Former resident at Bob Beaman, one of Munich’s most notorious clubs, Muallem takes us on a virtual tour of his hometown and shows how it packs just as much punch as Berlin, both in the culture on offer and the potency of its techno. We quizzed Muallem on some favourite cultural spots, ambitions for opening his own club and life after Bob Beaman. While you read up that, jump into a mix that we’re told “perfectly reflects the vibe of the early morning hours at SMiLE Festival“, run by Muallem and Roland Appel.
Catch Muallem at Dance Tunnel this weekend, alongside The Mole.
Check out Muallem’s favourite spots in Munich in this interactive map.
Favourite place to buy Records?
Optimal Records: one of the longest lasting and consistent shops in town, Optimal features everything from text, film and music based on one common ground: a fantastic taste.
Public Possession: Bartellow, Marvin & Valetino release music as Tambien, the latter two also run the Public Possession label as well as the affiliated record store. Great place to exchange ideas and find tracks off the beaten path.
Favourite live music venue?
Matze, Richie & Upstart from Rote Sonne club are super passionate when it comes to music. Their very distinct taste is mostly reflected in the live shows they present on weekday evenings. Also worth mentioning is surely Milla Club, rising well deserved attention for artists.
Best soundsystem / favourite club?
When it comes to soundsystems, Munich lacks a high amount of outstanding installations. I guess the only ones worth mentioning is the one at Bob Beaman as well as at the one at Pacha. When it comes to the club itself, I currently like Charlie and Rote Sonne most and, although I haven’t been there myself a lot, I hear quite a lot of goods things about MMA. I would love to open my very own club soon, however finding a location is quite a tough one over here. I hope I’m lucky soon. I have a very clear vision of what makes a great music club, so I guess this could be quite something to further explore.
Best party in the city?
That’s surely SMiLE and its affiliated Art Of Dance nights. Although it feels a bit weird to say as I’m running the series myself, in collaboration with my partner Roland Appel, the vibe of these parties is simply outstanding.
Best view of the city?
I was recently checking out a freshly built venue called Werk 3. They have a beautiful roof top including a garden. The view over there is magical.
Is there somewhere you like going to escape the hustle and bustle and take some time away for yourself?
I hardly ever do it, but in case my batteries are really low, I always tend to head over to Tegernsee in case it has to be a quick one, or preferably to Engadin in the Swiss Alps in case I have more time. Its definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Best place to experience something unique to Munich?
Although I’m not into it that much myself, I guess experiencing Oktoberfest is something you can only get over here.
First thing you miss after leaving Munich?
For sure the freshly baked bread from Hofpfisterei. The one for the records is “Dunkle Sonne” and it’s only available on Thursdays. By far the best bread in the world.
Best place to see another medium of art other than music?
In regards to fine arts, Munich has an exceptional range. I prefer Haus der Kunst, Pinakothek der Moderne and Museum Brandhorst.
Is there a person (dead or alive) who encapsulates Munich for you?
Gustl Bayrhammer. He was an actor and performed in one of my favorite childhood TV shows called Pumuckl. I guess you can’t be more Munich than this guy.
Where will you find the friendliest, most interesting locals to have a chat with?
I guess meeting cool people doesn’t depend so much on the location, but much more on the vibe you spread yourself. Munich folks, although the classic stereotype might not suggest, are quite open minded and relaxed.
What’s the best and worst thing about living in Munich?
Having Munich as base is phenomenal when you travel a lot. The city really keeps you focused while not being to stressful and has an amazing vibe. The worst is probably the fact that it’s just too small.
Who’s doing good things for Munich music right now, who you’d like to shout out?
Phew there are just so many. Roland Appel, Leo Küchler and Sascha Sibler constantly push things in the right direction over here, be it through their DJing or their events. The guys from Public Possession, from Ilian Tape as well as Benjamin Röder & Brane from Charlie are all working on amazing labels, clubs and other stuff, that are all pretty forward thinking, unique and simply dope, however each in their own respect. Réne Vaitl and Tom Hilner from World League are also doing an amazing job when it comes to larger scale events and the guys from Rote Sonne are also constantly working hard while having their hearts in the right place.
What are some of your favourite up-and-coming DJs/producers/musicians bubbling up in Munich right now?
I really like what Stenny, Flo Scheuer, Trap10, Skee Mask and the Glaskin guys are doing right now.
Could you tell us about the mix you’ve made for us?
I tend not to over conceptualize things when it comes to doing a mix. When it comes to my DJing, I always try to capture the energy and the vibe of the moment. Also, since the whole thing was quite spontaneous, I had nothing left but to just grab some records from my collection I currently love to listen to and play out loud, and just mix them together. I went to Bob Beaman’s club booth and recorded it there. My 3 year old daughter helped me packing my bag. Maybe that’s the part where the magic happened.
And finally, what’s on the horizon for you in terms of live dates or releases we should look out for?
I just quit my position as resident DJ and creative director at Bob Beaman club, mainly as I feel I have to pursue further adventures in order to keep going. I haven’t focused on studio work in over five years and really want to get my ass back behind a huge mixing desk, as it has always been the core of my passion. I also plan to further concentrate on my DJing. The weekend I’m currently most looking forward to is in July, when I will go to Montreaux with a very dear friend of mine to watch Lana Del Rey play live for the first time, topped by playing Panorama Bar and Melt festival straight after. Also, I’m currently working as creative director for a sound & light art installation, which will take place in August and September throughout Germany. Apart from all of that, I just need to find a location to build my very own club. I have a good feeling.
