Berlin DJsdiscuss the illustrious history of iconic record store, Hard Wax
Hard Wax: A Berlin Institution Moves to a New Chapter
Hard Wax, a legendary record store in Berlin, has moved to a new location within the Kraftwerk complex, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
Founded in 1989 by musician and bar owner Mark Ernestus, Hard Wax has been a beacon for DJs and music enthusiasts from around the world, renowned for its superbly-curated record selection. The store's new home is in the iconic Kraftwerk complex, a former power station that now houses a variety of cultural institutions.
Jesse G, a Hard Wax employee and DJ, discovered several Berlin labels like Basic Channel, Rhythm & Sound, Wax, and Ostgut Ton through their first visit to the store. For Jesse, working at Hard Wax is a unique experience, contributing to their personal record archive and musical journey.
The store's move from Paul-Lincke-Ufer to Köpenicker Straße took place on October 30, 2020. Lily Ackerman, an American techno and electro DJ and producer, visited the new location on its opening day and felt it was like a family reunion. Ackerman, who found Hard Wax intimidating during her first visit in 2012 before moving to Berlin, has been a regular customer at the store, buying electro and techno records from the likes of Underground Resistance, Jeff Mills, and Dancemania.
Hard Wax has played a significant role in shaping the Berlin music scene and the development of techno worldwide. Ellen Allien, a Berlin DJ, producer, and head of BPitch, stated that Hard Wax was the most important school for her when she started DJing in 1992. Allien, who bought her electro and techno records from Hard Wax, played them every Sunday at Tresor at the after-hours.
Monty Luke, an American producer, DJ, and founder of label Black Catalogue, has been shopping at Hard Wax for many years, both in person and through the store's mail-order service. Some of the biggest names from the local Berlin scene, including Marcel Dettmann, Cassy, and DJ Hell, have worked behind Hard Wax's counter.
The store has gained a reputation for breaking new talent and sounds, and educating local DJs on new and forward-thinking genres. In 2019, Ackerman's first vinyl record was sold at Hard Wax on a label called Vinyl Dreams Records.
Ackerman expressed some sadness about Hard Wax leaving its iconic location due to gentrification but was happy about its new location within the Tresor complex. Jesse G is excited about the new chapter for Hard Wax and grateful for the sweet memories from the old space. Despite the move, Jesse does not yet feel the need to miss the old location since they have just moved.
Jesse learned a lot about music and music culture at Hard Wax, which shaped their understanding and hearing of music. For many DJs and music lovers, Hard Wax is more than just a record store – it's a community and a source of inspiration. The store continues to play a vital role in the Berlin music scene and the development of techno worldwide.
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