2026 with Kölsch: Deluxe Drops, Big Nights, Bigger Memories
Now feels like the right moment to look ahead at what Kölsch has lined up and why this year is already shaping up to be pretty special for anyone who loves his sound.
Save the date – KINEMA Deluxe
We believe that Thursday 19th March is when the Deluxe edition of KINEMA lands, extending what was already a seriously strong album into the next stage of the journey. The deluxe release adds four new tracks to the story: two fresh remixes and two new originals. I’m also always hoping for a vinyl version for the collection and, fingers crossed, this is the case, as I believe the new album will be released on the Kompakt label.
As you know, KINEMA has also been a part of the “Kölsch & The Machine” live show, which has taken the sound of the album through cities around the globe like London, with reworks of classics like Grey and All That Matters woven into the set. I’m hoping that if the show continues into 2026 there’s another visit to the UK to experience “The Machine” again; it was amazing to see and hear the different levels and changes to the music. See my experience of “The Machine” at KOKO in London in my previous post – it was so worth going.
The Machine LIVE revisited
New remixes to dive into
First up in the 2026 run is the Chris Avantgarde remix of “Waste My Time” from Kölsch & CamelPhat, which kicks off the Deluxe rollout. The original already nailed it as a track you can listen to anywhere and in a club, but the Avantgarde remix is much darker while keeping the warmth that made it special in the first place. The remix has a bassline and melodic techno groove that’s clearly built for dance floors rather than background listening.
Next up is Kotiēr’s remix of “Sad Makes Me Happy”, which brings a different flavour again. This track leans into more of a dance feeling while still carrying that familiar Kölsch sound – it’s a great balance. It’s less about being a peak‑time club track and more about being a melodic, catchy tune you suddenly realise you’ve had on repeat for half an hour.
We also now believe we know the names of the two new tracks to be added to the album as well:
- Get Lost
- Moments
I’m really looking forward to hearing what these will sound like. I even went back to the BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix from December 2025 Essential Mix to see if they were on the track listing for a sneak preview, but they weren’t, so this will be a totally new listen once released.
If you haven’t already, it’s a good time to go back to the original KINEMA album and remind yourself just how stacked it is before the Deluxe version drops. I believe the Deluxe edition isn’t trying to fix anything; it’s just adding more reasons to stay in that world a bit longer.
Also, here are my thoughts when I first heard the album back in October: https://kolschfan.site/index.php/2025/10/24/one-week-on-and-tomorrowland-brazil/.
Fabric, friends and first‑time clubbing
On 17 April, Kölsch returns to what I still think is the best club on the planet: Fabric in London, this time alongside the brilliant Alex Wann. Alex has been steadily building a reputation as a producer and DJ with his own distinct feel, check out the over at RA Alex Wann Biography and on Instagram instagram.com/alexwannmusic/ and I have to call out his standout remix of “Heartless” by WhoMadeWho & Kölsch – it’s brilliant.
This will be my first time seeing Alex play live and I’m super excited to hear his sets and music. Here are a couple of my favourites and some of his most popular tracks:
This trip is going to be extra special on a personal level as well: I’m heading up with my excellent friend Matt (aka Abbathehorse) and, for the first time, with my eldest son Kenzie, who’s just turned 18 and can finally experience clubbing and Fabric properly. There’s nothing quite like hearing a live DJ set in a club like that – it’s something you just can’t recreate elsewhere or at home.
Here is a link to when I first ever visited Fabric back in 2024 with Kölsch:
https://kolschfan.site/index.php/2024/09/30/fabric-a-night-of-unforgettable-music-with-kolsch/
More nights, more music
For the latest on shows, tour dates and festival appearances, it’s always worth keeping an eye on the official shows page at Kölsch’s site: http://kolschofficial.com/shows/. Between live sets, recorded mixes and new music, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where there’s always something fresh in the world of Kölsch.
Back in Time
At the start of the year, we got a brilliant 3‑hour set from Kölsch at the legendary Robert Johnson club in Offenbach. This is well worth a listen: there are some great tracks in this set and it has so many twists and turns – it’s a full journey. I really love the slow‑release energy; this is a real authentic underground club mix rather than a festival‑style set, in a super positive way. There are some real classic tracks in this set as well as new music from the latest albums, and it reminds me very much of the 10‑hour set from Antwerp (link below to enjoy again). I was listening to this set as I was writing this update for 2026, for pure inspiration and enjoyment.
Wrapping up – what’s next
I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how these remixes sit alongside the rest of KINEMA once the Deluxe edition lands, and how they change the feel of the live sets across the year. With new music, big nights out like Fabric, and a calendar full of chances to dance, it feels like 2026 is set up to be an epic year if you’re ready to get out there, lose some sleep, and collect a few more memories.
Keep safe and keep raving – and if you make it to any of the shows, I hope they hit you just as hard as they will for us.
John
