Dessau: The City That Could Be More
Dessau is a strange place. It’s actually beautiful here – the Elbe meadows, the Bauhaus, the Garden Kingdom of Wörlitz. There’s space, history, impressive nature. And yet something essential is missing: the people.
Hardly any other city in Europe is shrinking and aging as quickly. From around 114,000 residents at the time of reunification, fewer than 76,000 remain (source: citypopulation.de) and forecasts predict a further decline to 65,000. Many young people move away, mainly to Leipzig or Berlin. Of those who stay, many commute to work in other cities, while thousands of workers commute into Dessau each day. While Dessau remains an important regional work hub, it is losing importance as a place to live – the city is increasingly becoming a transit zone.
This silence can also be felt in the music scene. Music needs an audience, clubs, networks, spaces to exchange. But that’s exactly what’s missing here. There are hardly any rehearsal spaces, no relevant labels, no structures that could support musicians. Cultural policy focuses on the established – classical music, Bauhaus anniversaries, traditional formats. There’s little room for new, independent artists.
And yet, they exist. People who stay and make music despite all odds. Who write songs, build beats, create their own projects – even if it often means working in a kind of creative isolation. They don’t have a broad scene backing them, no hype, but they keep going. To me, they are the quiet yet important voices of this city.
I went in search and found some of these artists who inspire me. Maybe there will be more in the future – maybe someone will still discover the potential Dessau holds. And if you know more musicians, message me. Let’s break the silence together, bit by bit.
Music from Dessau
Dessau doesn’t have a large music scene – but it has a remarkably diverse one. From psychedelic rock, occult folk, and traditional plucked string music to modular techno, lo-fi pop, ambient, and analog-produced electro to heavy metal, hardcore punk, and drum’n’bass – creative projects often emerge far from the limelight. What’s missing are the structures. What remains is initiative.
Directly to the artists from Dessau:
- TEMPTER of the SUN
- IVY CHALICE
- Die Saitenschwärmer
- Magnetic Bass Force
- MOTOR
- MARITI
- Go Ahead
- binér
- Monsieur Naitsab
- Lena Lapius
- Sascha Nikolić
TEMPTER of the SUN
Of ethereal soundscapes and psychedelic dreams
TEMPTER of the SUN was a psychedelic rock band from Dessau, active from 2015 to 2019.
Their sound was defined by atmospheric soundscapes strongly inspired by bands like Pink Floyd.
Their only release, the demo Midnight Tears in Springtime Flowers (2017), combines long instrumental passages, hypnotic guitar riffs, and the velvet vocals of singer Denise.
The six tracks of the demo take listeners on a musical journey oscillating between melancholy and hope.
After the band split up, some members pursued new musical paths: Denise and Chris founded the occult-folk duo IVY CHALICE, while others became active in the psychedelic prog rock band MARITI.
Instagram | Bandcamp | Only the Sun Knows Records
IVY CHALICE
Where occult folk meets daydreams
Out of the ashes of TEMPTER of the SUN emerged the duo IVY CHALICE, made up of Denise D. and Chris LĂĽhning.
Since 2020, they have been creating music and art together that moves between occultism and folk.
Their debut single Daughter of the Moon was released on the label Only the Sun Knows Records and features mystical sounds and haunting female vocals.
In 2024, the album Noctifer followed, blending acoustic textures with ethereal vocals and electronic elements – inspired by classic films and the sounds of the 1960s and 70s.
They also run a new project called Celestial Hex in the style of vampiric dark wave – inspired by cult films like Lost Boys and Near Dark. The first single was released in January 2025, with an album to follow later in the year.
Instagram | Bandcamp | Only the Sun Knows Records
Die Saitenschwärmer
A bridge between tradition and modernity
The long-established ensemble Saitenschwärmer, formerly known as Anhaltinisches Zupforchester, has been a fixture in the Dessau music scene for over 100 years.
Founded in 1919 as the mandolin club “Südstern,” the orchestra evolved under conductor Frithjof Eydam into a versatile ensemble that blends classical plucked string music with modern influences.
Their repertoire ranges from baroque compositions to pop and rock classics, and even film scores.
Especially noteworthy is the combination of traditional instruments like mandolins and guitars with modern elements such as electric bass.
In addition to regular concerts at the Petruskirche in Dessau, the ensemble also engages in social outreach by offering free concerts for seniors and children.
The Saitenschwärmer are a living example of Dessau’s cultural heritage and show how tradition and innovation can harmonize beautifully.
Website | Musikland Sachsen-Anhalt | YouTube
Magnetic Bass Force
Between analog synths and urban pulse
Magnetic Bass Force, aka Thomas Fahlteich, is a pioneer of the Dessau electro and hip-hop scene. Since the 1980s, he has shaped the regional music landscape as a DJ, producer, and performer.
His roots lie in the breakdance crew Street Dancer’s Dessau; he later became part of the legendary Harzfein collective.
Under aliases like Cybertroid or Hydromatix, he released electro and techno tracks on international labels such as Street Sounds UK and Subsonic Device Records.
His sound fuses Detroit techno influences with British electro, linking analog synthesizers with precise, danceable beats.
Magnetic Bass Force remains active in the scene today, collaborating with DJ Magic Mayer and contributing to the Harzfein network, which has been shaping the regional club culture since the 1990s.
His work is documented on SoundCloud, and he occasionally performs at local events such as the Beat Club Dessau.
SoundCloud | Spotify | Harzfein Collective | Discogs
MOTOR
Where raw energy meets untamed metal
MOTOR is a German heavy/speed/thrash metal band from Dessau-RoĂźlau, known for fast riffs, aggressive vocals, and a gritty underground spirit.
According to Bandcamp, the band describes their music as “Satanic Rock” and offers demos, splits, and live recordings for download.
Although MOTOR hasn’t released new material in recent years, they represent the raw, non-commercial side of East German metal – with a DIY approach and uncompromising lyrics.
The band was part of the regional metal/punk community and performed in clubs before becoming less active in recent times.
MARITI
In search of the cosmic sound
MARITI is a psychedelic prog-rock band from Dessau, known for their complex compositions and atmospheric soundscapes.
Inspired by bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd, they combine progressive structures with psychedelic sound collages.
Their 2022 album Find Yourself showcases their musical depth with long instrumental sections and experimental vocals.
Live performances – such as at the Klink Festival in Dessau – are described by the band as “a musical journey to the self” – a homage to the cosmic prog rock of the 1970s with a modern Dessau twist.
Instagram | Spotify | Klink Festival
Go Ahead
When hardcore meets resistance
Go Ahead embodies the raw, unrestrained energy of Dessau’s hardcore punk scene.
The band follows a relentless DIY approach and blends fast hardcore with crust and d-beat influences.
Their lyrics deal with social struggles, antifascist resistance, and the rejection of authoritarian structures.
Songs like Cut It Loose explicitly take a stand against nationalist ideologies, while their self-released album on Bandcamp breathes the raw essence of non-commercial hardcore.
Although there are no recent live performances documented, the band remains present in the leftist political punk scene through their releases.
Go Ahead stands for authentic, uncompromising hardcore – loud, uncomfortable, and with a clear message.
Bandcamp | Review Metal Inside
binér
Modular minimalism between techno and structure
Maximilian Binner aka binér originally comes from Halle and studies design in Dessau. At 19, he already brings several years of experience in music production and DJing – and is an active member of the NewKid collective. His sound oscillates between drum’n’bass, jungle, minimal, and breaks – often combined with techno elements. He embraces genre hybrids and dynamic club energy. Inspired by artists like Diagnostix or Waeys, binér brings fresh momentum to Dessau’s electronic scene – and hopes to get something moving together with others.
Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube | Apple Music
Monsieur Naitsab
Sound trails between club and forest path
Since the early 2000s, Bastian has been part of the local club scene – initially as Sensor with hard techno in Brauerei, Beatclub & Co., later increasingly influenced by house, electronica, and ambient. Today, under the alias Monsieur Naitsab, he works on a live set that combines organic field recordings, deep grooves, and cross-genre soundscapes – somewhere between dub, acid, and a touch of nature.
His influences range from Boards of Canada, Hania Rani, and Radiohead to electronic music pioneers of the 70s and 80s – Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel, and many more.
He also captures atmospheres visually: his Instagram profile features not only musical sketches but also impressive nature and everyday photography – just as calm, detail-oriented, and atmospheric as his sound.
Lena Lapius
Between bedroom, stage lights, and gut feeling
Lena Lapius is a singer-songwriter from Dessau-Roßlau who enriches the local music scene with her poetic folk-pop. She began making music in her childhood and wrote her first songs as a teenager. After a creative break, she’s now back on stage regularly – for example at events like Voll Marianne, in the BBKarium, or at the Zwöö bar in Halle (Saale).
Her music lives from the connection between sensitive lyrics, guitar sounds, and an expressive stage presence. Classic singer-songwriter elements merge with modern pop structures, and Lena is open to experimenting with new soundscapes. Recently, she collaborated with Monsieur Naitsab, who created an electronic reinterpretation of one of her songs.
Although there are no studio releases yet, her live performances make her a captivating voice in the regional scene. On Instagram, she shares insights into her creative process and represents a young generation of musicians in Dessau – full of fresh ideas and cross-genre openness.
Labels in Dessau
Even though Dessau is not a major city with a buzzing music industry, small but remarkable label structures exist here – often in the shadows of public attention, but driven with great passion.
These labels express a defiant, independent music culture that doesn’t cater to the mainstream but forges its own path: from hand-dubbed tapes to artistically crafted vinyl, from antifascist hip-hop to analog electro, from rare neofolk to pounding hardcore.
These labels are worth discovering – not only for collectors, but for anyone interested in music with attitude, history, and regional character.
Halb 7 Records – Dessau’s Punk Institution Since 1991
Founded in 1991 in Dessau, the independent label Halb 7 Records has established itself as a central platform for the German punk and subculture scene.
Originally launched as a record store, the label began releasing its own productions in 1994 – starting with hip-hop compilations (Pioniermanöver), later shifting focus to punk, Oi!, and hardcore.
In the 2000s, the emphasis moved toward psychobilly and neorockabilly. Particularly influential was the long-standing collaboration with bands like Thee Flanders (over 30 releases) and Bloodsucking Zombies From Outer Space.
With the Psychomania Rumble Festival in Potsdam, Halb 7 organizes one of the most important events in the European psychobilly scene. In 2017, the label also founded the neofolk sublabel Only The Sun Knows Records.
With over 90 releases and its own mail order service, Halb 7 Records, led by Jan Fricke, is a key figure in the DIY culture – and a true piece of East German subcultural history.
Website | Instagram | Parocktikum Wiki | Discogs
Only The Sun Knows Records – Dessau’s Neofolk Label for Limited Sonic Treasures
The sublabel Only The Sun Knows Records was founded in 2017 as an extension of Halb 7 Records and is dedicated to high-quality, limited releases in the genres of neofolk, dark folk, and post-industrial.
Artists like Grave of Love and LĂ©ger des Heils create melancholic sound worlds between acoustic minimalism and occult pathos.
The label is known for its lovingly crafted releases: vinyl with embedded flower petals, elegant cassettes, hand-numbered editions – each product is also an aesthetic statement.
A label for collectors, sound explorers, and lovers of the twilight.
Electric Tremor Dessau – EBM Label with Cult Status
Between 2002 and around 2010, Electric Tremor Dessau was the epicenter of the so-called Anhalt-EBM sound.
Bands like Stechschritt, Jäger 90, or A.D.A.C. 8286 combined hard body beats with punk attitude and a clear stance against the far right.
The label’s own Tremor Festival brought legendary acts like DAF to Dessau – with an explicit antifascist message (“Love Music Hate Fascism”).
Though no longer active since the 2010s, the label remains an important chapter in East Germany’s electronic subculture history.
subkortikal – Platform for Experimental Techno
subkortikal is an independent label from Dessau focused on experimental, raw industrial techno.
The platform connects producers from Dessau, Leipzig, and Halle who explore dark sounds, modular sound design, and noisy club aesthetics.
The label regularly releases new EPs, DJ mixes, and compilation snippets on SoundCloud. Those who want to join the family are invited to submit their own music – in the spirit of an open, creative scene.
Harzfein Records – Electro Label with History
Harzfein Records has been a pillar of the East German electro scene for nearly 30 years.
Founded in the 1990s amidst Dessau’s breakdance and hip-hop culture, the label stands for analog machine music with 808 sound, vocoder voices, and futuristic funk.
Artists like Magnetic Bass Force or DJ Magic Mayer release on Harzfein – raw, independent, danceable.
The label gained notoriety through the Pioniermanöver samplers and legendary events like the Boombox Meeting.
To this day, Harzfein continues to release lovingly crafted vinyl in small editions.
Save The Scene Records – Collective for Political Music
Save The Scene Records is an antifascist, grassroots-organized label from Dessau-RoĂźlau.
It offers a platform for artists who take a clear stance against racism, sexism, homophobia, fascism, and nationalism.
The label releases punk, hardcore, hip-hop – often with a political message and strong local roots.
Artists like BOYKOTTone, One Step Ahead, or Verrat bring their anger, hope, and visions to tape, vinyl, or stream.
The label lives the DIY spirit, organizes solidarity actions, and reaches an international audience through Bandcamp.
A clear statement for music as a form of resistance.
Website | Instagram | Bandcamp
Musical Impulses for Dessau 2025
In 2025, more is happening in Dessau than might appear at first glance. Alongside the Bauhaus anniversary and the Kurt Weill Festival, new formats are emerging and old places are being revitalized. Especially in a city that seemed stuck for so long, these developments can send powerful signals.
Dessauer Sommer Open Air
In the summer of 2025, the Paul-Greifzu-Stadium will transform into a vibrant festival venue for two days. On July 26, 2025, the Dessauer Sommer Open Air kicks off with a diverse mix of hip-hop and pop: headliner Culcha Candela and acts like Greeen, Soffie, and Disarstar are on the lineup. On August 2, 2025, rock takes over the stage – with energetic performances from Deine Cousine, Frittenbude, Lonely Spring, and The Toten Crackhuren im Kofferraum.
The festival is organized by the diggis KulturbĂĽro, which aims to establish Dessau as a location for cultural events while involving regional companies and stakeholders.
Gartenreich Summer 2025
From May 16 to August 31, 2025, the traditional Gartenreich Summer invites visitors to experience culture and nature in the UNESCO World Heritage Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz. During this period, numerous events such as lake concerts, promenade concerts, coffee concerts, and castle concerts take place – offering unique ways to experience the picturesque gardens and palaces.
Dessau City Festival
From July 4 to 6, 2025, downtown Dessau will transform into a lively festival mile. The city festival offers a diverse program with live music, culinary delights, rides, and stage shows for all age groups. It invites residents and visitors to celebrate together and experience the city’s diversity.
Revival of the Zeeck Department Store
A major project to revitalize Dessau’s city center is the renovation of the historic Zeeck department store on Zerbster Straße. Since March 2025, the building’s original 1920s facade has been uncovered after being hidden for decades behind a sheet metal curtain. In the future, the building is set to host cultural events, beginning with an exhibition by the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation during the anniversary year (source: sueddeutsche.de).
CityJam Dessau
CityJam Dessau is a music project that has been bringing together musicians and music enthusiasts since January 2023 to play in open jam sessions. The initiative began as a spontaneous action by students who rolled through the city with instruments and cargo bikes, making music in front of the Bauhaus Museum – joined by over 25 young people. This experience laid the foundation for CityJam, with the goal of networking musicians, building confidence, and sharing the joy of making music together.
The sessions take place regularly and are open to everyone – from beginners to experienced musicians. CityJam invites people of all ages and backgrounds to be part of the jams and create musical experiences together.
For current information and impressions from the sessions, check out the CityJam Dessau Instagram profile, where you’ll find photos and videos showcasing the musical diversity and community spirit.
NEWKID
As a digital music and culture project, NEWKID explores youth pop and internet culture – somewhere between club aesthetics, hyperpop, social media, and queer self-expression. Through playlists, mixes, texts, and interviews, it creates collages of sound, attitude, and zeitgeist. The focus is on visibility and empowerment of young, often marginalized perspectives. Founded in 2023 and active between Berlin, Leipzig, and Dessau, NEWKID stands for a post-digital sound culture with purpose. For music, mixes, and updates: @newkid.club on Instagram & SoundCloud.
Dessau-RoĂźlau Song
The Dessau-Roßlau Song by Sascha Nikolić captures what makes the city special: direct, quirky, and charmingly honest. A piano on wheels, self-ironic rhymes – and suddenly, Dessau sticks in your head. Not quite an earworm, but a feeling of the city.
Otherwise, Nikolić has been a permanent ensemble member at the Anhaltisches Theater as an opera singer since 2014. Previously, he lived in Berlin, where in 2013 he released songs like the “Kreuzberg Hymn” and “At the Chicken Grill by Görlitzer Park” on the album Melodie Maximal.
Once known for his lush production style in Berlin, he has since shifted to a more reduced approach – matching his move from metropolis to province. Instead of dense arrangements and urban excess, today it’s all about the essentials. More from him on Instagram: @harzarzt
All photos used in the article were taken directly in Dessau – more of them in the photo gallery.
