Herrensauna, a queer party based in Berlin’s Tresor continues to attract punky techno heads around the world as one of the forefront electronic music communities. The mastermind and resident DJ, CEM and DJ Saliva, the artist responsible for the art direction, will be performing at VENT’s newly launched party ‘Hydrosy’ on New Year. DSKE and MAYUDEPTH, who have worked on Tokyo’s tough queer party ‘MOTORPOOL’ interviewed CEM and DJ Salvia before leaving for Japan.
DSKE previously performed with CEM and MAYUDEPTH will be performing alongside this time. They asked about their attitudes toward this party and the recently announced Herrensauna label compilation EP.
MAYUDEPTH : For CEM it’s been three years but is it Saliva’s first time to be in Japan? There have been a lot of changes in the past three years. The Tokyo scene has evolved and there is a new energy emerging. Herrensauna, how have you been spending your time during the pandemic? Were there any differences between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic?
CEM & DJ Saliva : Indeed its DJ Saliva’s first time in Japan. Honestly, we have greatly appreciated a forced break and the self reflective journey that came along with it. We were able to expand our team as well as our own horizons verging into different creative fields which has lead to very fruitful collaborations.
DSKE : Herrensauna, the party name, has somewhat of a sexual image yet a strict atmosphere. We felt you have great taste to decide on that name. Could you explain the origins of this name?
CEM & DJ Saliva : The atmosphere isnt strict and thats exactly what the name indicates. Its a tongue in cheek reference to the hedonism you will find inside paired with a particular lack of restraint.
DSKE : As a leading party in the Berlin Queer scene. Is there anything you keep in mind when booking a venue? You are involved in a number of collaborations. What are your policies when working with organisations with different interests? (In every collaboration, you would have to approach things differently)
CEM & DJ Saliva : We like to work with venues that can provide us the right infrastructure and total creative freedom on artworks and musical curation. However when we collaborate with other collectives we look forward to fuse our worlds and create a unique atmosphere that doesn’t shy away from experimentation.
MAYUDEPTH : Excluding the nineties, the Japanese techno and rave culture were dominantly male-centred and there was no connection with the queer culture. In the past few years, however, parties with new mindsets and ideologies have emerged.
Being a part of this, we are supporting each other to make it a more diverse place where everyone can freely express themselves. Discrimination and harassment in the club scene have been discussed more than ever, and more clubs and parties are putting in safety measures. How is the Berlin scene? What initiatives did you take to create this safe space for Herrensauna as a queer party?
CEM & DJ Saliva : Even though new mind sets and ideologies have come to the forefront we always witnessed a more male centered queer scene so we want to stay focused on a door policy that looks beyond the binary. With this we want to believe that it is still possible to blend the whole spectrum without many segregations.
MAYUDEPTH : The other day you announced the release of Herrensauna’s label compilation EP. The collection of works, especially the artwork, was deeply emotional. I personally love Zvrra as a producer and I select her works for MOTORPOOL and my personal mix. I am interested in the concept behind this EP.
CEM & DJ Saliva : Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! We are still in the initiation phase of our label and the compilations are an introduction into a wide range of sonic influences that ultimately create our universe and push the boundaries of our scene.
DSKE : While touring worldwide, were there any memorable queer parties and any incidents then? Is there anywhere you both want to go or to do while you are in Tokyo this time?
CEM & DJ Saliva : We recently played with Zvuk Collective in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This group of talented artists managed to build a queer community from scratch over there. We felt really at home.
We want to enjoy some listening bars, experience the art scene and end up in the weird corners of the city.
HYDROSY vol.02
DATE: 01/06 (FRI)
at VENT TOKYO
DOOR: ¥3,500
BEFORE 0AM: ¥2,000
LIMITED ADVANCE TICKET: ¥2,500（Priority Entrance）
SNS DISCOUNT: ¥3,000
=ROOM1=
CEM
DJ Saliva
MAYUDEPTH
ShioriyBradshaw
=ROOM2=
FELINE
Golpe Mortal
Sci-Fi
the2$
https://jp.ra.co/events/1623412
http://vent-tokyo.net/schedule/hydrosy_vent_bar_20230106/
『Herrensauna Vol. 2』
https://herrensauna.bandcamp.com/album/v-a-vol-2
Tracklist
01. Isabella – Stunt
02. Slikback – Density
03. Nebuchadnezzar – Comesediceblood
04. God69 – Xhala
05. Merino – Those Days (Verraco Remix)
06. Salome – Tsru Ghelva (DJ Stingray 313 remix)
07. DJ Loser + Malafama – Saliarr
08. ZVRRA – Glance
Promoter: Herrensauna
1 2
