Paul Kalkbrenner Marries Music and Film on ‘KABELMANN’

A tale of connection in two parts, KABELMANN was created in partnership with Mother Berlin and scored by Paul Kalkbrenner’s latest EP bearing the same name.

For over two decades, techno maestro Paul Kalkbrenner has been building his career with his cutting-edge and innovative productions. With a creative vision that knows no bounds, his exceptional headlining performances worldwide have earned him a devoted following and a prominent place in the global techno circuit.

Renowned for his enigmatic approach, Kalkbrenner has kept busy with a stream of singles and remixes since dropping his Speak Now EP in 2020. This time, he returns with a highly anticipated project, KABELMANN, featuring a two-track EP and a multi-part cinematic film created in partnership with director Björn Rühmann and creative agency Mother Berlin.

Paul Kalkbrenner’s adept artistry shines through in each dynamic track in the EP. “Kabelmann 1” and “Kabelmann 2” are characterized by his signature swirling layers of melody and pulsating rhythms. They both capture the emotional depth of these compositions and create a rich auditory soundscape that perfectly complements the short clips.

I have always loved exploring how my music can work in visual mediums, whether that’s in the live setting or in cinematic projects like this. The concept of the Kabelmann made total sense to me, as I have often felt my analog approach to music and performance has made me a bit of an outlier in contemporary electronic music.
Paul Kalkbrenner

Representing a story about connection, the film centers around the narrative of Kabelmann (meaning cable man), who symbolizes Kalkbrenner’s ethos for analog production and his passion for live performances. In the first chapter, the story delves into the artist’s emotional journey and how he seeks genuine human connections while navigating isolation and loneliness.

All set to his second track, “Kabelmann 2,” the following chapter transports the viewers into a surreal afterlife, offering a contrasting perspective between intense confrontation and hope. As the music ebbs and flows, the conclusion mirrors Kabelmann’s fate, which is shrouded in uncertainty. It adds intricate depth to the project’s storytelling, allowing viewers to reflect on a deeper narrative of existence and belonging.

Shot on location in Manchester and Berlin, the film debuted at the renowned Ciclope Festival in Berlin earlier this week. The production highlights the evident synergy between the artist and director, as Kalkbrenner’s music forms an emotional core to Rühmann’s vision of bringing Kabelmann’s world to life. This marks their second collaboration, following the successful partnership last year in which Rühmann also produced the short film for his track “Schwer.”

Watch the two-part film below, listen to the Kabelmann on Spotify or your favorite platform, and follow Paul Kalkbrenner to stay updated on his latest projects.

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