DJ Lag Takes the Stage: A Journey through Open Ground

It’s 8pm at Open Ground, a standout dance venue in Wuppertal, western Germany. As DJ Lag steps up to the booth for his sound check, excitement fills the air. Since opening in December 2023, Open Ground has been hailed as “the best-sounding new club in the world.” The moment the first track plays, it’s easy to see why.

Soundscapes That Dazzle

Rolling bass lines fill the acoustically treated room, empowered by the renowned Funktion-One F132. The harmonious blend of high-pitched melodies and intricate textures is nothing short of mesmerizing. Vocal elements resonate profoundly, giving the impression that artists are right there in the room with you. It’s an audio experience designed to immerse and captivate.

A Flash of Brilliance

DJs and artists alike have sung praises of Open Ground. Eddy Toca, known professionally as Piccell, recalls the overwhelming impact of his first experience there: “It was a flash. It was a bang. We couldn’t compare it to any other place we’ve ever played. It’s like a dream.” His enthusiasm mirrors that of many others who have joined him as part of Barulho World, his afro-electronic collective.

Wuppertal: A Unique Location

Located just outside the famed Ruhr Valley, Wuppertal is known for its iconic suspended monorail and as the home of the legendary Pina Bausch’s dance theater. Though it’s a five-hour train journey from Berlin—often celebrated for its deep connection to electronic music—Open Ground has emerged as a new beacon for nightlife enthusiasts and DJs globally. Recognized by artists like British musician Floating Points as “probably the greatest-sounding club in the EU,” the venue has quickly made its mark.

Visionaries Behind the Vibes

The magic of Open Ground is largely attributed to its founders, Markus Riedel and Mark Ernestus. Between them lies over eighty years of accumulated knowledge in the music world. Riedel’s previous two-decade stint at Hard Wax in Berlin, coupled with Ernestus’s pioneering contributions to dub techno, has informed the club’s operational philosophy. Their journey back to Wuppertal began when the city proposed transforming a decommissioned WWII bunker into a nightlife spot, fueling the brothers’ ambition for a sonic sanctuary.

Architectural Symphony

The renovation took seven years and saw the team converting multiple cramped rooms into expansive dancefloors. They even altered the air-conditioning system to align with the venue’s acoustics. The insight of Willsingh Wilson, the acoustician, proved invaluable; his wall-to-wall grey fiber panelling absorbed disruptive sounds, creating an ideal acoustic environment for the Funktion-One’s impressive sound range.

Prioritizing Healthy Sound Environments

Mark Ernestus views excellent sound quality not as a luxury but a necessity. “The ears are one of the first organs that develop in the embryo,” he explains. Consequently, poor audio quality can adversely affect health, leading to stress responses and various physical ailments. Many clubs, unfortunately, compromise sound treatment in favor of flashy visuals.

A New Standard in Artist Welfare

Open Ground’s commitment extends beyond sound; the venue emphasizes artist welfare. DJs benefit from private showers, easy access to healthy meals, and a comfortable backstage environment. The founders understand that a well-cared-for artist translates to stellar performances on stage.

Room to Move and Rest

Designed with the audience in mind, Open Ground offers dancefloors that allow for comfort and ease of movement. Monitors throughout the space ensure that those who may wish to take a break can still enjoy the music. Moreover, patrons can converse without having to raise their voices, enhancing the overall vibe.

An Embodiment of Pure Enjoyment

As the night unfolds, lively scenes of unrestrained joy manifest across the dance floor. A young woman, swept up in the music, dances freely, embodying the spirit of the night. Her uninhibited movement echoes sentiments shared by many—“The sound is so good, you don’t need drugs,” as Riedel’s wife, Christine, noted earlier.

In this haven of sound and community, Open Ground redefines what a nightclub experience can be, offering a blend of exceptional acoustics and a commitment to both artists and attendees that fosters a vibrant, unforgettable atmosphere.