Mareena
DJ | Producer | Booker
The role of host for Tresor’s New Faces night is made for a certain kind of person. The job requires an open mind and a genuine curiosity and interest to look for and discover artists from the realms of techno, electro, acid, EBM and beyond to play in one of Berlin’s most historic nightclubs. The position also requires stamina, not quite athlete standard but a body and mind which can stave off sleep all night, and adjust to long periods spent in the dark in a closely-packed atmosphere. By the time Tresor shuts its doors the following day, it could be 10 am, 11 am, who knows really…
Mareena has fit the bill for a host of New Faces since 2012, the same year she began her residency with the club. She is a long-standing member of the crew and along with fellow residents and New Faces hosts Esther Duijn, Mischa, Mario Berger, Marcus and Dinamite, they each curate the night separately and invite flourishing artists at various points of their journey to play behind the iconic railings of the club's DJ booth.
The East Berliner has played an immeasurable amount of nights both at Tresor and throughout Berlin, Europe and the United States. Dave Clarke, Octave One, DJ Skull and Slam have all shared the stage with her, and a plethora of alluring talents have been invited to play alongside her for a stint at New Faces including Cailín, Carlota, Doug Cooney and Dez Williams to name a few. As an artist who is booked for closing sets, warm-ups and peak time slots, Mareena comes armed to each gig with an extensive collection of vinyl which reflects her taste and years of digging for dexterous records to suit any tone and environment. To say she is a seasoned DJ is an understatement.
Her platform and label Unrush acts as a playground for merging podcasts, interviews and events into one. Using it a tool to experiment and explore, Mareena curates Unrush with a vision to dissolve musical barriers and shine a light on ambient textures - a real escape from the perspiring bodies and pummelling energy she's used to in the depths of Tresor.
Like most clubs in the world, Tresor is temporarily shut so Mareena has more time on her hands than usual. The future of nighttime venues remains hazy at the moment but Mareena is still engrossed in music, particularly other forms outside of dance-floor orientated sounds. As well as sharing what she has been listening to recently and how she has remained sane throughout the pandemic, Mareena goes back to a fun morning with the Tresor staff below…
Photo: Dominic (Tresor staff)
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
The photo was taken after my New Faces night at Tresor in January. I just finished playing - it was around 9 am in the morning - and the staff and I just kept on having fun.
I chose it because I miss playing and visiting Tresor a lot. Also I miss the whole staff and these spontaneous little afterparty hangouts in the basement when we still feel too energetic to go home yet.
What's life been like for you in Berlin over the last few months?
I’m getting slowly comfortable in the uncomfortable. The past few months keep reminding me that nothing is written in stone. No matter how hard you work towards your goals, life can always change to the most unexpected situation. So, I’m riding the wave, trying to make the best out of it now and flex my creative muscles. Mainly, I’m working on my own music and diving deep in modular synthesis, learning soldering, planning releases and ambient gatherings with Unrush, doing sports and meditation, reading books, experimenting in cooking and baking. Spending the best time with my friends and family, and having more white wine than usual by the end of the day...
Considering there aren't any big parties to play or attend right now, do you find yourself listening to a lot more music or genres outside of dance music at home?
I’m listening to a lot of 80’s pop and disco recently, but also studying Discogs and discovering new and old jams to bring them on the plate in the future.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about things, do you have a go-to track or style of music to listen to which significantly lifts your spirits?
Oh yes, there’s definitely that track called Wuub by Woob.
It is my 10 minute sound therapy if things get really nasty. Also the Reflection record by Brian Eno is absolute brain candy. Furthermore, I’m going through the Unrush mix archive. One of my favourites is the contribution by Kaelan. It is so soft and delicate. Never getting tired of that mix.
Have you experienced any unexpected positives throughout this time?
Definitely! I’m finally able to focus more on my inner progress and my own music. The connection to my friends and family has been deepened and new friendships have been developed during the past months. Also, I feel way more connected to music than before. Even if you play a lot of gigs, you can easily lose the connection to the music since everything can be so fast-paced.
Next to my DJing, I also worked full-time for the SuperBooth festival, so it was not always easy to balance everything out properly. I can definitely say that this break is really nice so far. On top, I also think that the pandemic and the resulting forced pause will do the ‘scene’ some good.
What would be your ideal day/night to celebrate an end to the pandemic?
Seeing all my friends at once and throwing a huge party at my house. At one point in the early morning, going out to Tresor altogether, feeling loads of sub bass, and Dance Dance Dance...
Listen to Mareena’s Unrush session here and follow her below: