Shitkatapult’s 100th Strike: a gentle blow-out for friends, fans, and enemies. On this auspicious occasion, the centenary release for respected Berlin do-it-yourself outfit headed by T.Raumschmiere, ambient is on the ascendant, but it’s not all plain sailing.
 
The DIY ethos gets a boost tonight as we softly celebrate a label that is much more than an imprint. Shitkatapult represents a network of labels and artists, not only with its side arms Musick, Meteosound and the publishing company Random Noize Musick, but wider links to the Berlin and an international network.
 
Even as the music industry as a whole is taking on water, Shitakapult stays buoyant with their self-deprecating, anti-strategy attitude. "We didn't have (and still don't have) a concept. We're free to do anything we like, "explained founder T. Raumschmiere (Marco Haas) in an interview.  "Concepts are boundaries and I think this is what differs Shitkatapult from other electronic labels. We never had the intention to be a techno label." The success of Shitkatapult stems from their commitment to 'anything goes' and fierce dedication to the artists on their roster – names like (co-owner) Apparat, Anders Illar and Håkan Lidbo – and the scene in general. The label is an integral part of Berlin’s music and club community with deep connections to venues like Maria, other labels like bpitch control and scape, and businesses like Freitzeitglauben and Dense Records.
 
Tonight sees family and friends – Daniel Meteo, Tom Thiel, Thomas Fehlmann, O.S.T., Felix and DJ Flush – featured on the 100th release present low key live and DJ performances. Meteo, Thiel and Fehlmann have a long and entwined history, from the early days of Sun Electric in the late 80s and running through Gudrun Gut’s long running Ocean Club project. Each will serve up a dose of dub-tinged chill-out.
 
T.Raumschmiere in his Random Noize Sessions guise offers an "ambient" set, the source material compiled from sessions across the world dating back to 1999 in a trawl through the many links and connections in his life and travels that is a dark and moody musical sketch book. O.S.T./Chris Douglas, who recently composed the soundtrack for the Shitkatapult Synken DVD (Strike 81) will deliver his trademark unique and haunting music for this special occasion. After almost 18 years and more than 12 albums and numerous singles under monikers, he still remains well outside the establishes parameters of electronic music. His work is a malevolent mutation of techno into arrhythmic patterns, interwoven digital textures, and amorphous melodies.
Maria’s own Felix and DJ Flush round out the night.
 
Programmed in collaboration with Shitkatapult.