Only A Song For You can lift an entire auditorium of people in Berlin to their feet. At the vocal ensemble’s first public performance last year, a sold-out Volksbühne were dancing, clapping and singing along, the ensemble expanding their size to a theater’s worth of people for a beautiful, connecting moment. When talking to co-founders Noah Slee and Dhanesh Jayaselan about how the ensemble came to be, they say the fundamental idea behind the group was simple: “Let’s sing.” Noah’s upbringing in New Zealand was filled with music, from being in a gospel choir to family barbecues where a cousin would no doubt bring a guitar, leading his whole family to sing together. This collective singing was something he and Dhanesh saw was missing in Berlin. Looking at the talent they saw in the soulful, R&B, Hip Hop and jazz scenes surrounding them, they felt that collective singing could be the gel to bring people together. The ensemble is centered on BIPOC identities and has over fifty members.

Seeing them live, each voice has its own beauty – when you think you’ve hit the sky for talent, another artist emerges and layers something new and unique into the performance. As Noah says “There’s a lot of Mariah Carey’s” in the group. More than a choir, the ensemble isn’t bound to song, but also movement and poetry to express story; story from cultures across the world. On stage, the group reclaims space and represents unrepresented voices. Off stage, the ensemble also provides a support network for members who meet for practice each Monday, setting the tone of their week. Since their first performance in early 2023, A Song For You have performed the main stage at Melt Festival, performed with Annahstasia and Nick Hakim, and amongst photographer Tyler Mitchell’s exhibition at C/O Berlin. In their upcoming album “Home” (out 21.06. on Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section) the group considers the meaning of space, and will do so in-person with a performance at Theater Des Westens.

Text: Savannah van der Niet / Photos: José Cuevas

Tickets for A Song For You’s “Home” album launch on 19.08.2024. are available here.

@asongforyouberlin

Although June is showing its moodier side, Fête de la Musique is creating a summery atmosphere and transforming the city into a huge stage. This time, over 250 locations offer concerts and musical performances. The program ranges from amateur performances to those by professional musicians. And we have collected some of our highlights for you. The Berlin Summer Rave transforms Winterfeldtstraße into a festival area with everything from techno to afro-house and hip-hop. There is also a variety of food trucks. On the terrace of Il Casolare, right on the banks of the Landwehr Canal, you can enjoy the ever-popular pizza from the wood-fired oven and live bands: Olive Christou, Limbocats, Sezou & Theo Schnelle, and Freekind. In the afternoon on the palm-lined terrace or later at night in the elegant rooms with their Parisian flair, you can dance to vinyl electronic music sets at the Orangerie Neukölln. The “Shine a Light” after-party starts at 8 pm with house music and the Flinta*Club Deck initiative, which promotes newcomer DJs.

Sustainability fans will also get their money’s worth at the Greener Fête de la Musique in the gardens of the Centre Français. This year, the event is taking place under the banner of Euro24 with a focus on sustainability and inclusion. There will be wheelchair basketball and a mini-Olympics for children and families. From 21h, you can watch the European Championship match between France and the Netherlands live at City Kino Wedding or enjoy crêpes, galettes, ice cream, merguez, and assiettes apéritif from Chez Gustave. Another exciting event will take place on the terrace of the Hoxton Hotel in Charlottenburg. There, natural wines from Drops will be served while the chefs from House of Tandoorprepare street food. The whole event will be accompanied by eclectic sounds from Bridontknow & VioPRG. Whether you attend an event or dance the night away, the Fête de la Musique is the best free and outdoor event that June has to offer! You can find more information and the complete program here.

Text: Lotte von Schönfels / Fotos: Jim Kroft

Further information and the complete program can be found here.

@feteberlin