Biography
AKA AKA, the Berlin-based house music duo, embodies the profound influence of trust in
their quest for creative expression. The serendipitous meeting between Hannes, hailing
from a small German town, and Holger, a native of another distant corner within the country,
transpired at one of those legendary Berlin park parties in 2008 which ignited an immediate
connection and marked the genesis of their synergistic odyssey. Their musical voyage
took flight with their inaugural track “Woody Woodpecer”, released on the esteemed
Stil vor Talent label. Renowned DJs quickly rallied behind their music, characterized by infectious
grooves and minimalist aesthetics. Only a year later in 2009, AKA AKA took a momentous
step forward by establishing their own label, Burlesque Musique, as an escape
from the pressures of the industry. The imprint transformed into a sanctuary for unrestricted
imagination and a kaleidoscope of eclectic electronic sounds, drawing inspiration
from swing, Balkan influences, and funk. Alongside their own releases, the label blossomed
into a platform for nurturing emerging talents which was bolstered by their regular
label parties all around Berlin and Germany.
The dynamic of AKA AKA experienced a transformative twist when trumpeter Thalstroem
joined the duo, adding a fresh dimension to their sound. The trio’s synergistic efforts culminated
in the release of their acclaimed debut album, “Varieté,” in 2011. Showered with
praise from publications like Groove and Partysan, their mid-tempo house and sometimes
dreamy but always four to the floor trademark sound mesmerized audiences during their
electrifying live performances. As an expression of their versatility, they had their album
remixed by over 30 esteemed artists in 2012. They embarked on a thrilling tour, captivating
audiences with their magnetic stage presence at renowned festivals across the globe.
In 2015, their second album, “Connected,” solidified their bond with fans and earned them
accolades as the foremost “live act” from German magazine readers. AKA AKA persisted
in their collaborative pursuits, breathing new life into cherished tracks through fresh
remixes. Their success transcended original productions, as they engaged in notable collaborations
and delivered chart-topping tracks. Their single “Need You,” featuring Maxiz on
Warner Music, and their collective efforts with YouNotUs and Junge Junge with the tracks
“Like a Punk” and “Vallut Bass” amassed tens of millions of streams, firmly establishing
their position as an influential force in the electronic music scene with a strong following on
the various social platforms.
In 2023, AKA AKA launched their new label, WHATS POPPIN, dedicated to releasing
bass-heavy house music. Every release under the label has garnered recognition, with
Beatport featuring their tracks prominently through introductions and banners, consistently
charting within the top30 and top3 of their respective genre. Their track “Let Me Show
You,” a cover of the 90s house music hit by Camisra, achieved remarkable success,
reaching the top 100 of Beatport’s main charts and climbing to the number one position on
Apple iTunes Electronic Germany chart. Additionally, it was voted the number one track of
the week by listeners of Germany’s largest electronic music radio station, Sunshine Live
and gained support by global players like Alok, Wade and Claptone.
AKA AKA’s extraordinary journey persists, fueled by an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Their unwavering trust in each other, enduring friendship, and insatiable thirst for
musical growth promise a captivating and ever-evolving experience for their global audience.