A humming and buzzing appear to constantly fill the air these days in Berlin but the city is really brewing something up again. There is something new taking form, as a tide of live music events rushes through the streets. A movement that turns its focus away from the singular consumption of music, back to fostering local (and international) community through the collective connection of creativity and music. And dancing – a trend I can’t welcome strongly enough! One of those novel developments has quickly established itself as a space where community, world-class musicianship, and great’n’groovy vibes go hand in hand in hand: It’s called The Hang! and returning for its last show before the summer break, will take place this Saturday, July 11 at House of Music.
I spoke to one of the organizers of The Hang!, Brian D. Sauls, to find out more about the genesis and aspirations behind The Hang! I am also proud to announce that the OFFKEY readers will get an official discount code for tickets.
What is The Hang!?
The Hang! is structured around two to three sets by the host band Will Jacobs & The Unit, a Berlin based 4-piece, consisting of Will Jacobs (Vocals and guitar), Brian D. Sauls (drums), Chris Keymer (keys) and Arne Imig (bass), who share their soul-saturated stage for a set with a different guest artist each show. That is one of the unique aspect of the series: Each performance is handled like a headliner. And with the network of brilliant musicians participating at The Hang!, the jam session nature is never lost. So, it is no irregularity for the band’s line-up to fluctuate throughout the evening, as musician friends join the Unit on stage. The evening is ushered in and out by a funk-filled hour brought on by the house DJ Magic Manfred.
Brian explains how The Hang!’s approach to live music is something he had wished for for a long time:
“What’s been missing is a place where people could go regularly to see a show that’s consistently scheduled and well-rehearsed, while also getting to know new artists. What makes sessions special is you get to meet and see so many new people. We have that here, too, but the [guest] artists also get a chance to showcase their music at the highest level.”
Past guests include some known faces from the city’s soul/R&B/funk scene, especially the circle around A Song For You, like the timeless and ever-astounding Charlotte Colace, but also newcomers like Cosmo Lauturo and Milaa. This time around, the R&B songwriter and singer Meron will join for a set. Hosted in the facilities of House of Music, The Hang! promises chill late nights on the dancefloor or the spacious outdoor area oozing with groove.
Photo by Torsten Kupke
Always About The Music
Talking about The Hang! means talking about the music. Attending the first Hang!, I was blown-away by the skills of the artists on and off stage. And the energy of the audience with everyone singing and dancing and being in the moment. As The Hang! brings together some of the most forward-thinking music minds in the city, it should come with no surprise for the audience to carry on that very energy. Man, being there just hit different.
It is the music that sets the tone, first and foremost. And if Will Jacobs & The Unit know one thing it’s that. Each member brings their A-game, fueled by talent and hours upon hours of dedication to their craft, with their harmonies grown through a natural and gradual formation.
To Become A Unit
Brian D. Sauls at The Hang!
Brian tells me, he had been playing with Will for years before they eventually encountered their bandmates. The two of them met a church gig, where their mutual musical understanding was instant. By coincidence, or fate, after their friend and before-mentioned DJ Magic Manfred, also a gifted bass player, fell through for a gig, they met Arne, who they quickly added to the roster. Then, through a recommendation they played with Chris. Sitting in rehearsal, after playing their first song together, Will turned to Brian and uttered the fore-telling words: “This feels like a unit.”
The actual band formation happened two years later, only after the first Hang! in January of this year, as its success led them to the decision to form a proper band. As a Chicagoan steeped in US-American blues and soul tradition, Will was on the lookout for a specific kind of musician – and found like-minded musicians right here in Berlin.
Community coming together
Touring throughout Europe and turning heads at every jam session they play, it was Will who had the desire to finally string up a live event space of their own. He asked Brian to help build it up together, after the House of Music approached them about potentially diversifying their event catalog. Brian took on the task, especially after conferring with friend and fellow musician Johnny Kulo, who is part of event series like Family Dinner.
Their idea sounded simple enough: A space where musicians and creatives can hang out after their show, hence the name. In an ongoing creative process, The Hang! is still adapting to demands and needs of both artists and audiences as they go, but one thing is already solid: “It just feels like such a great Hang!”
OFFKEYxThe Hang!
One of the major perks and privileges I enjoy through my work with OFFKEY is meeting and talking to an array of interesting people on the regular. People, who spread their joy and passion for music in the most diverse and beautiful ways right here in my hometown. An even greater perk is getting to revisit and build up upon past conversation and turn an idea into action. This time again, it’s sharing a message of joy and community with The Hang!. For OFFKEY readers, The Hang! offers reduced tickets at a cost of 10€ with the discount code “OFFKEY10“.
Follow The Hang! and Will Jacobs & The Unit to keep up to date about upcoming events.