The tapped-in, audience-challenging philosophy CCL upholds runs counter to what the city is often known for – hedonistic nightlife, never-ending days of partying, and an overarching sense of escapism. In their intentionally slowed and deliberately crafted space, though, the audience becomes connected in a real way, not only to whoever is on the decks, but to each other. As someone who moved to Berlin to pursue their creative life, it’s important for CCL to show up for the community outside of the club as well, especially with the violent rise of anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism, repression, and censorship.
“Many people ask me, why are you still there? I feel like I have a responsibility to stay and not be like, things got rough, I’m gonna bounce and go to America, the number one arms dealer. Things are becoming more overtly fascist, and I risk way less existing here than other people – friends and people around me have been put in jail, have multiple criminal charges for merely saying things on social media or at protests, and are constantly fighting. If they were to stop, it would get really scary.”
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Having had gigs cancelled by several German venues since 2018 for their support of Palestine, CCL was already aware of the ramifications of state-sanctioned cultural censorship. At the time, they recall, it “rocked [their] world” and they couldn’t fathom spending an extended amount of time somewhere so oppressive, but now they’re finding solidarity with those who have had similar experiences. And, of course, a space where people gather to step outside of their comfort zones, get in touch with their feelings, and learn about new ways of relating to one another holds so much potential beyond the club.
“There’s a natural level of magnetism that exists when like-minded people start congregating,” they reflect. “It’s been cool to look around [the party] and be like, I know all of these people also care about things on a wider level. This isn’t just background music for socialising and drugs. We’re coming here to recharge and feel a level of joy and not in an escapist, dissociative way.”
‘Plot Twist’ is out via !K7 on November 15, get it here
Nina Posner is a freelane writer, follow Nina on Instagram
