Paul Kalkbrenner Returns With First Track in Two Years

Techno icon Paul Kalkbrenner delivered his latest single, “Schwer,” and teamed up with Mother Berlin and BWGTBLD for a cutting-edge video.

Paul Kalkbrenner has steadily built his legacy in the techno scene over the past two decades with captivating live performances, immersive albums, and more. He’s become a force to be reckoned with at festivals like Tomorrowland, while his club appearances have also kept crowds dancing deep into the night – but at the core of those shows are his immense tunes. After a two-year hiatus from releasing singles, Paul Kalkbrenner has returned with his first independent track, “Schwer.”

“Schwer” sees Paul Kalkbrenner offer a minimal, futuristic soundscape defined by its deep, booming bassline that thuds forward at 131 BPM. Paired with layers of piano melodies and hi-hats, it’s nearly impossible not to be hypnotized as the track wraps around your mind like a Boa constrictor. But there’s plenty more beyond the music itself, as Paul Kalkbrenner added another dimension to “Schwer” by teaming up with creative agency Mother Berlin, production company BWGTBLD, and director Jovan Todorović for a video to pair with it.

Beginning with shots of empty backgrounds from throughout Berlin, various characters are added with each passing second to match the overall arc of the track. This was accomplished by utilizing groundbreaking digital technology, including AI-powered software Anima, to layer 4D-volumetric people into each scene, all of which were recorded with 42 camera captures to create the 3D elements.

Incredible. This volucap technology is really another level. I feel very privileged to be able to work with Jovan, Mother Berlin, BWGTBLD, and everyone else involved in this video. It couldn’t be more on point.
Paul Kalkbrenner

Check out the music video on YouTube, stream or purchase “Schwer” on your favorite platform, and let us know your thoughts on Twitter!

Watch the music video for Paul Kalkbrenner’s “Schwer” on YouTube:

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