Celebrating 10 years of existence with a statement, Berlin’s Gegen is releasing a solid 3-part compilation, grounding their work of the past decade into the newly founded label’s sonic aesthetic by showcasing the artists that have been at the heart of the infamous party series. This VA is a bundle of 30 tracks hailing from the true ride-or-die residents at the core of the project to the headliners whose support have propelled the collective from day one as well as up-and-coming artists that Gegen takes to heart to support. Taken from part one of the celebratory series is the sonic sound of Sarah Strandberg and her unrelenting single, ‘Helter Skelter’.
KALTBLUT: What is your connection to Gegen? Do you have a favourite memory over the 10 years?
Sarah: I was introduced to Gegen through my dear friends, Ayako Mori and Lady Maru. We have all worked together on several EPs and also played many gigs together. When I first played, I absolutely LOVED the crowd, energy, vibe and athstetics… And I completely adore Fabio:) He is a badass but also has the sweetest heart and is so accommodating and warm. He is a hard worker and I am so happy to have met such amazing people. I really appreciate the invite for this amazing project with so many talented artists whom I respect and follow.
KALTBLUT: Could you tell us a little about your track contribution to the compilation?
Sarah: The track I made for this album was very therapeutic for me. Every track I make stems from an event or feeling and has a premise, which is the reason in which I must create, or expunge it out of my system. I always have the title and the premise before I make the track and always know what I want. This is probably why it takes me a long time to finish. It is like working backwards from the way most people do. I know exactly what I want…it is the execution of it that is the hard part..hahaha Anyone can make a collage of sounds but real emotion is what is thought provoking and is cathartic for me.
KALTBLUT: What is your feeling on the shifting of club culture right now as we head toward an (almost) post-pandemic phase?
Sarah: I think that a lot of people have been trying to get clubs closed down in Berlin for a long time so that it can gentrify and be more accommodating to the tech people and people working a day job. What I was always attracted to about Berlin was the freedom to express yourself and the anarchy type culture.
I am back in L.A. for the time being since I have been able to play more in the U.S. But miss my Berlin and all of my European friends very much. I would really like to see people stop being separated because of their beliefs or opinions and accept each other as human beings and friends. That has been very sad to see. Governments keeping everyone occupied with anger against one another so they can not unite and resist oppression
Pre-order GEGEN DECADE I here: https://gegenberlin.bandcamp.com/album/gegen-decade-i
“Athropo” Artwork by Andrea Galad
