Photography by Nina Raasch.
Anja Schneider, the icon of Berlin’s club and techno scene, shares intimate details of her personal dance with the music industry, spanning two decades. She recounts the inception of her career, the countless skirmishes she has endured, and her hopes for the future.
‘Becoming a DJ was never my original intention,’ Schneider confides. ‘I was fascinated, utterly captivated by the music and the pulsating essence of Berlin in the Nineties.’ Her first descent into the legendary Tresor Club in 1993 proved pivotal. The raw, wild pulse of the underground scene sent her a clear message: Cologne can wait; Berlin is calling.
Her career path began in an advertising agency, and although she studied communication sciences, it was radio that spoke to her soul. At Kiss FM, Berlin’s ‘pirate station,’ she began to seriously explore the musical cosmos. Here, she not only deciphered the formula for groundbreaking radio programmes but also harnessed the power of the medium to spread electronic music far and wide. Schneider’s DJ prowess was the product of necessity: for her first performance, she had to follow Paul Kalkbrenner which put her under immense pressure. Yet, this only spurred her on to refine her craft, she insists. Over the years, she has cemented her place in the techno annals, played the decks at the Love Parade, and founded her own labels: Mobilee Records in 2005 and, after her departure from Mobilee, Sous Music in 2017.
Photography by Nina Raasch.
Schneider sees her career not merely as a sequence of jobs but as a single, unified whole. Without her involvement in radio, she might never have ventured behind the turntables. Her shows served as a springboard to discover and nurture emerging talents, which in turn led to the founding of her labels. Today, she passionately supports young artists and advocates for equality in the male-dominated DJ scene. Schneider views the evolution of the techno scene with a critical eye, particularly the over-commercialisation and obsessive fixation on social media. ‘I remain hopeful, though, and see these changes as an opportunity to rejuvenate and revitalise the scene.’
Schneider’s enthusiasm for music remains undiminished. She plans to remain a vibrant part of the scene, whether through organising new events, broadcasting her podcasts, or rejuvenating her label to re-release classic tracks. It is her unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and deep love for music that continually position Anja Schneider at the forefront of the techno world. Her latest project, the ‘PuMp’ parties at Club Ohm, take place once a month on Saturdays from 4pm to 8pm – a perfect start to the weekend, filled with great tunes and great company. Additionally, the anniversary compilation Anja Schneider – Reworks & Remixes is set to be released in June.
Credits
Words by: Christian Bracht
Photography: Nina Raasch
Styling: Saskia Jung