The Berlin-based duo consisting of Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier, aka Booka Shade, is undoubtedly one of the finest pioneering electronic music acts of the past two decades.
With their beginnings in Frankfurt and their sights originally on synth-pop, the duo quickly gained a strong following. In 2002 Booka Shade formed the now legendary dance label Get Physical Music (together with M.A.N.D.Y., Thomas ‘DJ T.’ Koch and Peter Hayo), where they would have a platform for their own music.
Three years later, in 2005, their EP’s ‘Mandarine EP’ and ‘Body Language’ (the latter co-produced with M.A.N.D.Y.), launched Booka Shade into the stratosphere with both EPs becoming an international success. The duo further solidified their position as electronic maestros with tracks like ‘In White Rooms’ and ‘Night Falls’, sending dancefloors into a frenzy the world over.
Since their break-through performance at Sónar in 2005, Booka Shade has earned huge recognition with their innovative live shows, even being named one of Resident Advisor’s Top 5 live acts in the world in 2010. They have opened for Depeche Mode and headlined stages at Coachella, Glastonbury, Rock Werchter, and Red Rocks just to name a few.
Their latest work is the recent unveiling of their ‘Understanding EP’ for John Digweed’s Bedrock imprint (their 2nd EP project for the label) was met with undivided critical acclaim.
Booka Shade also launched a new Various Artists project titled ‘FOURTUNES’ on their Blaufield Music imprint this month (19th July), featuring Zoo Brazil, 8Kays, LENny (IT) and A Friend Of Marcus. The masterful duo is also finalizing yet more new Booka Shade material that will be released throughout the second half of 2019. Remember: always keep your ear to the underground.
