Paul Kalkbrenner

German techno whiz Paul Kalkbrenner had already established himself as a musician before 2008, but that year also brought him a big career jump as he added the term “actor” to his steadily growing resume. In Berlin Calling, Kalkbrenner assumed the role of DJ Ickarus, whose touring plans are thrown out of whack when he’s forced into a psychiatric ward during a bad drug experience. Despite Kalkbrenner’s time spent acting he did not slack musically, contributing the film’s entire soundtrack. The track “Sky And Sand” became an international hit, which is remarkable when considering Kalkbrenner’s brand of techno. Instead of jugular-seizing melodies and basic drum parts, Kalkbrenner specializes in more minimal sounds, emphasizing the hypnotic and the textured. His current touring schedule finds him further celebrating the freedom he has embraced since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the event that allowed his career to happen in the first place. (Friday, 5:30-6:30, Groupon Stage) –text: Erik Ziedses des Plantes