Not long after the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to save Club der Visionaere, the establishment’s owner has given his first-ever interview. Gregor Kraemer went on the record with XLR8R‘s Deadbeat (real name Scott Monteith) to discuss the past, present and future of the club.
Kraemer first touched on his history in Berlin club culture. Originally a drummer and saxophonist, he moved to the city in 1994 with little electronic music. That changed in 1997-98 when he experienced Swiss chill out music during a mushroom trip.
After throwing his first parties at nearby Glass House, Kraemer opened Club der Visionaere in 2001. Monteith, who spent as much of the interview talking as Kraemer did, touched on how the experimental, dub-heavy sound popular at the club inspired the likes of Einmusik and Margaret Dygas.
On the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kraemer said the club’s management were “not concerned, but cautious.” He said that after recent coronavirus losses compounded the damage from last year’s fire, a second lockdown would pose issues for the club. He said they had no choice but to cut 70-80% of staff between both issues.
Listen to Gregor Kraemer’s XLR8R interview below and donate to Club der Visionaere via StartNext.
