SESH

Tacheles, a name once synonymous with Berlin's dynamic and rebellious spirit, was more than just a nightclub; it was an emblem of cultural expression and artistic freedom. Originally occupying a derelict building in the Mitte district, Tacheles was born out of the chaotic creativity that flooded Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Established in 1990 within a decaying department store on Oranienburger Straße, it quickly became a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits from around the globe.

The venue was part of a larger artists' collective that inhabited the building, which also housed studios, galleries, and cinemas. Its reputation grew as a symbol of resistance against commercialism and an incubator for avant-garde culture. The venue's industrial aesthetic, with its graffiti-covered walls and unconventional spaces, added to its allure, making it a pilgrimage site for those seeking the authentic underground experience that Berlin promised in the post-reunification era.

Over the years, Tacheles faced numerous challenges, primarily related to legal and financial issues stemming from its squatted origins and the ever-encroaching gentrification of Berlin. Despite these pressures, it remained a bastion of creative energy until its closure in 2012, when the artists were evicted, and the building was slated for redevelopment. Although Tacheles no longer exists physically, its legacy lives on as an iconic chapter in Berlin's cultural history.

The structure's spirit has been carried forward in new venues and collectives around the city, inspired by its ethos of artistic freedom and community. Throughout its vibrant history, Tacheles hosted an eclectic mix of performers, ranging from pioneering electronic music artists to experimental sound architects. The lineup often included a blend of international acts and local talent, reflecting the venue's commitment to diversity and innovation.

This mélange of music and art at Tacheles not only provided a platform for established and emerging artists but also fostered a sense of global community within Berlin's electronic music scene. Notable artists who graced the decks and stages of Tacheles include Richie Hawtin, a key figure in techno's global expansion; Ellen Allien, a Berlin native whose sound embodies the city's electronic pulse; and Modeselektor, the genre-defying duo known for their explosive live performances. Additionally, local legends like DJ Hell and Westbam contributed to the venue's storied history, alongside international acts such as Peaches and Apparat, who used Tacheles as a launchpad for their boundary-pushing sounds.

These artists and many others helped cement Tacheles as a critical node in the network of global electronic music culture.