IT’S time to do Time Warp again!
Tens of thousands of electronic music fans will be doing the annual pilgrimage to Mannheim in Germany on Friday, April 5th and Saturday, April 6th to celebrate the incredible milestone, 30 year anniversary of Europe’s finest electronic music festival, Time Warp.
Time Warp: Celebrating 30 Years of Electronic Music
Time Warp is not only a highlight in the calendar of many electronic music fans but also for the DJs performing there. Heavyweights like Sven Väth, Richie Hawtin and Laurent Garnier have performed there almost every year since the very first party 30 years ago.
Time Warp and Mannheim’s UNESCO City of Music Recognition
It’s amazing to note that Time Warp was an element in the decision to recognise Mannheim as a UNESCO City of Music. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network comprise of cities that have identified creativity and music as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
Cosmopop: The Brains Behind Time Warp
Cosmopop are the team behind the legendary Time Warp. They are also the masterminds behind Time Warp’s summer bash, Love Family Park and the amazing Sonus Festival in Croatia.
Steffen Charles on the Journey of Time Warp
For more information and for tickets to Time Warp HEAD HERE.
You will be celebrating 30 years of Time Warp in April. Could you have imagined from the first Time Warp party the sheer scale of the event 30 years later?
STEFFEN: On this one a very short answer: No. Of course, we lost money with the first edition, so during the first weeks we did not even think about a second edition.
Navigating Challenges with Frank Eichhorn
Organizing large-scale music festivals involves numerous challenges. Could you share some of the most significant hurdles you’ve faced and how you overcame them?
FRANK: The biggest hurdle in our history was for sure the pandemic. We were the first large-scale event that got canceled in 2020 and we were so keen on finally coming back in April 2022 – but the rules and regulations were still vague when we had to take the final decision and we simply could not take the risk.
Technology and Time Warp: A Match Made in Music
Time Warp is the perfect marriage between music and technology creating an unforgettable experience. Was technology at the forefront of those early parties as it is now? How do you continue to push the boundaries of technology year on year?
STEFFEN: From the beginning, it was always about creating a whole experience for our guests. Sound was and still is the most important thing but even at the first edition of Time Warp we had elaborate decoration elements – we just wanted to create a very unique atmosphere.
Lighting Up Time Warp: Frank’s Perspective
There are more and more options and technical possibilities thanks to new gear and software – this is a big chance to always come up with new, unseen creative approaches.
Preparing for the Milestone Celebration
With the 30th anniversary of Time Warp on the horizon, what special preparations or surprises can attendees anticipate for this milestone celebration?
FRANK: We have a different approach to that. For us the music and the DJ performances are always in focus and all light, video, sfx, lasers need to follow and revolve around underlining the sound.
When Mannheim Meets Time Warp: A Cultural Impact
Time Warp brings a huge amount of attention and tourism to Mannheim every year with the obvious benefits to the local economy. How does the city and authorities support the event? You must have to work closely with them? Do they recognise the cultural importance of Time Warp?
ROBIN: We have a close working relationship with all authorities in different departments and levels. Of course there still are people who are happy when the show is over. The vast majority however, really supports Time Warp.
Navigating the Lineups with Steffen
Can you tell us how you approach the line ups each year?
STEFFEN: Our artist selection reflects our philosophy of presenting international techno headlining DJs and live acts amongst local talent and hotshots.
Global Techno Icons and Their Time Warp Connection
You have close relationships with global techno icons such as Carl Cox Sven Väth, Laurent Garnier and Richie Hawtin? How important have these guys been to Time Warp over the years?
STEFFEN: Some of these artists have been there from year one and have continued to support us ever since.
David Guetta and the Time Warp Throwback
Some people might not know this but I understand you had David Guetta play one year? Was he playing techno back then?
ROBIN: Yes – it was back in 2006 when David Guetta played Time Warp. He played pure house music and really rocked the place.
The Spirit of Time Warp Lives On in Other Events
You guys are responsible for numerous other great events like Love Family Park and the Sonus Festival in Croatia. Would it be fair to say that the spirit and DNA of Time Warp flows through these events?
ROBIN: I believe what sets us apart from other festivals is our DNA: We come from the dancefloor, we have been ravers, we started to do the shows and we still love music and to go out.
Tips for First-Time Time Warp Attendees
What advice do you have for someone that has never been to Time Warp before?
ROBIN: Be there early and do the full journey. My advice is to let yourself go with the flow, don’t stick to a fixed time table and run from one floor to the other. Allow yourself to listen to artists who wouldn’t be your first choice.
Conclusion: Time Warp 2023