January 17, 2025 | Guest Mixes
Photo by Kristina Knast
There’s something uniquely grounding about a conversation with someone like Enzio Etchaberri. The type of person who finds joy in the act of digging, discovering, and sharing music with the world. As a DJ, music producer, and programmer for one of Berlin’s most iconic clubs Enzio carries a deep respect for the roots of electronic dance music. All the while keeping an eye on its evolving future. Whether locked in his Lichtenberg studio or playing in the thick of Berlin’s nightlife his approach feels thoughtful, deliberate, and intensely human.
Thinking back to a fall morning last year in Sisyphos’ Wintergarten I can’t help but smile. The sun was climbing slowly casting the dancefloor in surreal vibrant hues through the stained glass windows. People drenched in the moment moved in sync with music that felt escapist yet grounding. It was one of those often times rare instances when everything – the music, the colors, the energy – came together to remind you why we gather in these spaces. No phones, no rush,
It’s those moments that Enzio seems to understand so well, and it’s exactly why I’m excited to share this conversation and the his wonderful mix with to you, our listeners.
Hello, I’m Enzio, I somehow unintentionally found myself to be living joyful times as a DJ, music producer and DJ programmer for a certain club in Berlin. Besides having the privilege to play other people’s music on loud sound systems around the world.
I can often be found locked in my music studio in Berlin, Lichtenberg. Following the trails that our forebears have left behind and that lead through the rich past and present of electronic dance music. Often digging (endlessly) for music and editing tunes to become part of my sonic palette. Digging is a never ending ordeal that still fascinates me to the core. In fact, one day I think I have discovered the end of the internet, but couldn’t find it anymore the next day 🙂
The state of our scene (the good, the bad and the ugly) and broader speaking, the state of our macro world. As many people seem to be stuck and struggle with complex problems and not many (simple) solutions or answers.
How can our moods be so affected by negativity being reported in our macro world? How can we safeguard the places where people can meet and continue our ancient rituals and promote dialogue? What role can electronic dance music and DJs play in transcending some of these problems?
This all might seem dramatic and is likely due to the time of year (winter in the northern hemisphere makes for lots of contemplation).
I think it was The Field – From Here We Go Sublime that introduced me to electronic music. And subsequently discovering the output of Kompakt, with artists and mixes by the likes of Superpitcher and Michael Mayer.
Photo by Kristina Knast
Whilst in my second year of University (Bachelor’s degree in Psychology) I had the great fortune to get acquainted with fellow students from the same university that were into raving. Although we mostly came from different studies we all had in common a sense of boredom we felt with the state of nightlife in Utrecht at the time. We were missing music and venues that had soul and enough quirkiness to make you smile.
This led us to host small and intimate basement gatherings where art and music were central. On one of those early gatherings I was invited to play some music. I think it was a combination of electroclash and melodic sounds that were common around that time. I somehow felt the need to bang it out, who doesn’t in their early twenties?
For me it’s all about the mood or vibe. There is quite a broad spectrum of human emotions, therefore I also try to convey a broad spectrum of music to match as a DJ. I only select music I feel or dig myself and try to imagine the setting in which the set will take place.
Things I consider whilst preparing: what kind of sound system, what kind of stage or floor, what kind of crowd, time of day, day of the week, the weather and how long people have been going on at that point.
S.A.M. – Strings from Mars (2024, Dahlia 993)
Javi – Shifting Reality (2024, Javi Self-released)
Mieka du Franx & Mark Ambrose – Wake Me Up (2024 Reissue, Spincycle Records)
DJ HMC – Electronic Energy (1999, Groove Zone)
Oligo – Acid Jam (2023, Under the Radar)
Simon & Garfunkel – Leaves Are Green, there’s something very soothing about the music and lyrics. The realisation that everything passes is insightful, therefore one should at least enjoy the brief moment we have right now.
There is a whole list of artists I could name here. But I refrain from starting that list and stay diplomatic by saying that I thoroughly admire DJs that had the courage of quitting or executing an exit plan.
The ones that quit their touring career as a DJ and still be true to their passion. Those are the heroes together with the people that quietly and steadily without looking for hype are true to their beliefs in how they want to convey their sonic art, with or without external recognition.
Photo by Kristina Knast
One month after moving to Berlin (in 2013) I got invited to play the club for the first time. Through parties and afterhours in Ruigoord, Amsterdam I previously got to meet some people affiliated with the club and stated my intent to move cities and pursue my passion for music (and men ;)) Which was a stars-aligning-moment and have been playing the club ever since.
It was only after the Covid-19 pandemic that I got asked to join the booking team as the programming became a lot more intense. It’s the size of a small festival almost every weekend.
The fact that we never intended to be a club! It all grew very organically from the first raves that were organised to slowly reaching a full grown club and community in the years to follow. And we still have the feeling we are not done yet, even after 16 years of operating there are enough ideas for the future and inspiration to keep going.
Many projects these days seem to be presented to the world in an almost finished state. Which leaves very little room to deviate from the original plan and less freedom to enjoy the process of evolving and adapting to the times.
Technology has lowered the threshold for a lot more people to express themselves through music, both making it and playing it out. This means that there is a lot more good stuff and at the same time a lot more mediocre stuff. Which requires a bit more time and filtering through.
I am lucky enough to be in a position where that is my job. Either in filtering DJs or tracks for playing. What tracks are to a DJ, are DJs to programmers ;).
One phenomenon I have been noticing and I can’t really explain why. What happened to ‘underground’ hits? About ten years ago I could name at least 10 tracks that you and I knew. These days a lot less so. I believe it’s time that we can unite behind hits again.
The city is at a point where it is attracting investment and with that comes comes arbitrarily bad taste and the hard-to-say-no-kind-of-deals. You can’t buy a lifestyle nor can you sell it. Plus the fact that inflation and the cost of living crisis has made life a lot more expensive for everyone, including party-goers and artists. Which will further threaten the spaces that provide a sense of community and access to culture.
After many cycles of washing it has shrunk slightly but the essence and spirit can still be found around Berlin. Especially in the places that stayed true to their principles and identities in the face of adversity and investment.
Berlin has many small venues to support emerging artists. One of my favourites is OHM.
This time of year is about contemplation and finding inner cosiness. Therefore I selected some music that makes me transcend my daily worries and provide me with warm feelings. I hope you as a listener will experience something similar.
Thank you for the invite and wish you the best with this wonderful platform. I am glad there are still people that appreciate the long form and taking time. A sacrosanct counterpoint to our short attention span training we engage in our daily lives.
01. Scape One – They Manufacture Humans (2020, Self-released)
02. François Kevorkian – Moov (1996, Wave Music)
03. Andre King & Open – Dancin’ (2001, Transfusion)
04. Charasmatix – SFX Mixed Up (Der Dritte Raum Remix/DJ Edit) (2002, Society FX)
05. Get Fucked – Get Fucked on Fishcakes (1999, Eukahouse)
06. Jorge Gamarra – System Self (2023, Dance Floor Rituals)
07. Jay Quentin – Information Superhighway (2018, ://about blank)
08. Skyra – Untitled (2023, Morevi Records)
09. Tommy Vicari Jr. – Pffffff (2024, SlapFunk Records)
10. Der Dritte Raum – Wellenbad (1996, Harthouse)
11. DJ Jacuzziy – The Sunlight (2023, Deep Water Coconuts)
12. Avivx – Closer (2022, Electronic Emergencies)
13. Giammarco Orsini – Twenty (2024, Timeless)
14. Sci-Phi – Human Spirit (1998, Lunar Tunes)
15. Mark Ambrose & Alexander Purkart – Round & Round (1999, Force Inc. Music Works)
16. Dream State – Distant Observer (DJ Edit) (1990, Club Masters)
Location: Berlin, DE
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Enzio Etchaberri is a Dutch born Berlin-based DJ and producer. He is continually in search of the magic that happens when place, time, people and music align. His style is a mixture of house, electro and electronic disco. With equal focus on body and mind.
Since moving to Berlin he has gathered valuable experiences in a variety of scenarios. Equally comfortable in both club and festival settings. Constantly testing his ethos, ‘If you have people on their toes, it’s easier for them to dance too’.
A great deal of energy is committed in creating a joyful and singular experience for the dancers. Through digging for and digitising rare vinyl, meticulously editing and remixing tracks for DJ use or producing original material. In the production department, he focuses on continuously developing his diverse musical identity and is taking the time to patiently release his tried-and-tested creations into the world.