By Alexander Cheves
Berlin runs on vinyl, or at least it feels that way when you talk to the people who keep its dance floors alive. Record shops in the techno capital don’t just supply the city’s many DJs with a diverse and ever-changing stream of new (and old) music—they foster a culture of music exploration and appreciation, build lasting offline friendships and community outside of clubs, and support small, independent music labels in the city.
A shop isn’t just a shop—it’s a community space where someone hears a track that changes their life, where they meet a future collaborator, or where hours of digging end with a rare, dusty sleeve tucked under their arm. Record stores sit at the heart of this city’s music culture, and everyone has a spot that feels like home.
For this article, we asked 15 DJs to share their favourite record store in Berlinand tell us why it matters to them. Some chose famous, tried-and-true places; others picked small, personal rooms where the staff know their individual taste. The answers tell us something about the city, but they also tell us something about the artists themselves—what they value, what they sound like, and where they go to get inspired.
1. Blasha & Allat @blashaallatt
Blasha & Allat are a UK-born DJ duo and residents with Meat Free, Vault Sessions, and Tech Couture. Known for a tough, focused techno sound, they’ve shaped their style through years of work in the scene, pairing intensity with detail and precision. In recent sets, they’ve also expanded into house, bringing the same clarity and drive to a different rhythmic palette.
Their studio output—released on labels such as Blue Hour, Positive Source, Discos Paraiso, and Symbolism—echoes the strength of their approach and the evolving range of their work.
Blasha & Allat’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Hard Wax, Kreuzberg (Köpenicker Strasse 70, 10179)
Why it’s great: “I love it, as I know the selection is class. And it’s cheaper than in the U.K.!”
2. Carmen Electro @carmenelectro
Carmen Electro is a Finland-born, Berlin-based vinyl DJ whose style reflects a simple ethos: stay grounded, honour the roots of the music, and bring something unexpected to the booth. Her sets move through techno with a focus on legacy, intensity, and surprise.
Active within the international underground scene, she has played venues such as Säule, Bassiani, Tresor, RSO, Gotec, Radion, Industrial Copera, and Laster Club. Carmen is a resident with several collectives, including KAOS, Selected Berlin, and Tresor Berlin.
Carmen Electro’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Audio-In, Friedrichshain (Libauer Strasse 19, 10245)
Why it’s great: “It’s a cosy record store specialising in second-hand electronic music, from house and techno to goa, psy, drum and bass, garage, and other niche sounds. It’s also a bit of a community hub. You always bump into familiar faces, and the staff—Martin, the owner, and Miriana, who run the shop—are incredibly knowledgeable.
Audio-In is special to me because it shaped my early record collection. During cold Berlin winters, digging there gave my evenings purpose and excitement. With its cult status among DJs, people even queue on Fridays for fresh arrivals from private collectors.”
3. Slin @slin_dj
Slin is a Berlin-based DJ and producer and a resident at Shockwerk. A vinyl-focused artist, he plays fast, rhythmic sets that blend ’90s and early 2000s techno with contemporary, groove-driven tracks. Smooth, organic transitions and a balance of raw intensity and upbeat energy mark his style.
In 2024, SLIN opened a collaboration week between SEVEN and BCCO, contributing a B2B mix with fellow SEVEN co-founder CRYME. The series also featured sets from Shaleen, Carmen Electro, Najeh, and Sibel, highlighting the range of artists connected to the label.
Slin’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Audio-In, Friedrichshain (Libauer Strasse 19, 10245)
Why it’s great: “Their selection and consistency have been the best to me,” Slin says. “And the condition of the secondhand records is always on point.”
4. Tal Fussman @talfussman
Tal Fussman is a Tel Aviv–born, Berlin-based DJ, producer, and founder of the label Survival Tactics. He began playing guitar and drums early on, later moving into DJing as a teenager before shifting his focus toward electronic music after discovering Tel Aviv’s club scene.
In Berlin, he developed a style that blends house, jazz influences, and 80s-leaning disco, with releases on labels such as Innervisions, Rekids, and Cod3QR. Known for energetic, wide-ranging sets, he continues to build his sound through both his own productions and the artists he supports through Survival Tactics.
Tal Fussman’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Audio-In, Friedrichshain (Libauer Strasse 19, 10245)
Why it’s great: “My favourite record shop is probably my neighbourhood local shop in Friedrichshain, Audio In. Whenever I walk in there, I always leave with some gold.”
5. DJ handbag @handbag_dj
DJ handbag is a Berlin-based DJ, party promoter, and longtime harm reduction worker whose sets draw from vocal house, hardbag, garage, and UK-leaning bass. A former Berghain and Laboratory bouncer, she spent a decade at the door before beginning to DJ at 44, a shift that shaped her perspective on community and care in nightlife. She has since played across Berlin and Europe and is a resident with the Stockholm–Berlin Ooze Collective.
A co-founder of the industrial party DURCH, she now focuses on house-driven, emotionally charged sets and advocates for “braver spaces” through her social work and club involvement. Read DJ handbag’s candid, powerful, and profoundly moving interview in our sister publication, Hinterhaus.
DJ handbag’s favourite record shop in Berlin: OYE Records, Prenzlauer Berg (Oderberger Strasse 4, 10435)
Why it’s great: DJ handbag clarifies: “I’m not a vinyl DJ. My collection is small—just a few records that mean something to me. But OYE Records is my favourite place in Berlin to find them.”
The selection “speaks for itself,” DJ handbag says. “They have great classic house, disco, and underground electronic. I prefer to browse quietly and take my time. There’s no need for conversation—it’s about the music and the atmosphere. Even though I play digital, there’s something about finding a record in person that’s different.”
6. Magdalena May @iam.magdalena.may
Magdalena May is a Berlin-based DJ and producer whose style is rooted in early 2000s techno. Her sets follow a rhythmic, instinct-driven arc, often leaning into darker, hypnotic grooves. She works exclusively with vinyl, building her sound through careful selections and long, textured blends.
Magdalena May’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Bikini Waxx Records, Kreuzberg (Manteuffelstraße 48, 10999)
Why it’s great: “The selection there is excellent, and I absolutely love the location. It’s such a cosy and welcoming place where you can easily spend the whole day digging for records. Plus, the staff are always super friendly and helpful.”
7. CRYME @ccrryymmee
CRYME is a Berlin-based DJ, producer, and co-founder of the SEVEN music label. After fifteen years in football, he shifted toward Berlin’s nightlife and developed an instinctive, high-energy style that blends house and techno.
He began releasing music in 2022 and has since appeared at events across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., including debuts at Boiler Room and Basement New York. In 2024, he launched SEVEN to support house producers, with a focus on queer and FLINTA* artists. His track “London Boy,” from The Back Room EP, remains his most successful release.
CRYME’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Elevate, Friedrichshain (Gubener Str. 24, 10243)
Why it’s great: “Elevate has a carefully curated selection,” CRYME says. “They’ve supported SEVEN since we started and were one of the first to stock our records. They also support other small, independent labels I love and admire. They seem really committed to supporting small music labels and curating quality music.”
8. Andre Zimmer @andrezimmer_
Andre Zimmer is a producer, DJ, and label head based in Toronto and Berlin. His work draws on the energy of ’90s rave while keeping a modern edge. Since 2022, his tracks have moved between piano-led house, UK garage influences, and rough analogue textures. His single “Raf,” released through Fabric Records, became a widely played club hit, helping bring more attention to his imprint, Big Trouble Records.
Recent releases, including the Saved My Life EP, show his interest in both high-impact and more melodic strains of house. Zimmer has appeared at Tresor, Boiler Room, Piknic Électronik, and Big Trouble events. Read Andre’s fiery, funny, and inspiring profile and interview in our sister nightlife publication, Hinterhaus.
Andre Zimmer’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Hard Wax, Kreuzberg (Köpenicker Strasse 70, 10179)
Why it’s great: “I think there’s a strong connection to Detroit house and techno that exists in Hard Wax, and it’s always a place where I find stuff I am really interested in and inspired by.
They have really nice, authentic techno records in the shop, and a lot of music that sits nicely between house and techno. My favourite records are WK7 and Head High on Power House, which Hardwax distributes.”
9. Tom Peters @tompetertsworld
Tom Peters is a Berlin-based DJ, producer, label owner, and promoter with more than a decade in electronic music. His sets move through house, tribal rhythms, and hypnotic techno, shaped by years playing venues such as Berghain (SNAX), Basement NYC, Gegen, and Susanne Bartsch’s ON TOP at Le Bain. Peters founded the DESSERT event series in 2012 and later launched the labels DESSERT and …is serving, along with CLUB SOBER and the BERLINCIAGAY project.
Tom’s collaborations include work with Honey Dijon, and his recent “SoundCloud Loves…” Pride Mix marks his first return to vinyl since 2012. Read or listen to Tom’s candid and moving conversation with Charlie Taylor in our sister publication, Hinterhaus.
Tom Peters’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Bikini Waxx Records, Kreuzberg (Manteuffelstraße 48, 10999)
Why it’s great: “My selection comes from the heart. Bikini Waxx has always been more than just a record store to me; it’s a place of connection. It’s where I first met my friend and favourite producer, Alexander Skancke, who used to work there alongside Henriku. My favourite label, Quirk, is distributed through Bikini Waxx, and that mix of deep musical relevance and personal history makes the store truly special to me.”
A close runner-up: “I often find rare, used gems at Jackson Records, and I regularly order the newest releases from HHV,” Tom says. “But my heart belongs to Bikini Waxx.”
10. Immy @immyfromlove
Immy is a Berlin-based vinyl DJ with a deep grounding in music history, especially the New York disco and house scenes shaped by the Loft and Paradise Garage.
Immy’s collection spans ambient, soul, funk, disco, reggae, house, techno, electro, and early trance, and her sets often use acapellas to build narrative and mood. Active in Berlin’s community radio scene, she hosts Fun Facts on Refuge Worldwide, a show that digs into the stories and influences behind contemporary dance music. She also appears on THF Radio and remains closely involved in local nightlife and community-focused projects.
Immy’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Mion Records, Kreuzberg (Ohlauer Strasse 10, 10999)
Why it’s great: “It’s not a store anymore, just a Discogs and online pickup spot, but my favourite would hands-down be Mion Records for three reasons. First, they’re my plug for all of the amazing Japanese pressings in my collection. Second, their prices are fair, and the condition of the records is usually top-notch. Thirdly, I have two really good friends working there that make my visits good fun and super flexible.”
Some close runner-ups: “Apart from that, I also love Kimchi, Audio-In, HVV, Bikini Wax, and Elevate.”
11. Katy de Jesus @de_jesus_katy
Katy de Jesus is a Luxembourg-born, Berlin-based DJ whose sound draws on her Portuguese heritage and early influences in underground ’80s and ’90s house. Her sets balance raw edges with emotional lift, moving between classic house textures and high-energy rhythms.
Known for her sharp sense of flow and careful selections, she has become a regular presence at Berghain and Panorama Bar. Her sets shape a sound rooted in both personal history and Berlin’s contemporary club landscape.
Katy de Jesus’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Latitude Records, Mitte (Invalidenstraße 148, 10115)—Permanently closed on 16 November ☹️
Why it’s great: “The record store used to be on the other side of Griessmuehle back then, and Griessmuehle is also closing now. The record store changed location a few years ago. I love that store very much. I associate it with the beginning of my DJ career here in Berlin, which started ten years ago. Latitude was one of the first record stores I set foot in. I felt super comfortable staying there for hours.
My vinyl collection started back then, and I feel like, as it grows and I keep playing, I keep that place’s spirit going with me. Even today, when I play certain records, I remember I bought them there. They had a lot of records that I could relate to, selection-wise, and above that, they had so many records from lesser-known genres that you couldn’t find anywhere else. It was obvious they had a lot of knowledge of music—they really knew their shit.”
When asked about its recent closure—the space permanently closed on 16th November 2025—Katy de Jesus says: “I think they were struggling like all record stores are struggling. I feel super sad about it. But it’s hard for record stores to survive these days. More people buy records online now, on Discogs.
But it’s not the same, obviously. When you go to a record store, you meet the people who work there, and you have an exchange. Sometimes the cashier or the owner comments on your selection and makes a recommendation. When a record shop closes, this beautiful human exchange goes away with it.”
12. ogtrues @ogtrues
ogtrues is a Berlin-based DJ and producer whose hypnotic techno blends raw texture, deep groove and understated melody. A steady, community-driven presence at Watergate, Else, RSO, and Tresor, he moves between rolling percussion, looping rhythms and stripped-back intensity.
His international dates span Madrid, Vancouver, Stockholm, Paris and Wrocław. He also founded the label Art For Industry, expanding his work as a curator and collaborator. Beyond the booth, he develops interdisciplinary projects, including a collaboration with DANCÆ and Ballet Sur_Real, and shares his studio approach in a SEEDJ production masterclass.
ogtrues’s favourite record shop in Berlin: Melting Point Record Store, Mitte (Kastanienallee 55, 10119)
Why it’s great: “They have an amazing selection of jazz records I like to dig in, plus techno and electro. It’s a super small shop with very friendly people working there. And it’s near my place!”
13. Ralf @ranger_ralf
Ralf does not have an online presence—if you want to hear his music, you have to look for “Ralf” on lineups. To that end, he has no photos online and doesn’t want any. But he’s been playing in Berlin for decades, often B2B with his longtime friend, the Berghain legend Boris Dolinski.
Ralf’s favourite record store in Berlin: Sound Metaphors, Kreuzberg (Reichenberger Strasse 152, 10999)
Why it’s great: “It’s a well-curated record store with good in-house labels and great releases. And it’s family! They are friends, but like family. My music family. It’s a nice, warm atmosphere there. Always a lot of hugs.”
https://www.soundmetaphors.com
14. Jana Falcon @jana_falcon
Jana Falcon’s favourite record shop in Berlin: HHV, Friedrichshain (Grünberger Strasse 54, 10245)
Why it’s great: “I love the fact that I can find a very diverse range of genres there. Their in-store sessions are dope. They bring the community together, and you’ll always get to meet lovely people. At their events, you’ll always listen to quality DJ sets and get to hear old-school DJs and also fresh collectives or newcomers. And of course the staff is amazing!”
15. SIBAST @sibastk
Kristian Sibast is a Denmark-born, Berlin-based DJ known for blending UK Hard House roots with a driving Berlin sound. His sets draw on ’90s HI-NRG, Hard House, and uplifting, vocal-heavy rave energy. He has played across Germany— including Gegen, HEISS, BCCO, Basskontakt, Kinky Sundays, and Geheimclub—and has performed internationally at Faust in Seoul and at Tokyo Pride.
In July 2024, he made his Tresor main-stage debut for SEVEN, where he became a resident in April 2024. In 2025, he launched his own queer house party series, Puddings which has been described as “the new Lunchbox Candy”.
SIBAST’s favourite record store in Berlin: OYE Records, Neukölln (Friedel Str. 49, 12047)
Why it’s great: “Berlin has so many great stores, but I think my absolute favourite is OYE in Neuköln. Great selection, super helpful, friendly staff, and I always find and leave with unexpected treasures.”