Since 2019 Bootshaus has remained in the top 10 of DJ Mags ranking of the top 100 clubs in the world. On a recent visit to the legendary venue, we got to have a look into why Bootshaus has been so consistently successful and why going there should be on your bucket list.
Having a focus on music may sound like a simple thing but it’s something that a lot of clubs are losing as crowds watch more of the set through their phones. The attitude within Bootshaus is that you should be in the moment and enjoy what’s in front of you instead of thinking about what to put on social media. This creates an evident unity in the crowd as they experience the music together which makes for an electric atmosphere. As well as this each of the 3 stages have a very raw design which keeps the focus on the music but that is not to say they don’t have an identity. This is especially evident in the Drehereiroom which plays host to a lot of techno acts and has a very industrial feel to it that matches the music and enhances it.
We got the opportunity to speak with Oliver Heldens while he was there and he said of Bootshaus that it’s “Definitely a special place not just for me but for many DJs”, “It’s such an iconic venue.” Heldens spoke about their famous mosh pits saying, “Even when you play like house music like the other guys are doing still then they have so much energy into those mosh pits”, “It’s very joyful and uplifting.” In our interview he also gave some insight into some back 2 back sets he would like to do in future. “I would love to do back 2 backs with people like Sammy Virji or Disclosure”, “One of my big inspirations in techno is Enrico Sangiuliano so to do a back 2 back with him would be fun”, “But here in Germany maybe an artist like Boys Noize.”
The list of artists who have graced the stages at Bootshaus is truly insane with names like Tiesto, David Guetta, Avicii, Afrojack, Hardwell, and just about anyone else you can think of. Their lineups include DJs from a variety of different genres, upcoming talents, household names, and local DJs which is great to see. On our visit there they had an expertly curated lineup with DJ Artin kicking off the night with some hard techno to get the crowd amped up. Bootshaus has a lot of roots in bass house which was embraced by their fantastic resident DJ Brandon Sounds who did a great set building up to Oliver Heldens as the headliner. Closing out the night was the outstanding Ravepunzel who did a great job of holding the crowd and adding even more diversity in sound to the night. This lineup alone was very diverse having local talent, rising stars, and one of the biggest DJs in the world which is a great example of what a lineup should have.
Bootshaus is always evolving but they’ve made sure not to lose their identity in this evolution by keeping their core iconic elements which honour their history. As mentioned before they have maintained their roots in bass house but there are also physical elements of the club that remain from their past. Above the door between the Mainfloor and the Dreherei room is a bunch of white boxes that were once the housings for speakers and lighting above the old stage. The sight of them with various images projected onto them became iconic so instead of getting rid of them they remain there as a reminder of Bootshaus’ history. Things like this give the place a very distinctive character that has earned them their great reputation.
Also boasting L’Acoustics, SEEBURG and Funktion-One sound rigs, the quality of sound in Bootshaus is astonishing across every room. There is more of a focus on clarity over volume which is a much-welcomed ideology that means you can walk out the club without your ears ringing. Not only is the sound incredible, but Bootshaus is visually stunning with some incredible lighting, CO2 cannons, and even flamethrowers.
It’s clear to see why Bootshaus has ranked in the top 10 of DJ Mags Top 100 Clubs for 6 years in a row now. The best DJs, the best sound, the best visuals, and an electric energy that’s hard to match. To those that have been you already know you’ll be going back, to those that haven’t, go.
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