Karla Blum

In the wake of a global pandemic that brought cities to a standstill, one individual found solace and inspiration amidst the silence. Meet Karla Blum, a DJ whose journey into the world of electronic music serves as a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music.

As the world grappled with uncertainty and isolation, Karla found herself drawn to the pulsating rhythms and infectious beats of electronic music.

“I always had something to do with music in some way,” she reflects. “And after the pandemic, I was so grateful that Berlin was not that empty and silent anymore.”

It was during this time of reflection that Karla made the bold decision to embark on a new chapter of her life: learning the art of DJing.

Driven by a desire to contribute her own melodies to the city’s reawakening heartbeat, Karla immersed herself in the world of DJing. What began as a new-found hobby soon blossomed into a passion, fueling her determination to pursue it further.

“I decided to keep pushing the idea to become a DJ, and it was so much more fun than I could have ever imagined.”

Karla’s dedication and perseverance bore fruit on May 1st, 2022, when she took to the stage for her first show in Berlin. Despite the nerves that accompanied any debut performance, Karla found herself buoyed by the supportive energy of the crowd.

“I only told a few friends about this because I didn’t want them to come all over to see me,” she recalls. “It felt like a really important math exam or something.”

As she stepped into the spotlight, the packed venue and the anticipation of the crowd added to the electric atmosphere.

But it was when Karla started playing her set that the magic truly unfolded. Surrounded by a sea of enthusiastic faces, she felt a sense of unity and connection unlike anything she had experienced before.

“I didn’t even feel like I was alone up there, which was my expectation. It wasn’t ‘one against all'; it was ‘all together’.”

At that moment, Karla realized the transformative power of music to bring people together, transcending barriers and forging bonds that defy explanation.

As Karla’s set drew to a close, she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and strangers alike.

“All my friends I didn’t tell about it came anyway to support me,” she says with a smile. It was a moment she would never forget, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her musical journey.

From the solitude of the pandemic to the bright lights of the stage, Karla Blum’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite us all. As she continues to carve her path through the world of electronic music, one thing is clear: Karla Blum is a name to watch, destined for greatness in the world of DJ stardom.

After an exhilarating whirlwind of the festival circuit. What ensued was a transformative journey that not only left an indelible mark on her music but also sparked the inception of a notable lifestyle brand: BLUM BERLIN.

Karla’s festival odyssey kicked off at Nature One, an experience she describes as both unforgettable and exhausting.

“My friends and I camped there cause we wanted to have the full experience” she reminisces.

However, the incessant beats of Hard techno from nearby stages made sleep a luxury, compounded by falling ill on the first night. Yet, despite the challenges, Karla reveled in the opportunity to showcase her talent at the Concept Stage the following day, a moment she cherishes to this day.

Next on the agenda was the illustrious Sonnemondsterne Festival, where Karla received a message from her agency informing her of a slot at the Second Stage on Saturday.

“It’s still one of my absolute favorite gigs I played so far.”

The festival circuit reached its crescendo at Close Festvl, an indoor extravaganza pulsating with Hard Techno beats. For Karla, festivals weren’t just about performing; they were opportunities to connect with fellow artists, producers, and industry professionals.

“Festivals were always great because I could connect with other DJs, producers, Video - and Photographers, Stage Managers, Technicians, Bookers, etc.And also had the chance to listen to some of my favorite artists as well.”

Amidst the whirlwind of performances and networking, Karla found herself drawn to another passion: fashion. Inspired by the symbiotic relationship between music and style, she conceived BLUM BERLIN,a lifestyle brand that embodies her artistic vision.

“Music and fashion always belong together, and every genre has its style in a lot of different ways.”

BLUM BERLIN emerged from Karla’s desire for high-quality, stylish apparel that reflected her identity as an artist.

“BLUM BERLIN” was mainly made of my own personal need to have a shirt that I could wear at my gigs. I wanted high quality cotton,without any artificials, a good design and a nice cut.”

“So basically I just made one piece for myself in the beginning - and very fast I got the first inquiries from other people whether they could get one as well. So I decided to make a first drop with some shirts”.

“For me, BLUM BERLIN is the perfect combination as an artist of what I like most: Music I like and fashion for the music I like.”

In the heart of Berlin and the vibrant streets of Hamburg, two iconic venues serve as the canvas for Karla’s explorations. From the colorful, eclectic atmosphere of Ritter Butzke to the raw, industrial vibe of Uebel & Gefährlich, Karla’s residencies at these esteemed venues have not only shaped her creative process but also solidified her presence in Germany’s electronic music scene.

“Berlin’s Ritter Butzke is a very large venue but feels so familiar and cozy,” she explains. “In every corner is detailed decoration, it is very colorful and bright, you can have the best Open Airs in Summertime there.”

Despite predominantly hosting House and Tech house artists, Karla found her home as the sole Techno resident, using the venue’s playful design as a backdrop for her experimental sound.

In contrast, Hamburg’s Uebel & Gefährlich offered a starkly different atmosphere, characterized by its dark, industrial aesthetic.

“One of the biggest bunkers ever built,” Karla describes.“Dark, bare walls, hard sound, booming bass.”

It was here that Karla had the opportunity to push the boundaries of her sound, experimenting with harder, more intense beats while still maintaining her signature style.

The culmination of Karla’s creative journey came with her first release on Say What? Recordings, featuring a remix by techno heavyweights Oliver Huntemann & Andre Winter. Inspired by the sounds of the 80s and influenced by her favorite producers,

Karla’s track “Something Unreal” received widespread acclaim, cementing her status as a rising star in the techno scene.

However, Karla’s impact extends beyond the confines of the DJ booth and the studio. Her viral DJ tour reels on Instagram have garnered attention worldwide, showcasing her dynamic performances and infectious energy to a global audience.

“Social media is one of the most important things, no matter what business you are running,” she asserts. “It’s a very useful tool to share my music and events but also to learn from others all over the world.”

As Karla’s journey continues to unfold, she embarks on a new chapter with the transition of BLUM BERLIN into a music label.

“To be honest, there is no ‘masterplan’ behind all the things that I am doing. I just felt like it’s a good idea to gain a bit more freedom in terms of making and releasing music.”

With upcoming releases on BLUM BERLIN, Set About, and Ritter Butzke Records, Karla’s boundless creativity shows no signs of slowing down.

Reflecting on her own journey, Karla humbly acknowledges that she is still navigating the complexities of the music business and has yet to amass a wealth of experience. However, she offers a nugget of wisdom that resonates with aspiring artists: authenticity.

“I don’t feel like I am in the position to give advice to aspiring artists because I just started my journey through the music business and haven’t gained enough experience yet,” she admits. “But maybe this is something I can tell is useful: Look at people who are stable in the music industry for a long time, like I did with my first release. Do not go with every hype, choose and perfect your own style. And be authentic.”

Karla’s advice is a poignant reminder that success in the music industry is not solely determined by fleeting trends or viral sensations. Instead, it is rooted in authenticity, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to one’s craft. By staying true to oneself and honing a distinct artistic identity, aspiring DJs and producers can carve their own path to success, regardless of the challenges they may face along the way.

In an industry rife with competition and uncertainty, Karla Blum’s words serve as a beacon of guidance for those embarking on their musical journey. Aspiring artists would do well to heed her advice, forging ahead with confidence, passion, and an unwavering belief in their own unique voice. After all, in a world where authenticity reigns supreme, the truest expression of artistry is found in staying true to oneself.