New Music
Out Now – Speicher 140: “Anti Promi Energie” & “Verschwinden”
I am a big fan of both tracks on Kölsch’s new release.
“Anti Promi Energie” and “Verschwinden” feel like two sides of Kölsch. One brings the driving energy, while the other is fun, unusual and perfect for those early-morning moments after a long night.
“Verschwinden” especially feels different. It is great to hear Kölsch doing something a little different with that techno-folk sound, while still sounding completely like himself.
A must-listen!
“Verschwinden” also appears on Kompakt: Total 26, the latest edition of the label’s annual compilation series.
Also, I have to give a shout-out to Rex the Dog for “Far Out!” on here. Total quality.
Out Now – “On The Nature of Daylight” Pete Tong & Kölsch
Also hot off the press is the new collaboration with Pete Tong, “On The Nature of Daylight”.
I am a massive fan of this one. I think it strikes a perfect balance between a proper club track and something you can happily listen to at home with headphones on to chill.
My verdict? Beautiful and melodic, and it does real justice to Max Richter’s original. If you are a Kölsch fan or a Pete Tong fan, this is absolutely worth your time. I have had it on repeat, and it is already one of my top tracks of 2026.
Pete Tong described it as their Ibiza Classics version of Max Richter’s “On The Nature of Daylight”, reworking one of the most beautiful pieces of modern classical music ever written.
View from the Shard
So the journey began around 4pm, when Matt and I headed up to the capital (London) by train this time. About an hour and 40 minutes, so not too bad a journey.
After some food and drinks, we headed over to the Shard, arriving around 6:30pm, ready for the doors to open at 7pm. We were about third in the queue and made our way up via two crazy-fast lifts with TVs in the ceilings.
We reached the first viewing platform, where we could walk around, grab a drink and take in the views of London while waiting for the main event to open. It ended up being a bit later than expected, but no worries. Up we went to some amazing views, the fresh air of the open-air space up in the clouds and, more importantly, the music.
We got there just as Karina’s set was getting started. I went over to say hello, which was amazing to do in person. Thank you for taking the time to say hello back, being a big fan, that always means a lot.
Then it was straight to the dance floor, away from the windows as I’m not a fan of heights, to be honest!
The setup looked amazing, the sound was great and the tunes were quality. There were so many tracks I would love to know the IDs for, but I did manage to Shazam a couple. One standout was “Illusions” by Brunello, which gives you an idea of the quality of the set. Outstanding!
If Karina is ever back in the UK I will 100% be going to her shows!
After Karina’s amazing set, evening had turned to night, with the moon and stars out as Kölsch took to the decks. The atmosphere stepped up another level as the room filled up. Everyone was loving it, and the time just seemed to vanish.
There was an amazing mix of tracks, new and old, and the style really suited the venue. It reminded me of the track selection when Kölsch played at the Eiffel Tower, knowing exactly what works for the setting and the audience.
The whole thing felt different and very special. I haven’t experienced anything quite like it. I hope they continue with the View idea, as I would go again for sure.
I wonder if they recorded the sets and might release them later in the year? It would be so good to watch it back.
After the Shard, we made our way over to Farringdon on the tube. Nice and easy, really, and we got there in very good time to catch the start of the all-night-long set.
Fabric all night long
I was extremely lucky to be able to join Rune in the DJ booth at Fabric. One of the most amazing things being there was seeing the playlists and some of the crazy track names appearing on the CDJs and Dancing like nothing matters and who cares who is watching.
The set was packed with demos and tracks I didn’t know the names of, alongside classics and releases old and new: “Grey”, “Evocation”, “I Talk to Water”, “Masterplan”, “All That Matters”, “Kinema”, “Zig”, “Goldfisch (crazy mix)” and many more.
Some of the playlists and demo tracks had such fun great names. I can’t wait to see how many of them get released. I know we heard the next release because it was played, but I can’t remember the name. Gutted! It was total quality, though, and I am looking forward to buying my copy when it comes out, hopefully very soon.
I love hearing new demos. It feels like getting a little insight into the creation of a track and how it might sound when it is finished, almost as though we have been given special permission to hear it.
There were plenty of other total bangers too, and such a diverse mix.
Joy Orbison’s “Flight FM”, for example. The bassline from a track like that in the club is mind and ear-blowing. So, so good.
Then there was a remix of Basement Jaxx’s “Jump & Shout”:
The epic Jamie xx track, “Falling Together”:
And another massive favourite of mine, the remix of Rex the Dog’s “Change This Pain for Ecstasy”:
Oxia – “Domino”. Tune!
Of course, the standout track for me was “Woohman”, my favourite Kölsch track!!!
A classic Massive Attack edit closed the night. What a way to finish a night of amazing music and dancing.
From the Shard through to 6am at Fabric, the music was a journey. Not one genre or style, but a mix you wouldn’t hear anywhere else. For me, if you go in with an open mind, that is the perfect way to do it. Something unexpected comes on, and the crowd goes, “OK, let’s go!”
I also want to say thank you to everyone I met and said hello to, fellow fans, music lovers, staff, friends and family. You have always made me feel welcome.
And sorry if I didn’t catch your name or couldn’t hear you properly at times. Sometimes I just don’t hear and miss things.
The crowd was awesome too. None of that odd VIP feeling of people being there just because they want a photo. Just people wanting to experience a good night out with excellent music.
Still my favourite club!
Drumsheds – December 5th 2026
Rune’s next UK visit is at Drumsheds on 5th December for Resistance London.
Resistance London at Drumsheds
There is a stellar line-up, with some legends of the dance world playing. Hopefully, there will be a chance to see the vinyl wizard Sven Väth as well.
I’m hoping I can get to this one, as I really like Drumsheds. I have been a few times, including this year with my son for Defected’s opening of the 26/27 season.
I think it is a great venue. I also saw Kölsch there back in 2024 for a great set, which I actually listened to again while writing this update.
and you can read my previous blog write-up here.
Socials
There was a great update on the Instagram Edits & Sets channel, with a voice note from Rune about posting more updates.
There are also still tickets for his ADE show, and it sounds like there might be a surprise for those attending. Go get them! It sounds like it could be epic and not something to miss.
There was also a hint that there might be some vinyl-only releases coming. That sounds quality to me, as I am a huge vinyl fan and will always get a copy if one is released.
Or maybe even if it isn’t released! SeeI had the idea of making a dubplate of the epic track “Picasso”. It is such a good track that I thought it would be fun to have a one-off copy on clear 10-inch vinyl.
Rune was a total legend and even signed it for me, so I now have a signed one-off copy I can play when practising my mixing. It sounds so good. A big thank you for letting me make it as well.
As always, to everyone I meet, keep safe and keep raving through the good times and the bad.
John
Always appreciate and never expect!
