May is absolutely packed with live shows taking place across the city. From US rapper Danny Brown at Heimathafen and R&B diva Erika de Casier at Hole 44, to single-release party from local dream pop artist Pink Mario – this month is set to be a busy one.
Thu, May 2
Tigermilch
This Cologne-based indie band has been making waves since they released their self-produced debut single back in 2020. Now, with their bold mix of neo-soul, indie pop sounds and jazzy harmonies, they’ll be taking over the stage at Kulturbraurei’s Machinenhaus.
- Maschinenhaus, Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Fri, May 3
Islands
Since their 2021 comeback, the long-running Canadian indie-pop band Islands have certainly been busy. Along with the release of their albums Insomnia in 2021 and 2023’s And That’s Why Dolphins Lost Their Legs, their next offering, What Occurs, to set to release this June. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a new listener, their 8MM gig this May is not to be missed.
- 8MM Bar, Schönhauser Allee 177b, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Mon, May 6
Chandelier Sessions: David Kitt
Irish musician David Kitt is kicking off Chandelier Sessions‘ 2024 season with a performance showcasing his new album ‘Idiot Check’. His uniquely acoustic sound and warm on-stage energy are the perfect fit for Chandelier Sessions’ intimate atmosphere.
Tue, May 7
DVNE X Conjurer
DVNE and Conjurer are two progressive metal bands to keep your eyes on. Conjurer’s 2018 debut album Mire brought them serious acclaim and their epic 2022 release Páthos is driving fans wild. Hailing from Edinburgh, five-piece metal band DVNE are known for their otherworldly soundscapes and sci-fi influences. With these two bands on the lineup, this won’t be your typical Tuesday evening.
- Cassiopeia, Revaler Str. 99, Friedrichshain, details.
Fri, May 10
Local Support, Slow Jams
Head to Supamolly to catch the last ever performance from Slow Jams. The punk rock group will be joined by Local Support for a heartfelt farewell show. Don’t miss it!
- Supamolly, Jessnerstr. 41, Friedrichshain, details.
Sat, May 11
Danny Brown
Described by MTV as “one of rap’s most unique figures in recent memory”, Danny Brown has been bringing his one-of-a-kind sound to the genre since the release of his first studio album The Hybrid in 2010 (although he’d already made a name for himself with a steady stream of mixtapes circulating in his hometown of Detroit).
- Heimathafen, Karl-Marx-Str. 141, Neukölln, details.
Sun, May 12
Go_A
Since representing their nation at the 2021 Eurovision (where they placed fifth in the final) Ukrainian folktronica band Go_A have continued to make waves in the industry. Their performance at Kulturbraurei’s Kesselhaus is set to be an explosive night of genre-crossing sounds and a rousing show of Ukrainian solidarity.
- Kesselhaus, Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Mon, May 13
Shabazz Palaces
Innovative hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces are known for their boundary-pushing approach to the genre, incorporating avant-garde jazz, Afrofuturistic elements and electronic beats into their sound. Following the release of their newest mini-album Exotic Birds of Prey, Berlin audiences will have the chance to catch them live at FRANNZ Club.
- FRANNZ Club, Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Thu, May 16
Figub Brazlevič
Bringing together influences from jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop, Figub Brazlevič usually spends his time artfully producing beats for other artists, including Man of Booom and MoonTroop. He brings the same refined approach to his solo stage performances, and his upcoming show at Panke Culture will be no exception.
- Panke Culture, Hof V, Gerichtstr. 23, Wedding, details TBA.
Sat, May 18
Point No Point
Point No Point are bringing their signature post-punk sound to Ausland for the first time ever. With a musical style that exists somewhere between accidental jazz and weird pop, Point No Point will be performing alongside Kraut-pop rockers Red On & Subrihanna and a deep house set from Marbod.
- Ausland, Lychener Str. 60, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Wed, May 22
Erika de Casier
Portuguese-Danish singer-songwriter Erika de Casier is able to seamlessly blend pop, contemporary R&B and bossa nova sounds like few other artists today. Her third album Still, which was released back in February, was ranked by NPR as one of 2024’s most-anticipated albums – and it certainly hasn’t let anyone down on that front. Don’t miss her performance at Hole 44 for the chance to see this star on the rise at an intimate venue while you still can.
- Hole 44, Hermannstr. 146, Neukölln, details.
Thu, May 23
Matthew Halsall
For a soulful night of progressive jazz at Lido, trumpeter Matthew Halsall will be joined Matt Cliffe on sax and flute, Alice Roberts on harp, Jasper Green on piano, Gavin Barras on bass, Alan Taylor on drums and Sam Bell on percussion (plus special guest Chip Wickham on sax and flute).
- Lido, Cuvrystr. 7, Friedrichshain, details.
Sat, May 25
Bernice
Indie pop band Bernice, fronted by musical powerhouse Robin Dann, have got to be one of the most exciting groups to come out of Canada in the last decade. Their hybrid sound blends jazz, pop, noise and R&B in an unashamedly joyful blend of genre-defying fun.
- Donau115, Donaustr. 115, Neukölln, details TBA.
Fri, May 31
Pink Mario
Over the last few years, dream-pop artist Pink Mario (aka Lazlo Barclay) has been making a name for himself with his high-energy performances and synthy sound. To celebrate the launch of his new single Orion, fans can board the historic ship Helene on the banks of the Spree for an epic evening of interactive art, live music performances and grooving DJ sets to round off the night.
- On board the Helene, docking at Märkisches Ufer 1z, Mitte, details.
Fat White Family
Hailing from Peckham, Fat White Family are one rock band to watch. Always testing the limits of taboo, Fat White Family’s provocative lyrics and energetic performances pack a punch, and their upcoming Lido show is sure to be a riot.
- Lido, Cuvrystr. 7, Friedrichshain, details.
