@alvincollantes, @adammunnings, @phoenixchasem, @nancynutter_, @street.walker. Photography by Celeste Call.
The word techno is almost synonymous with the city of Berlin. For most people, the picture that forms inside their head follows the cliche of an all-black outfit, probably paired with a harness and sunglasses. However, the nightlife scene in Berlin is more diverse than that. Clubbing does not only equal partying, more so the inside of a club turns into a space where the feeling of community is blossoming.
Lunchbox Candy was brought to life in 2021 and since then, the party series has gained a tight-knit following. Each event serves as an open invitation to fully let your true self come to life, transforming the nights into hazy dreams of freedom. From the beginning, Lunchbox Candy has established itself as a space for the queer community. The parties are a reflection of every individual coming together, swapping black techno wear with vibrant looks to openly express oneself. In advance of their next event this Saturday, SLEEK spoke to Lunchbox Candy co-founder Elninodiablo.
LEFT @guttergucci RIGHT @user01011001. Photography by Celeste Call.
SLEEK: Berlin has been a place where queer communities have created spaces to feel safe in. Lunchbox Candy is one of them but how did it initially start?
Elninodiablo: Starting a queer community-led event in Berlin has been a dream and one of my intentions when I moved here in 2016. Prior to that, I lived in London for 18 years. The 90s was a decade of utter decadence and also the start of gentrification, but at the same time clubbing, music and fashion in London were thriving with many iconic queer parties running, that had a huge influence and became an inspiration for Lunchbox Candy (LbC).
In 2020, while working as a music producer in Berlin, I came together with my LbC co-founder and film director Adam Munnings, a kindred soul, dear friend and my creative partner. Initially, we started working together on producing 5 music videos for my releases while at the same time, I’ve been sharing with Adam the dream of creating a club night that would encapsulate the qualities of pre-internet 70s and 90s queer culture but in a new and unique way – bringing back that inner-child innocence, playfulness, silliness, laughter joy, community, individuality and radical self-expression through various forms of art. Adam shared a very similar vision.
An opportunity finally appeared for us to do a wrap-up party with the crew, cast and extras of each music video, the first Lunchbox Candy event on September 21st, 2021 at ÆDEN. To our delight, we managed to bring together 300 – 400 beautiful queer and FLINTA people that became the core foundation and family for LbC. From that point on things started to evolve very fast!
@elninodiablomusic. Photography by Celeste Call.
S: The party series has been running for a while now, do you notice a difference with each event?
E: The first thing that’s noticeable is that LbC is becoming more and more popular mainly through word of mouth, the queues outside are getting longer, more and more beautiful people are joining our deranged and fabulous family.
We are striving to put more into production – with custom light design, props, decorations, a curated and hosted Loveroom, well thought-out performances that always leave an impression and challenge people’s way of thinking. For instance, we are facilitating a cacao ceremony at our next event this Saturday at 7am!
S: Clubbing is not only dancing but it is more so about creating an atmosphere and a space. How would you describe the experience of a Lunchbox Candy event?
E: I wouldn’t want to give too much away especially for people that haven’t been to a Lunchbox Candy event as it wouldn’t do it justice. I would share this though – as many people look at our poster campaigns and our Instagram feed might think we are a fashion event – far from it. We encourage radical self-expression, we want to see people opening up their creativity and brining their authentic selves forth in whichever way or form feels most comfortable to them, and that’s sexy!
The most important thing for us is the energy and mindset people bring with them – we are an open minded, all-inclusive collective. We want people to feel relaxed and at-ease. We want the crowd leaving LbC feeling a sense of belonging, connectedness, elevation, nourishment with a good dose of inspiration. And also perhaps to feel challenged in a good way.
S: Your new EP release party is this week at Lunchbox Candy. How would you describe your sound?
E: I purposely don’t subscribe to one sound, as I would get so bored with myself. I do make music using machines though so it’s in the electronic music arena in all its shades and forms.
All my life experiences inform the sounds that end up on my EPs – if there is one thread that runs through all of it, is experimentation, curiosity and being open to receive to whatever comes through my subconscious. Check it out on Bandcamp and decide for yourselves!
S: How has impressions from Berlin nightlife influenced your music?
E: It’s astounding how many talented music producers and DJs are based in Berlin. Especially the ones in the more underground circles and collectives that if you’re not in Berlin you won’t hear about. The one thing that has influenced me the most is the openness people have to receive the new. There is always a crowd that is supportive, non-judgemental and attentive and that allows the freedom for me to do whatever I want in the studio. And I can’t deny on some of my music the starkness of winter in Berlin has definitely forced me to explore darker aspects of myself.
LEFT @adammunnings RIGHT @elninodiablmusic. Photography by Celeste Call.
S: How does your new EP coincide with the values of Lunchbox Candy?
E: This EP was actually directly inspired by Lunchbox Candy – I was still riding the wave from the energy of our 2nd year anniversary party in November 2023 when I started recording it and somehow all that inner-child, unfiltered playful energy came to the forefront and I just went with it.
S: How was your title for the EP born?
E: I was born and raised on the island of Venus aka Aphrodite in Cyprus . In recent years I’ve been spending a lot of time on that part of the island where according to mythology Aphrodite was born, raised and roamed free with her lover Adonis giving birth to a myriad of wonderful beings (Eros, Pothos, Cupid, Hermaphrodite and many more). She is the goddess of beauty, pleasure, passion, sexuality, gender and procreation – pretty much everything Lunchbox Candy stands for.
So this EP is my homage to the place I was born and raised and also to all the values we hold dear in our hearts with Lunchbox Candy.
Lunchbox Candy is on this Saturday, May 25th at ÆDEN, Doors 22:00 – Open End. Find out more here.
Elninodiablo’s ‘Infinitely Venus’ EP is out via NEIN Records this Friday (May 24th) exclusively on Beatport and then on all other platforms from June 7th . You can listen to a sneak preview here.