BY M A RGUER ITE O’CO NNELL
Berlin, Germany, and Los Angeles, California, are sister cities; a connection created in 1967 to encourage relationships and cooperation through cultural, intellectual, commercial, and social exchange. The resulting flow of people and ideas through the creative communities of Berlin and LA generated a strong, expansive, and permeable bond between them. This link fostered the continued, unimpeded development of the unique élan and cultural identity of each city, while advancing their mutual rise as cultural hype capitals – Berlin in Europe and Los Angeles in the States. Today both cities are at the forefront of innovation and developing trends in art, media, and music. And From Berlin to LA, an upcoming, two-day electronic music event, will showcase how the growing bond between electronic artists extends beyond reciprocal tour dates, as musicians exchange tech and scene innovation and absorb each other’s culture. From Berlin to LA is a project presented by Your Mom’s Agency of Berlin, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, Raumfeld, and Bold Communication & Marketing, LA. With something for every electronic music enthusiast, the schedule offers artist-led workshops and expert panels on a wide-range of topics that include digital production, digital vocal treatment, synthesizer customization, and projections. There will also be an afternoon of family-friendly events as well as live shows, DJ sets, and concerts by participating artists. Taking place at several Los Angeles venues on February 5th and 6th, entry to all From Berlin to LA events is free with registration. The musicians and technicians at From Berlin to LA are on the cutting edge of Berlin-influenced electronic music - electronica new beats, house, techno, and experimental – and will be on hand to share some of the secrets behind their creative process. In advance of this exciting event, Fourculture asked some of these artists their thoughts about music and culture in Berlin and LA. 18 www.fourculture.com