STEREOSKOP
ALEX KORNER AT UNISON
Exclusive
About the author: Joes Beisenbusch founded Stereoskop in 2015. A fashion graduate of the University of Antwerp. Over the years he left marks on brands like Raf Simons, Slam Jam & Highsnobiety.
MAY 1st, 2025
This paper explores the resurgence of high-energy 1990s house music within Berlin’s contemporary club culture, focusing on the interplay between classic house, garage, and hard-groove styles. It examines the role of collectives like UNISON and the contributions of Berlin-based DJ Alex Korner in shaping this dynamic musical landscape. Through an analysis of musical aesthetics, community practices, and spatial contexts, the study situates the DJ within a broader movement that reinterprets historical dance music forms to foster inclusivity and collective experience.
Berlin's electronic music scene has long been synonymous with techno's minimalist and industrial aesthetics. However, recent years have witnessed a revival of high-energy 1990s house music, characterized by its fast-paced rhythms, groove-centric structures, and soulful elements. This resurgence reflects a cultural field of tension where nostalgia intersects with contemporary reinterpretation, and where community-driven initiatives challenge established norms.
-The Aesthetic and Cultural Dimensions of High-Energy 90s House
High-energy 1990s house music is distinguished by its rhythmic intensity, syncopated beats, and incorporation of elements from garage and hard-groove styles. The genre's emphasis on groove and physicality fosters a dancefloor experience that is both euphoric and communal. This musical approach contrasts with the introspective nature of Berlin's traditional techno scene, offering an alternative that prioritizes warmth and inclusivity.
-Fostering Collective Musical Expression
Collectives like UNISON play a pivotal role in nurturing this musical movement. Free of charge events, such as „Garden Groove" at Berlin's Recede outdoor space highlight the collective's commitment to diverse & inclusive expression. These gatherings emphasize non-hierarchical collaboration and community engagement, aligning with broader trends in Berlin's underground that re-values inclusivity and shared creative processes.
-Navigating the Groove
Berlin-based DJ Alex Korner exemplifies the fusion of classic and contemporary elements within this musical landscape. His sets are characterized by high BPMs, dynamic transitions, and a seamless blend of vintage house tracks with contemporary production. The producer’s approach reflects a deeper understanding of the genre's roots while pushing its boundaries to be resonating with and fusing todays croud.
Alex Korner's participation in events organized by collectives like UNISON situates him within a network of artists dedicated to redefining the „Berlin Club“. His work contributes to a broader movement that seeks to reclaim the dancefloor as a space for collective joy and expression, challenging the dominance of techno's austere aesthetics.
The revival of high-energy 1990s house music in Berlin represents a significant shift in the city's electronic music narrative. Through the efforts of collectives like UNISON and artists such as Alex Korner, a new cultural field has emerged—one that honors the past while embracing innovation. This movement underscores the power of music to foster community, challenge norms, and create spaces of shared experience.