Music Interview: DJ Wool + Berlin

Glen Brady, aka DJ Wool, is a DJ and Music Producer, co founder of Berlin based label We Collect Enemies and a founding member of Indie Dance duo The Glass with Dominique Keegan of Plant Records (co-owned by Hip hop pioneer Stretch Armstrong). A Dublin native and Berlin transplant via Brooklyn (did you get all that?) Brady has been tearing-up the Berlin music scene with his original music and remixes.
 
His latest release, The Dark Snuggler with remixes by Lars Moston, Boeos Kaelstigen and Jetlag, is available on Beatport from June 28, 2010 and iTunes et al July 12 on We Collect Enemies. Brady jet sets back and forth across America and Europe touring at a near constant rate but was kind enough to take a breather and let us in on the secrets of his Berlin…


 
What should we know before we go to Berlin?
Berlin can be an Oasis of freedom, but you have to choose it.
 
Who are your local musical heroes?
In a classic German Punk sense I’ve always been a fan of EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN.
I got into them in the 80’s through an article in Thrasher magazine. As a teenager I’d heard stories of them attaching microphones to chainsaws and hacking up the stage so I had a very romantic, exaggerated view of them…I’m not even sure if that story is true now though. I’ve had dinner with the drummer a couple of times, which has been a truly unique experience for me.
 
What local djs should we be listening out for?
I like the Keine Musik parties. It’s a local techno label. Quite different from my usual taste…a break from that, so that’s why I like it.
Their djing is a much mellower technical approach than mine so it’s a nice change. Unfortunately I don’t get to their parties much cause I’m usually playing on the same night. But I think they’re a true representation of what’s up here. They’re tight.
 
What are your favorite music venues and where should we eat and drink around there?
Berghain, Panorama Bar. If you’ve ever liked techno or electronic music in general then you owe yourself at least one visit to this place. Keep your mind open and enjoy the soundsystem. It’s truly unbelievable.
 
Villa– I came to Berlin in 1990 and went to a lot of clubs and parties in abandoned office blocks, breweries and general squatter mayhem. This is one of the last clubs to keep that spirit alive and they have a unique, suprising and exceptional booking policy so you’re guaranteed to hear quality music…Check the ‘Awesome’ party…that’s what’s up!
 
Food wise…do up the Donor! Just kidding….food is very seasonal here which I like…Spargel (white asparagus) is a must in the spring.

Any local music festivals or events we should put on our calendar?
Oh man…Mayday, Multi Kulti Parade, Festival Musica, Berlin Festival….the list goes on and on…
 
Is there a “Berlin sound”? Is there a community/scene vibe in the city?
Techno is the sound of Berlin. Period. But you can still see plenty of other styles every night of the week. Yes, there’s been a rich history of electronic music for decades. There’s generations of techno dj’s and producers. I don’t claim to be very knowledgable about it but in my experience there’s a respect and an understanding of what has come before.
 
Yesterday I saw Jesse Rose and Modeselektor play to a couple of thousand people on the street in Prenzlauerberg (local area). I’d have to say it was in the top 5 shows of my life. The atmosphere was so calm, Monday afternoon rave on the street…beers and joints going everywhere, the sun shining…no problemo. Jesse played a very entertaining housey set with a little of that gypsy vibe thrown in and Modeselektor were really interesting and hard. almost IDM but the place was going off…people were there to just dance their asses off in the middle of the street…I felt lucky to be a part of it to be honest.
 
What’s your perfect night out in Berlin?
I think I just described it!
 
Any other things that are a must see and do in Berlin?
Of course there’s the obvious historical tours. You can go see the wall and whatnot but I’d advise just getting a few beers and sitting in Gorlitzer park on a sunny weekday…and see what happens…
 
What’s the best roadside food you’ve found?
Well…it’s always a toss between ghetto and posh so I’ll go with one of each.
 
Concrete Ice Cream in Springfield, Missouri or Oysters in Paris….you decide which is ghetto and which is posh! Word to Jonas in Missouri for the hookup…Can’t forget Throwed Rolls!!!!
 
What is your favorite city/venue to play on the road and what place has the craziest fans?
Oh I couldn’t narrow it down to one…It all has to do with the people involved. I love playing in LA because I have a gang of homies there. I love HiFi club in Calgary, I love Erste Liga in Munich, I love Hive in Zurich, I love Razmattazz in Barcelona…wow that’s a beautiful place. I love playing in the Irish Bars in New York for my friends from home (I grew up in Dublin, Ireland). I suppose I just feel very lucky whenever I land in a new place because I know I’m going to try to tear up the turntables and meet up with lots of new people…and I’m well aware of how lucky I am to see the world.
 
Berghain/Panoramabar
Rüdersdorfer Straße 70, Berlin – 030 29351830

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The Villa
Landsberger Allee 54, 10249, Berlin

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