ABS8LUTE, a rising force in the electronic music scene, has been making waves with their dynamic sets and boundary-pushing soundscapes. As they gear up to play Berghain’s iconic NYE Klubnacht, we delve into their journey, creative process, and what it means to be part of such a legendary lineup.
Berghain’s NYE Klubnacht is an iconic event. What does it mean to you to be part of this lineup, and how do you approach curating a set for such a unique occasion?
"Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity of playing regularly at Berghain, which has allowed me to grow both artistically and emotionally, preparing me for a gig of this caliber. Now, I have the amazing responsibility of playing the first Klubnacht of the year alongside so many talented artists. It's truly a gift."
"When curating a set for a Klubnacht, or any other night, I usually focus on drive, tension, energy, and cohesion. While those elements will remain very important, this time I’ve put extra thought into creating a couple of "epic" moments and I might add in a few surprises - it's NYE, I gotta go extra!"
New Year’s Eve is often about reflection and transition. How does the energy of this night influence your connection with the crowd compared to other gigs?
"Playing on this floor is always a unique experience, but I have a feeling that for Silvester, the energy will be on an entirely different level. As DJs, it will be our responsibility to channel that electric atmosphere and turn it into something unforgettable on the dancefloor. My goal is to bring the crowd together, bring them into a collective groove, and give them the best possible energy to enter 2025."
As we step into 2025, what themes or sounds are inspiring you, and how do you see your music evolving in the year ahead?
"I come from the French Caribbeans, more specifically the island of Guadeloupe, and my passion for music is deeply rooted in my origins. Growing up, my parents would play Haitian Kompa and Zouk every Sunday morning, filling the house with vibrant, groovy sounds. And I’ve found myself increasingly inspired by this cultural heritage, especially in terms of rhythm. I've also started experimenting with incorporating traditional sounds from my island into my sets as a form of artistic expression, using music as a way to express my identity as well as my political views."
Looking back on 2024, what has been a defining moment for you as an artist, and how do you plan to build on that in the future?
"There have been a couple but I would say working with my agent and moving to Berlin have been the most significant. Until the beginning of 2024, I handled my own bookings, as well as those for the DJs in my collective. Finding someone experienced, hardworking, and trustworthy to help develop my project has truly been a turning point. Then I decided to come to Berlin to actually experience its vibrant electronic music culture from within. It’s an opportunity to build new connections, discover more artists, observe how the crowds behave on different dancefloors, and potentially play more gigs across Germany. In the coming year, I plan to go out a bit more, experience more Berghain openings and closings, meet new people, and fully explore this incredible city for inspiration."
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