City Focus: Berlin
As one of Europe’s cultural hubs, the city of Berlin has been at the forefront of the music business for decades, with numerous artists making it their home
Feature By IQ | 21 August 2025
As one of Europe’s cultural hubs, the city of Berlin has been at the forefront of the music business for decades, with numerous artists making it their home, both during its years as a divided city and after the wall came down in 1989.
Its reputation as a powerhouse for house and techno music still remains; however, like many cities around the world, financial pressures are delivering a hammer blow to small venues, and a recent report by trade association Clubcommission suggests that about half of the remaining clubs are considering closure this year.
However, away from that grassroots and underground scene, promoters working in the city tell IQ that Berlin’s nightlife remains buoyant – with a plethora of established venues that they can access…