Skrillex recently convened an impressive assembly of electronic music’s most forward-thinking artists for a monumental two-day takeover of Kraftwerk in Berlin. Held on May 30 and 31, the event, titled CONTRA: Berlin, transformed the gargantuan former power plant—which also houses the legendary club Tresor, alongside Globus and OHM—into a hub for global underground innovation.
The prolific producer and DJ worked alongside an international curatorial team to assemble a lineup that pushed the boundaries of the genre. The event featured performances from influential acts including Bladee, Ecco2K, Blawan, Crystallmess, Juliana Huxtable, Malibu, KAVARI, and Nick Léon. The diverse roster also highlighted the British masked rapper Jawnino, Brazilian rising DJ RHR, and the perennial techno favorite Batu.
CONTRA is described by organizers as an “evolving platform,” maintaining an air of mystery while signaling a new chapter for live electronic curation. As the event continues to generate buzz, it stands as a testament to the power of collaborative, genre-defying programming in one of the world’s most significant nightlife capitals.
For those interested in the future of the project, further information can be found on the official CONTRA website. The event served as a masterclass in modern curation, bridging the gap between established electronic icons and the next generation of underground pioneers.
