Benjamin Röder is a Munich-based artist and DJ.
He grew up loitering around the city’s record stores and stalking its DJs in rural nightclubs. In the early ’90s, he got his “DJ license” at the youth center Dschungel Palast. Since then, Benjamin has dedicated his life to all that takes place after sunset. His work revolves around nightlife and entertainment culture, including live events, sculpture, installation, as well as paintings, drawings, and collages. He began DJing in the Munich downtown bar and club circuit, known for its cosmic music. For over eight years, he broke the ice endless warm-up sets and created stacks of posters for the infamous club Ersteliga. His residency nights, GLXY, were at the peak of the disco renaissance in the early 2000s, attracting nu-disco enthusiasts from around the globe. His graphic work for musical imprints like Gomma or Compost Records created strong visual connections to the music industry. Nevertheless, he pursued his long-held plan to study at the Academy of Fine Arts with artist Olaf Metzel. Studying sculpture elevated his interest in the dance community, and in 2009, as a masters student he graduated with a diploma of Fine Arts for his final thesis: building a full nightclub into the university with more than 1000 dancers. Immediately after, he became the co-founder of the 300 capacity club Kong in the center of Munich, a concert and club venue known for being the headquarters of a complete Munich nightlife generation with a symbiosis with the art school. Shortly after, he formed the duo Spectacle, producing raw House music. In 2010, they released a record on the label Permanent Vacation with numerous remixes.Meanwhile, together with his associates, he designed and transformed a former bowling alley into a home for dance and music: Bar Charlie. Roeder is now a music club owner and venue operator, actively involved in the production of every party since 2011. This handmade permanent club space is considered one of the rare house-only clubs in Europe today, an institution for international music lovers and endurance dancers, famous for being a true DJ place.
During daylight hours, he initiated the summer party series HYTOP with his friend Manuel Kim in 2013. A site-specific party series scouting unique places like Olympiastadium, Haus der Kunst, a public bath for Pride, the rooftop of Deutsches Museum, among many other gem locations. These parties have always been free for the community, providing stage design, programming, technical setup, and guest relations. They also engage in corporate projects, such as musical curation for a temporary record store by Hermès Paris. For years, they have produced a biweekly radio show on Radio 80000. In 2023, they moved their base to a brutalistic garage, curating an irregular outdoor club named Blockparty.
Benjamin Röder is best known for his extended sets and lawless DJing, a veteran fierce DJ with a deep understanding of dancefloor dynamics. As the needle drops, he never makes a predictable move and is not afraid to take risks while staying true to himself. However he keeps a steady and relentless groove on the dancefloor. Always looking forward and keeping pace with evolving generational tastes, Roeder has consistently updated his diverse sound in recent years, traversing through All That Jazz: Dub, Disco, Techno and Soul. He spans many different scenes with ease, always in his unique style, a world away from the usual hype or trends. Thanks to his diverse activities and international exchanges, he has had the opportunity to perform all over the world. He spins regularly at Le Bain New York City, Zukunft Zurich, Robert Johnson in Offenbach or as a resident dj at Art Basel. A volcano for everyone who loves music for music’s sake and loves to dance. Just as he has been hosting parties, exhibitions, sessions and BBQs his whole life, he has gained a lot of experience in various contexts and with different party structures. Roeder is constantly building new music setups and rethinking the optimal circumstances to DJ, always reflecting on the role of the DJ and maintaining a holistic view of the club scene. He is convinced that every little part and participant of a party is equally important and that only all together can create this special moment. He is always tweaking the soundsystems and party lights, equally comfortable in sweaty basements, foggy warehouses, or dusty backyards, always aware of the sparkles in the grime.
Anytime a peak-time party provider.
