebastian Sheath: https://linktr.ee/SebastianSheath Unsigned Berlin: https://linktr.ee/UnsignedBerlin