There are two kinds of clouds in the lush, green hills surrounding Switzerland's Bürgenstock Resort. One is the kind to be expected: white puffs nestled against the sharp Swiss Alps, drifting in the bright blue sky above a silent Lake Lucerne. The other is a puffy white peace sign stationed on a silver circle that hugs the dance floor. The latter is the recognizable symbol of Keinemusik, the Berlin-based label and electronic music collective that has created a growing community of dancers and adventure seekers through their pulsating sets and shows which often blend the scenic and sensorial.
Keinemusik — who recently performed a viral Boiler Room set in front of the Pyramids of Giza — have set a precedent that their events are to be sought out and traveled to. And indeed, for this event presented by Audemars Piguet, Keinemusik brought dancers to the peak of a scenic mountain vista, to a historic resort and hotel that was the actual backdrop of the iconic James Bond film Goldfinger.
To get there, a large crew of journalists — including myself — and creatives from the Audemars Piguet network have to take a car, boat and then funicular to the top of the teetering mountain precipice (not to mention my flight from New York City). But upon my arrival, it’s clear that the multi-part journey is clearly worth the trip, a rare chance to dance and mingle in a singularly vast environment.
This combination of music, craft and experience is well-trodden territory for Audemars Piguet, which has been manufacturing luxury watches since 1875, and has long considered music an indelible part of its DNA. The Swiss Horlogerie, which has fostered long standing friendships with iconic musicians like Quicny Jones, Jay-Z, Pharell, Mark Ronson and Travis Scott, has further expanded their support for music in recent years by becoming a Global Partner of the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival.
Audemars Piguet’s wide-reaching support for musicians takes on a particular resonance for Keinemusik, who have been building towards this peak for years. “A lot of people think we blew up fast, but we have been doing this for 15 years,” says Rampa, a core member of the collective. “It was a super slow, super organic, step-by-step linear process. Taking the time and getting the foundation right is important.”
The foundation for this event is quite literally sturdy — as it was atop an ancient mountain range — but the energy itself is free-floating. Keinemusik (Rampa, &ME,and Adam Port) plays a driving-yet-breezy set that matches the dramatic and relaxed environment. And before them is South African Amapiano star Uncle Waffles, who debuts a Keinemusik remix of her song “Tanzania,” created especially for the Burgenstock event.
In addition to the one-of-one performance, the partnership between Keinemusik and Audemars Piguet can be further understood through a short documentary that provides a brief window into Keinemusik’s whirlwind ascent.
“We slept on promoters' couches for ten years. Went out to party maybe four times a week, shared hotel rooms and a lot of pesto pasta,” Rampa reflects in the doc. “That was actually the time that defined us the most: our friendship, our vision, and also our craft,” he says, before offering a lesson learned: “If you want to make something special, don't stress. Just trust in the creative process.”
As the music rings out into the distant valley, it’s clear that this trust paid off. But success and collaboration indeed take time.
Photography courtesy of Audemars
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