Ostgut Ton: The Berghain Label and Its Signature Sound
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
Since 2005, Ostgut Ton has been the sound of Berghain. Let's look at the Berlin label's founding, artists, and direction.
Few labels are as closely tied to a club as Ostgut Ton is to Berghain. Since 2005, the Berlin record company has been releasing techno and house from the club's immediate circle – and in doing so, has documented the sound of an entire venue over the years.
At a glance
- Founded in 2005 by Nick Höppner for artists from the Berghain's orbit
- Name refers to the predecessor club Ostgut
- Represented artists include Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Âme, and Len Faki
- Compilation series bear the names of the club areas "Panorama Bar" and "Berghain"
Born from the Club
Ostgut Ton was founded in 2005 by Nick Höppner, specifically for artists from Berghain's immediate environment. The name is a deliberate reference: Ostgut was the name of the predecessor club from which today's Berghain emerged.
Two Rooms, Two Series
This connection is particularly evident in the label's compilation series. They bear the names "Panorama Bar" and "Berghain" and, according to the description, reflect "the sound concept of the respective areas of the club" – the driving, often brighter sound of the Panorama Bar on one side, the hard, dark techno of the Berghain floor on the other.
Names Shaping Berlin Techno
Over the years, Ostgut Ton has built up a roster of names that now stand for the Berghain sound far beyond Berlin. These include Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Âme, and Len Faki, all of whom are represented on the label.
FAQ
Is Ostgut Ton the same as Berghain?
No, but the two are closely intertwined: Ostgut Ton is the record company founded in 2005 for artists from the club's environment, named after its predecessor, Ostgut.
What music genres does the label cover?
The focus is on techno and house, with the two compilation series "Panorama Bar" and "Berghain" reflecting the different musical directions of the two club floors. If you're interested in the range of current dark techno labels, you'll find Ostgut Ton to be one of the most influential reference points, as well as in profiles of Kobosil, who comes from the same Berlin scene.
Source: Wikipedia – Ostgut Ton
