Berlin’s techno clubs have long been a mystery to many, with their elusive criteria for entry. A recent study conducted by the University of Bath, King’s College London, and Freie Universität Berlin, published in the Journal of Marketing, aimed to demystify the selection process at these renowned venues. The research revealed that door selectors seek individuals who both ‘fit in’ and ‘stand out’ to enhance the club experience.
However, according to Berlin-based writer and musicologist, Dr. Liam Cagney, the study only scratches the surface. Cagney describes Berlin’s club scene as a blend of public and private space, making the door selection process more of an art form than a science.
Cagney likens the door selectors to hosts inviting guests to a party, highlighting the clubs’ role in redefining social interactions. He acknowledges the clubs’ business strategy of capitalizing on the experience economy, creating an air of exclusivity akin to a modern-day Berlin Wall.
The rise of ‘techno tourists’ driven by social media platforms like TikTok has added a consumerist element to the club scene, affecting the experience for regular attendees. Cagney emphasizes the role of bouncers in safeguarding the space for regulars, noting their creative tactics in managing entry on any given night.
Despite the occasional misjudgments at the door, Cagney believes that the system, though imperfect, is the best available option. He stresses the importance of reframing Berlin’s techno clubs as personal ‘parties’ rather than mere entertainment venues, highlighting the allure of unpredictability in gaining insider status.
Cagney shares anecdotes of bouncers using unconventional criteria for entry, illustrating the element of surprise that characterizes Berlin’s club culture. He teases his upcoming novel, “Berghain Nights,” slated for release in October 2025, offering an in-depth exploration of Berlin’s club scene through essays, memoirs, and interviews with key figures in the electronic dance music industry.