Fritz Kalkbrenner

Fritz Kalkbrenner

Fritz Kalkbrenner is a Berlin-based electronic music artist from the district of Lichtenberg. He is the brother of Paul Kalkbrenner and grows up around Berlin’s techno scene, first coming to wider attention as a vocalist and later as a producer and live performer.

Early life and background

He grows up in Berlin-Lichtenberg, where he spends his pocket money on spray cans and old hip-hop records by artists including Eric B. & Rakim, KRS-One and Wu-Tang Clan. He develops an early connection to club music through his brother Paul and their friend Sascha Funke, who bring him to Berlin club Suicide Circus in 1997. He later performs at clubs including WMF, Discount, Tresor and Matrix.

Journalism and first recordings

Kalkbrenner begins making his own productions with spare equipment from his brother. He also leaves school without completing his high school diploma. In 2002 he works as a cultural and music journalist for television outlets including ARD, MTV and Deutsche Welle. In 2003 he works with Sascha Funke on vocals for Funke’s debut album Bravo; the track “Forms and Shapes” becomes a noted single from that album.

Collaborations and solo work

He continues as a singer and collaborator with Zky, Alexander Kowalski and Monika Kruse while developing his own sound as a producer. In 2008 he releases “Sky and Sand” with his brother Paul Kalkbrenner. The track becomes an underground anthem and reaches chart positions in several European countries.

Label releases and albums

By 2009 he is touring with a live act and signs to SUOL, the label associated with Chopstick & Johnjon. On SUOL he releases two EPs and a number of collaborations. His first full-length album, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow, appears on SUOL in 2010.

Style and scene

Kalkbrenner’s work sits in electronic music with strong links to techno and tech house, shaped by Berlin’s club culture and his early interest in hip-hop. His career develops from MC and vocalist work into production and live performance.