"I Don't Want to Kill Anyone": Monika Kruse Brings Berlin Techno to Beijing

Born in Berlin, raised in Munich, Monika Kruse has been pushing techno forward in Germany and beyond for the past 20 years. A regular at legendary dance club Berghain, Kruse is coming to teach Beijing a musical lesson at Haze on November 18. Here's what she had to say to us as she packed her bags.

What’s the first sound you ever remember hearing?
The sound of ambulances – we used to live close to a hospital.

And the first song you can remember?
A lullaby.

If somebody could record what goes on in your head, what would it sound like?
A full dance floor.

If the world ended right now, what song do you think would be playing?
“When Doves Cry” by Prince.

You’ve been involved in numerous projects with a political edge. Can music and musicians/producers change things?
Everybody can change things. In my opinion when you start changing things in your own environment for the better, it will always have a positive effect for others. Maybe this positive effect will influence them to do something good in their own life. Of course, a musician with thousands of fans can influence and encourage people a lot.

Woody Guthrie had a sticker on his guitar that read “This Machine Kills Fascists.” Do decks now kill fascists?
I don't want to kill anyone. I just want to kill their thoughts. Killing hateful thoughts is one of the most difficult things to do. In my opinion, if you are person who loves the world and is grounded in his or her state of mind, you won’t have fascist thoughts. But mostly, people who are filled with anger and hate are small-minded people who experienced a lack of love in their past or childhood. It’s hard to change a real fascist person, but I think you can change people who are following fascists – sometimes people just follow other people because they want to be a part of a group. But actually, this question is hard to answer. I would need a lot of time and words to give an answer which explains every little thought I have.

If you were an athlete, which world record would you most want to break?
Throwing record cases.

What’s the stupidest world record attempt you’ve ever heard of?
They're mostly all stupid.

Which DJ, singer or musician’s records would you most like to break?
None. I don't like the thought of seeing musicians break or destroy. Why should I? Who am I that I am allowed to judge other people’s musical tastes? In my opinion, you cannot hate people for having different taste or for making music I don't like. For example, if David Guetta makes thousands of people happy with his music, but not me, I still don't want him to fail. I can turn off the radio if I don't like it.

Monika’s songs to keep you warm this winter

TERM081 6 B2 Monika Kruse Zafra Negra Latin Lovers erman erim rmx by terminalm

TERM082 B1 PIG&DAN BABYLON by terminalm

Fire in the disco (192kbps) by horrevorts

If not breaking records, Monika Kruse will at least be playing them at Haze on Nov 18. RMB 100. 10pm.