Spinning the Pulse of Berlin and Cologne Nights
Hendrik Milan went from producing tracks at home to commanding the decks at iconic clubs in just a few years. With genre-blending sets and a natural feel for the crowd, he’s quickly becoming a name to watch in Europe’s electronic music world.
GWF: How did your journey into electronic music begin, and what drew you to the Cologne and Berlin club scenes?
My journey started with producing music. In 2020, I began creating my own electronic tracks, and through a friend who also produces but is also a DJ, I discovered DJing. He showed me the ropes and encouraged me to perform, saying I had a talent for it. I started playing at home for friends, who were very enthusiastic, and shortly after I had my first gig at Bootshaus in Cologne. Just two months later, I performed at KitKat Club in Berlin. It all happened very quickly, and I think my success came from a mix of good connections and convincing people with talent and musical taste.
“I rarely plan the order of my tracks in advance”
GWF: How would you describe your style, and how do you approach building energy and flow in a live set?
I would describe my style as very energetic and driving. My sets always include rhythmic and melodic elements, often with many vocal parts. I mix different strands of techno but make sure the energy flows as a whole. I usually build the energy spontaneously, guided by the vibe I feel from the crowd.
GWF: How does the crowd or space influence your choices behind the decks?
Both the crowd and the venue have a big influence on my sets. I rarely plan the order of my tracks in advance and often introduce unexpected tracks if it feels right for the moment. I always respond to what the crowd gives back, interacting musically with the atmosphere.
GWF: How do you approach creating those moments where everything clicks?
The most important thing is to mix the elements of the tracks so the set remains coherent and has a tension curve. When I feel a track would work well at a certain point, I mix it in a way that fits the set, even if it’s a different genre. I pay attention to keeping the beat consistent and maintaining or building the energy from the previous track.
GWF: Being a resident DJ in multiple clubs must be intense. How do you keep each performance fresh while maintaining your signature style?
I keep my sets fresh by responding individually and spontaneously to the energy of the club and the crowd. This creates a new set each time, not just through me, but through the musical interaction with the party and the moment.
GWF: What challenges and surprises have you encountered as a newcomer making waves in the scene?
As a newcomer, it can be challenging to prove yourself. When you come out of nowhere and play big parties or well-known clubs, people, including other DJs, can be a bit skeptical, which is understandable. At that point, you just have to show that you deserve to play main parties at famous clubs, even as someone new to the scene.
GWF: How does creating music in the studio compare to performing it live, and how do the two experiences inform each other?
They are completely different processes. Performing live is an interaction with the audience, building and maintaining energy in real time. Producing in the studio is a very intimate and slow process, focused on personal creativity and feeling.
GWF: How do you read and respond to the energy of a dancefloor?
Being very empathetic helps me read the crowd. Even if it sounds strange, you can sense the overall energy as well as small details. I can tell when the audience needs more energy or when it’s too much, and adjust accordingly. It’s really about sensitivity and attention.
@hendrik_milan by @desiartkuleshova
GWF: Is there a particular feeling or experience you hope your audience takes away from your performances?
I want the audience to feel that they had an incredible time and a lot of fun, even if they weren’t focused on every track. The music should create a good foundational mood that carries the night. A bad DJ can ruin that feeling, but a good set can make the party memorable.
GWF: How do the electronic music scenes in Cologne and Berlin differ, and how does that influence the way you perform?
I don’t feel there’s a big difference. It really depends on the party and the club. I adapt every time, researching what the organizers and the audience expect and want.
GWF: Which venues or cities do you most love performing in, and are there dream stages you hope to play on in the future?
I love performing in Cologne and Berlin because I have many friends and familiar faces in the crowd. It’s also exciting to play for completely new people who connect with the music. I’d love to perform more in Barcelona, where I feel the vibe strongly, and Paris is also a dream city I haven’t had the chance to play in yet.
GWF: Looking ahead, what goals or ambitions do you have for your music and career?
I want to establish myself more in the scenes in Barcelona and Paris. This year, I also plan to focus more on producing and aim to release my first tracks through labels. Balancing this with freelancing, my side job, and studies has been challenging, but it’s a clear goal I am motivated to pursue.
Follow Hendrik on Instagram @hendrik_milan
Stream Hendrik Milan on SoundCloud
