DEEP DIVE – DANCE CHRONICLES

UNDERGROUND PIONEERS​

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT​

DANCEFLOOR POLITICS​

FEATURES

Dancefloor Politics

In Dancefloor Politics, we explore the political and structural issues that resonate in and around club culture. The section deals with topics such as access, visibility and space – and sheds light on aspects of the scene that often fly under the radar.

© contain’t e.V., Neue Oper

For several years now, we have been observing how German club culture is changing, and with it the entire urban cultural landscape. As cities become more densely populated, new buildings shoot up into the sky and investors take over new luxury neighbourhoods, there is less and less space for cultural projects. Independent initiatives – from clubs and cultural associations to collectives – are fighting for their existence. But how long can this continue?

 
© b-sdie stories

What happens to a culture that once thrived on invisibility when it suddenly becomes visible everywhere? Between TikTok hype, festival takeovers and algorithmic visibility, the ‘underground’ is now facing a new chapter. Is it dead – or is it just changing? A search for clues between commerce, community and cultural appropriation.

Suzanne Ciani next to her Buchla 200e synthesiser, by binksternet, CC0. 1.0

Why are women still so underrepresented in music production, and what does that say about the structures in electronic music? This article highlights the structural barriers, persistent stereotypes and lack of role models that make access difficult, and introduces female producers who are changing that.