Do You Need to Move to Berlin, London, or Amsterdam to Succeed? (Techno Scene Edition)
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Myth of the “Right City”
- Why These Cities Became Synonymous With Techno Success
- Berlin: The Global Techno Capital
- London: Diversity and Industry Infrastructure
- Amsterdam: Festivals, Labels, and Community
- The Benefits of Relocating to a Music Hub
- The Downsides Nobody Talks About
- Do You Really Need to Move? Alternative Paths to Success
- Real-World Examples: Artists Who Broke Through Without Relocating
- Building Global Connections From Anywhere
- Conclusion: Success Isn’t About Geography, It’s About Strategy
- FAQs
Introduction: The Myth of the “Right City”
For decades, young techno DJs and producers have packed their bags, moved to Berlin, London, or Amsterdam, and hoped the city itself would launch their career.
But do you really need to move to one of these cultural capitals to succeed in electronic music? Or is this just another outdated industry myth?
Let’s break it down honestly—benefits, drawbacks, and the strategies you can use even if you stay in your hometown.
Why These Cities Became Synonymous With Techno Success
Berlin: The Global Techno Capital
With clubs like Berghain, Tresor, and Sisyphos, Berlin has become the spiritual home of techno. It attracts artists, labels, and promoters from around the world. Moving there can mean:
- Access to a huge network of DJs and producers.
- More opportunities to play in underground clubs.
- Inspiration from the scene’s energy.
London: Diversity and Industry Infrastructure
London is a melting pot of sounds—techno, house, drum & bass, grime—and it has:
- Major record labels and agencies.
- Countless venues and underground spaces.
- Media outlets (Mixmag, Resident Advisor HQ).
Amsterdam: Festivals, Labels, and Community
Amsterdam is smaller but powerful, with:
- Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world’s biggest electronic music conference.
- A thriving underground plus strong label ecosystem.
- A tight-knit, supportive artist community.
The Benefits of Relocating to a Music Hub
Moving to these cities can give you:
- Network access: Meeting promoters, other DJs, label owners.
- Scene immersion: Constant exposure to new sounds, events, and ideas.
- Opportunities: More gigs, collaborations, and label showcases.
- Credibility: Saying you’re “Berlin-based” or “London-based” still carries weight.
The Downsides Nobody Talks About
But let’s be real—it’s not all glamour.
- Oversaturation: Everyone’s trying to “make it.” Standing out is harder.
- Cost of living: London and Amsterdam are expensive. Even Berlin isn’t as cheap as it once was.
- Burnout risk: Too many gigs, parties, and pressure can drain creativity.
- Isolation: Moving alone without a strong plan can feel overwhelming.
Do You Really Need to Move? Alternative Paths to Success
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to relocate to succeed in techno. What you need is visibility and connection.
Alternatives:
- Build an online presence: Releases, livestreams, strong socials.
- Tour strategically: Fly in for gigs/festivals instead of relocating.
- Develop your local scene: Throw parties, build communities, and become the go-to name in your region.
- Release on respected labels: Quality music travels further than you can.
👉 With today’s digital tools, you can connect globally without moving to a capital.
Real-World Examples: Artists Who Broke Through Without Relocating
- Charlotte de Witte (Belgium): Built her career from Ghent before conquering global stages.
- Amelie Lens (Belgium): Proved that a strong identity and releases can travel worldwide.
- Kobosil (Berlin-born, but breakthrough came via releases): Shows how the music itself can do the work.
Success stories prove: the track matters more than the address.
Building Global Connections From Anywhere
How to connect if you don’t move:
- Collaborate online (SoundCloud, Splice, Discord groups).
- Send promos to DJs who play your style.
- Use Bandcamp and Beatport for self-releases and exposure.
- Attend major events once a year (ADE, Sonar, Time Warp) to network.
- Livestream DJ sets to reach global audiences.
Conclusion: Success Isn’t About Geography, It’s About Strategy
Yes, moving to Berlin, London, or Amsterdam can open doors. But it’s not the only path. In fact, today’s techno scene rewards artists who:
- Build strong local foundations.
- Release high-quality music.
- Create authentic personal brands.
- Use digital tools to connect globally.
So do you need to move? No. What you need is to stay consistent, connected, and committed—whether you’re in Berlin or a small town with one club.
👉 In techno, location helps—but music speaks louder.
FAQs
1. Will moving to Berlin guarantee gigs?
No. You’ll still need to hustle, network, and prove yourself musically.
2. Can I succeed from a small city?
Yes. Many artists build strong followings in their hometowns before breaking internationally.
3. Should I visit these cities even if I don’t move?
Absolutely. Festivals and conferences like ADE or visiting Berlin clubs are great for networking.
