Techno Legend Marcel Fengler: From Berghain to Beijing

By Yinmai O'Connor, September 5, 2024

Resident Advisor calls German producer Marcel Fengler “one of the finest techno DJs,” and he has garnered international recognition for his dynamic body of work – which spans over two decades.

Fengler’s unique and versatile style of DJing earned him a spot as one of the first resident DJs at Berlin’s infamous Berghain/Panorama Bar back in 2005.

Growing up, he was fascinated by hip-hop culture – but following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Fengler’s focus shifted to techno music and DJing.

A self-proclaimed “vinyl nerd,” he began spinning records in the early nineties and is now a master turntablist.

In 2011, he founded his own label – Index Marcel Fengler (IMF) – and has been helping to foster young techno talents ever since.

We caught up with him before the last leg of his first China tour about his favorite records, and what to expect from his Beijing debut at ByeByeDisco.

How is your first trip to China going so far?
I'm hugely impressed by China already! I'll be traveling to Beijing soon, and this will be the third city I visit – after incredible experiences in Nanjing and Shanghai.

Each place has offered something unique, and I'm excited to see what Beijing has in store.

My time in China has been amazing so far; I'm eager to explore more of what China has to offer – both musically and culturally – and I'm excited to see how the rest of my time here unfolds.

Do you have a vinyl that holds a particularly important place in your heart?
As a techno DJ, one vinyl that holds a special place in my heart is Underground Resistance's The Final Frontier.

It was one of the first records that truly resonated with me – capturing the raw energy and futuristic sound that defines techno.

This record shaped my musical direction and deepened my connection to the underground scene. Even now, playing it in a set gives me chills – reminding me why I fell in love with techno and the journey that brought me here.

What are some of the worst/funniest technical difficulties you’ve had to face during a show?
Oh, there were plenty of those back in the days when I still played vinyl-only sets.

Midway through a set at a huge festival – just as the energy was peaking – the needle suddenly skipped across the vinyl, jumping to a completely different part of the track because a guy from the dancefloor offered me a shot that I hadn’t noticed.

The crowd was caught off guard, and so was I!

I quickly improvised by mixing in a loop from the other deck while adjusting the tonearm. It was a tense moment, but the crowd thought it was part of the performance – we all had a good laugh afterwards.

If you had to listen to one of your tracks on repeat all day tomorrow, which one would it be and why?
It’s pretty challenging for me to listen to something on repeat, but if I had to choose – it would be my track 'Unleashed' from my recent EP on my label, Index Marcel Fengler (IMF).

The reason is simple: despite the repetition, 'Unleashed' has dynamic energy and evolving layers that keep it engaging; the driving beat and intricate synths reveal new elements with each listen.

Even after hearing it countless times, it still fascinates me and remains enjoyable throughout.

What can people expect from your set in Beijing?
Expect a diverse range of techno styles in my set; my focus is on creating a dynamic experience that evolves with the crowd.

I love blending various techno subgenres – adapting to the energy and vibe of the room. It’s all about reading the crowd and curating a journey that keeps everyone engaged and moving.

So, expect an eclectic mix that keeps things fresh and responsive to the moment.

Thank you and I am looking forward to the show a lot!

[All images are courtesy of Marcel Fengler]