&ME’s Journey: From Terranova’s Roots to Keinemusik’s Global Impact
When discussing &ME, many immediately associate him with Keinemusik, the influential Berlin-based collective known for redefining house music. But fewer know about his pivotal role in Terranova, the avant-garde electronic duo that fused punk and house into an unmistakable soundscape. To understand &ME’s artistic DNA, we need to revisit the vibrant intersection of Berlin, Paris, and the global underground scene that shaped him and his creative partner, Fetisch.
The Rise of Terranova
Terranova began in 1996 as a genre-defying project spearheaded by Fetisch, a Berlin native with a cosmopolitan upbringing spanning Brussels, London, and New York. The duo, joined by &ME in 2007, crafted a sonic identity that transcended borders, blending influences as disparate as New York’s Mudd Club and Berlin’s Pogo Club. Their debut album, ‘Close the Door’ (1999), recorded at the legendary Connie Plank studio, was a masterpiece that featured collaborations with luminaries like Tricky and Cath Coffey.
When &ME joined, he brought a fresh perspective that propelled Terranova into a new era. Their Kompakt releases, including the acclaimed ‘Hotel Amour’ (2012), demonstrated a polished fusion of deep house and electronica, featuring contributions from artists like Billie Ray Martin and Tomas Hoffding of WhoMadeWho. Tracks like “So Strong” and “I Want to Go Out” showcased &ME’s ability to channel raw emotion into rhythm and melody.
From Terranova to Keinemusik
While &ME’s work with Terranova was groundbreaking, his creative journey took a pivotal turn with the founding of Keinemusik in 2009 alongside Adam Port and Rampa. Keinemusik is more than a label—it’s a philosophy, embodying the spirit of collaboration and boundary-pushing innovation. Tracks like “You Are Safe” and “The Rapture Pt. II” cemented &ME’s reputation as a master of crafting atmospheric, emotive house music.
Despite Keinemusik’s meteoric rise, &ME’s time with Terranova laid the foundation for his artistry. The duo’s experimental ethos—melding genres, collaborating with diverse voices, and challenging the status quo—echoes in Keinemusik’s ethos today.
While Terranova’s last album, ‘Restless’ (2015), marked a pause in their activities, its impact lingers. Tracks like “Paris is for Lovers” remains a staple in underground sets, a testament to their enduring relevance.
&ME: The Man Behind the Music
For &ME, Terranova was more than a project—it was a canvas to explore his musical identity. Whether crafting brooding basslines or intricate melodies, his contributions shaped Terranova’s sound as much as his later work defined Keinemusik. Yet, he remains humble, often letting the music speak for itself.
As fans celebrate his work with Keinemusik, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the lesser-known chapters of his story. Terranova was a precursor to the &ME we know today—a trailblazer whose influence is felt far beyond Berlin’s clubs.
In the words of Terranova: “We grew up and got our education in clubs and will produce and play music until we drop.” For &ME, this ethos rings true, and the world of electronic music is all the better for it.
