Clara Cuvé: Berlins Rising Techno Star Connects The Generations
©️ Sven Marquardt
Berlin's techno scene is known for its underground energy and raw, unfiltered sound. While the city's musical heritage is steeped in history, new artists are emerging to carry the torch for the future.
One of these stars is Clara Kue, a Munich-born DJ and producer who quickly rose to fame in the German capital. Kuve's journey into the world of techno began in his teenage years when he discovered his love for vinyl records through his friends. His classical piano training soon ended and he fell in love with Munich's vibrant nightlife.
After being encouraged to play his first DJ at a local party, Kuve gained confidence behind the scenes. "Being a DJ helped me through my personal process of overcoming my extreme shyness," he recalls. The transformative power of techno music quickly shaped Kuve's path. He moved to Berlin and got a residency at famous clubs like OHM.
Now firmly entrenched in the Berlin scene, Kuve meets icons of past generations while showcasing its own artistic vision. His latest collaboration with photographer Sven Marquardt, who has photographed Berlin's club culture for decades, brings together two distinct eras of the city's dance music heritage.
Although Cuve continues to establish itself as a techno powerhouse, its sights remain firmly on the future.
Cuvé artistic collaboration
Through collaborations with renowned artists from all creative fields, the growth of Clara Cove's profile has reached new heights in 2023. She was chosen by designer Rick Owens to walk his show at London Fashion Week last February. Owens asked Cuvette to provide background music for the models' much-anticipated collaboration with Italian clothing brand Moncler.
Sharing the talent at the highest levels is an example of the growing influence of Kuve, but he has not forgotten his underground roots. In March, Kuve teamed up with artist MCR-T to launch a new event series called "Sesh" in Berlin. MCR-T, visual and musical creators from Germany and America, teamed up with Cuve to create a fun party concept.
Sesh aims to recreate the nostalgia of 90s raves combined with a futuristic aesthetic. Its first release in March was critically acclaimed, featuring the creative fusion of Cuve and MCR-T.
From fashion shows to avant-garde nightclubs, Clara Cove continues to explore new artistic horizons while celebrating her craft. Its openness to collaboration marks one of Berlin's fastest-growing technological prowess.
Cuvée photo shoot with Sven Marquardt
One of Cuve's most important collaborations recently was a shoot with renowned German photographer Sven Marquardt. Known for his simple black and white portraits, Marquardt has spent nearly two decades documenting the likes of Berlin's club scene. His lens captures underground figures like Berghain residents Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann, highlighting the city's vibrant dance music culture.
As an artist rooted in that world, Marquardt was a natural creative partner for Cuvette, who had long admired his melancholic aesthetic and unique perspective. Together with stylist Mi Mayerak, the vision was to express the cuvée's inner brilliance and strength in Marquardt's signature style.
The resulting photographs correspond to the artistic development of Cuvette. Measure describes the aspect of "Fallen Angel Identity" as a reflection of the essence of both artists: Cuvette's organized anarchy meets Marquardt's intensity. Wearables from new designers like Ximon Lee and No Faith Studios add flexibility and forward-thinking elegance. The images are a striking visual accompaniment to Cuve's bold musical evolution.
Combining their artistic voices, Sven Marquardt and Clara Kuve have created a solid document of the Berlin club scene. Their collaboration unites techno's generation while also marking the rise of Kween.
The bond of generations
Although Klara Kuve and Sven Marquardt come from very different eras, the collaboration embodies the history of the growth of Berlin club culture. Marquardt first photographed the city's punk scene in the 1980s before it became part of the techno movement. Its influence extends from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the present.
Cuve represents new young artists carrying the torch. Growing up in reunified Germany, he discovered techno in Munich as a youth. While Marquardt's creative roots were underground in East Berlin, Kuve joined the club after the Wall was divided.
Although they have different origins, their views converge on important points. Both found personal and creative freedom on the Berlin dance floor. According to Marquardt, techno became a "living sensation" after the collapse of the GDR. Cuve also said DJing was "transformative" because it helped him overcome his doubts.
Seen today through Marquardt's eyes, the Cuvette proudly displays the confidence his generation helped build. The artworks remind us of how the legacy of Berlin's clubs transformed into the reach of pioneers and sounded the sounds of the future. United in their passion for techno-energy, their collaboration bridges the past and the future.
What does the future hold for Clara Cuvet?
With Clara Kuve establishing herself as one of Berlin's most promising young talents, the possibilities for what's next in her turbulent career are endless. Cuve's star is definitely on the rise after a major artistic collaboration in 2023.
Musically, fans can expect Cuve's sound to continue to evolve. He says his influences are constantly changing, returning to his early inspirations like jungle and drum and bass as he hones his production skills. As Kuve gained experience in the studio, he was able to delve into the hard and fast techno that attracted him in the first place.
In hindsight, the creative collaboration with Sven Marquardt could be just the beginning. Cuvée seeks to collaborate with photographers, stylists and other visual artists to express its artistic vision through new media. The creative direction also plans to expand the Sesh line into full parties so that it can shape the entire club experience.
Whatever path she takes, Clara Cove seems destined to play a major role in the world of electronic music for many years to come. His creativity and constant versatility made him unique. Now fully immersed in the city he loves, Kuve's reputation spreads Berlin's techno heritage to a wider audience around the world.
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