With a name that translates to "redhead" in Norwegian, Rødhåd is an enigmatic figure in the techno scene known for his signature blend of hypnotic rhythms and thunderous bass. An artist whose sound and style embody the raw, industrial spirit of Berlin techno, Rødhåd (real name Mike Bierbach) has both paid his dues and carved out his own singular path across the two decades in the game. In an age where Berlin has become the expat haven for techno dream chasing, Rødhåd is a native son, embodying everything about the city, its history, and culture in all he does. As an internationally touring DJ and producer, Rødhåd will descend onto Bucharest for the third time at Control Club on Friday, December 5.
Having discovered techno in the early '90s through names like Jeff Mills and Robert Hood, Rødhåd honed his DJ skills playing at local clubs and small events on the outskirts of the German capital. Inspired by the industrial sounds of the city and the flourishing underground techno scene after the wall fell, he would soon gain a reputation for intense, brooding DJ sets that seamlessly blended classic and contemporary techno alongside impeccable mixing skills. Soon, techno meccas like Berghain and Tresor would come calling. From there, Rødhåd never looked back.
In 2009, Rødhåd laid the foundation for his Dystopian brand - perhaps one of techno's most identifiable. First as a party and then as a label, Dystopian would play host to most of his studio work. 2012 would see the dual release of EPs 1984 and Blindness, establishing Rødhåd as more than just a DJs DJ but a consummate producer. The records further showcased his unique take on techno, blending raw, industrial sounds with intricate melodies and emotive textures. And much like his DJ sets, featuring an ever-rising state of tension and release. Over the years, Dystopian has become a go-to destination for those looking to push boundaries and explore new sounds, releasing such artists as Alex.Do, Monoloc, Drumcell, Woo York, and Recondite. Dystopian would also be the natural destination to host his debut album, Anxious. The album received critical acclaim and showcased Rødhåd's ability to further create intricate ethereal soundscapes.
But Dystopian isn't the only destination for Rødhåd's production work. Every so often, he'll appear on another label; most often, some of the most respected in the scene have been well-received, with releases on labels such as Token, CLR, and Cocoon Recordings, and remix work on the likes of Running Back. In 2018, he also launched WSNWG - a home to more collaborative work with friends and peers coming through his Berlin studio. WSNWG has hosted both Rødhåd productions across formats and music from artists like Lucy, Lady Starlight, and Ø [Phase]. The Out of Place Artefacts collaborative series with. Vril is a perfect example of the WSNWG ethos.
As a DJ, Rødhåd is a master of building tension and creating an atmosphere. His sets often last several hours, and he has been known as a "closer" over the years. From massive festival stages like Awakenings or Melt to preeminent clubs like Rex, Bassiani, and Fuse, Rødhåd is renowned for the intensity and energy of his marathon sets, connecting with international crowds for a transcendent, communal experience rooted in all things pure techno. For a taste of this, check out the multitude of podcasts and appearances across mix series available. A taste would be his Dekmantel offering, Boiler Room, and an epic live recording from Bassiani.
Deeply rooted in the history and culture of Berlin techno, Rødhåd has established himself as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in electronic music today. A past Resident Advisor breakthrough artist of the year, his unwavering commitment to the craft of DJing, the techno lifestyle, and his love for his hometown make “the red” widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the techno scene today.
