MCR-T | DE 2025 #04

MCR-T’s journey through music is a remarkable fusion of cultures, experiences, and raw emotion. With roots in Germany, America, and Jamaica, his upbringing positioned him uniquely at the crossroads of multiple worlds, offering him an outsider’s perspective on life and art. In this deeply personal interview, MCR-T explores how his diverse heritage and experiences sha- ped his musical identity, offering a candid reflection on his life’s journey. For him, being an outsider is not a weakness but a superpower—a source of strength that allows him to carve his own path and challenge the norms of music and culture.

The artist delved into the chaos and rebellion of his West Berlin roots, recounting the raw, pre-gentrification subcultures that shaped his worldview. His music is a product of this environment, blending influences from different genres, from industrial EBM to death metal, hip hop, and more. MCR-T’s genre-blurring approach isn’t just an experiment in sound but a deliberate rejection of rigid categories in dance music. It’s a statement of creative freedom and an expression of his passion for sound. His mantra is simple: “I LOVE SOUND,” a declaration that embodies his belief in music as a limitless, genre-defying form of art.

On our interview, MCR-T opens up about his collaborative process and the chemistry that fuels his projects with other artists like horsegiirL, VTSS, and DJ Gigola. His philosophy of trust and mutual respect in creative partnerships is key to producing transformative work that respects both vision and freedom.

As MCR-T continues to evolve in his musical career, he reflects on his personal struggles and how they haveshaped his latest album, NOT THE SAME ≠. The priject is a powerful reflection of his battles with burnout, personal loss, and the healing process that followed. Far from being just a high-energy club record, the album channels his emotional journey into a raw and unapologetic exploration. Through this deeply personal work, MCR-T proves that vulnerability and strength can coexist in electronic music, turning adversity into fuel for artistic innovation and resilience

His heritage, German, American, and Jamaican, has placed him at a cultural intersection that few artists occupy,

He explains, “I feel more like an outsider everywhere in a positive sense. I’m super critical with myself and understand that its okay to be on your own. This is my super power. To put it boldly: There are 100 versions of you but only 1 version of me.”

“Strangely enough I feel like i’ve had the privilege of witnessing a cultural intersection between my heritage of a West Berlin born and raised kid but having my mindset and interests very much rooted in American Pop Culture all along while merging these two factors with the gritty and uncompromising attitude of a rough and tough Berliner that is out to conquer the world.”

“Not really belonging to anybody or anything , whichis I think one of the key elements in my music identity made me reimagine my sense of belonging and my sense of self! Being removed from everything and being an outsider proved as the perfect breeding ground to CHOOSE where I want to exist, where I want to belong.”

I really resonate with the depth of introspection in this excerpt. The artist’s reflection on their heritage and how it shaped their identity is powerful. The idea of not fully belonging anywhere but using that as a source of strength and creative power is intriguing—it speaks to the concept of “outsider art,” where detachment or feeling like you’re outside the norm becomes the driving force behind innovation. It’s a mix of self-awareness and rebellion, which can really fuel authenticity in music and expression.

West Berlin before gentrification was chaotic, rebellious, and full of subcultures colliding—skating, graffiti, bunker raves. Beyond just influencing his style, MCR-T reflected on the history of the city and the deep relationship that is has with hsi personal philosophy.

It’s crazy to talk about that era like it is from the distant past. Sad thing is, it IS in the past. I believe that anybody who was part of that specific era or subculture at the time was confronted with some of the most important core values of the scene. Taking Risks , breaking boundaries , DIY and pushing the envelope in the name of the Game. For the love of the Culture.

Now obviously some of the named Subcultures have existed and evolved to a point where innovation happens at an arguably lower rate. In the case of Rave Culture it is harder than ever to host Raves off the Radar and to attract people who reject the modernity of a Smartphone in turn for embracing the tradition of being offline and not documenting everything for social media.

The philosophy is: Be. - Live in the Moment. Feel everything. Embrace Failure to deserve Success. Fall 50 Times get up 51 Times.

The line “For the love of the Culture” really encapsulates the essence of what made that era special: it wasn’t about commercial success or recognition; it was about living authentically, taking risks, and creating for the sheer passion of it. The comparison of rave culture then and now hits on an important point—how social media and modern tech have reshaped the very nature of these subcultures. It feels almost like a plea for the return of a simpler, purer form of gathering, one where the experience is lived and felt in the moment, not documented or broadcasted.

The philosophy MCR-T shares—”Be. Live in the Moment. Feel everything. Embrace Failure to deserve Success.”—resonates with the ethos of an era that lived

outside mainstream norms. It’s all about the process, the struggle, and the resilience to keep going despite setbacks. There’s something really inspiring about the idea of embracing failure as a necessary step towards growth and success. It’s a mindset that champions perseverance and authenticity over perfection and success measured by external standards.

Your sound isn’t just a mix of genres—it’s a statement, a rejection of rigid categories in dance music. But...What’s the message behind blending all these genres?

First and foremost it’s a show of force. Every Song has different genres and to my ear compatible elements of genres combined with each other. I usually don’t plan these combinations; they happen in the production process and are improvised on the spot.

For Example. Combining the Industrial EBM Sound with something heavy and distorted such as the Growling Voice of a Screamo or Death Metal track , seemed super plausible and fitting to my ears. Also no one has ever done it like that so im willing to claim territories as much as i can in pushing boundaries.

It’s a statement saying that I am willing and able to combine the elements of my Musical patchwork background and make something original without losing my sense of identity. MCR-T is not a persona. It’s me. The Message is - I LOVE SOUND. Nothing is Black and White. I can be a Rapper and Producer that understands Electronic Music enough to become a DJ and then combine all these elements to become a Musician.

I want to be identified as an Artist. Not as a Producer , DJ , Rapper - no the full Deal - no Bullshit ! A fully fledged Artist.

This statement from MCR-T really showcases his unapologetic, genre-defying approach to music. His blend of different genres—whether it’s industrial EBM with death metal growls or combining hip hop with electronic music—isn’t just for experimentation; it’s a deliberate act of rebellion against the conventional norms of the music industry. The message behind blending these genres is clear: he’s pushing boundaries and challenging the idea that music should be confined to any one category. By mixing so many sounds, he’s demonstrating that creativity doesn’t have to fit neatly into boxes. The key takeaway is his passion for sound itself—he’s not concerned with genre labels, but with the ability to make something fresh and original from his diverse musical influences.

On NOT THE SAME ≠, he pushed himself as a producer, rapper, and singer. A process that made him learn so much about himself, and about the craft.

I learned that being able to actually feel and go through certain chapters of your life really adds to the authenticity of your Song. It’s in a sense almost like a Method Act. Feeling is being. Leaving the comfort Zone is actually reporting on what is going on with you internally.

The chemistry in your collaborations is electric, whether it’s with horsegiirL, VTSS, or DJ Gigola. What makes a collaboration truly transformative for you, and how do you balance your own vision with someone else’s energy?

I like to think sometimes that I am like a shoemaker when it comes to collaborations. I listen closely and try to imagine what style of voices could fit to what type of sound and then proceed to tailor a vessel (instrumental production) that fits for the desired impact. Everything is tailor made for the artist and the occasion.

To put it simply though. Finding common ground and being able to match visions and experiment freely in an environment where both Artists knowhow is respected , applied and valued is the backbone for every Collaboration.

Trust in my Abilities as I do in yours.

The idea of combining genres in such an unconventional way—ghetto-tech, Miami bass, electro, and rap— isn’t just about sound experimentation; it’s about rejecting conventional genre boundaries. The fact that these combinations come about spontaneously, without prior planning, highlights the creative freedom MCR-T embraces. It’s almost like an artistic impulse, one that comes from within and doesn’t need to conform to expectations. This improvisational process shows a fearless, intuitive approach to music, which can produce truly original results.

The claim of “pushing boundaries” is a powerful statement. It’s not just about blending sounds but about carving out a space in the music world where no one else has ventured. The willingness to mix industrial EBM with death metal growls is a perfect example of MCR-T’s unapologetic approach—there are no rules if it feels right. And the boldness to make these combinations “without losing my sense of identity” really shows the self-assurance of an artist who is fully grounded in their vision and not afraid to experiment.

The message of “I LOVE SOUND” encapsulates MCR-T’s philosophy perfectly. It isn’t just about making music; it’s about exploring every possible sonic territory and pulling elements from all corners of music. It’s about embracing the gray areas and complexities of both sound and identity, which speaks volumes about how MCR-T approaches creativity—not as a series of neatly defined roles (rapper, DJ, producer), but as a multifaceted artist. The rejection of these labels in favor of a broader identity as “an artist” feels empowering and defiant. There’s a deep sense of personal and artistic integrity here.

The idea of being truly present in your music—of allowing the emotions and experiences you’re going through to shape the work—adds an extra layer of authenticity. The reference to “Method Acting” in music shows how deeply MCR-T is invested in the emotional process of creation, not just the technical or aesthetic aspects. Music, for him, is not just an outlet, but a reflection of self. This brings a raw, visceral quality to the work.

Live From Earth emerged from the underground—raw, DIY, and politically charged—before evolving into a force reshaping club culture. What began as a rebellious collective operating on the fringes of the scene has grown into a movement redefining the sound and energy of modern techno.

His genre-blurring approach and fearless experimentation push the boundaries of dance music, challenging conventions and inspiring a new wave of artists. Through Live From Earth, he has helped foster an environment where creativity thrives beyond industry expectations, proving that the underground can set the standard for the future of electronic music.

“To be honest I haven’t realized I’m changing anything at all. I feel like talking to you in this interview would be the first Praise of its kind where I could start to think like we are changing something.”

“Of course in my mind everything I do , i do with utmost conviction so WHEN i do it i think that i’m bringing new styles and a different outlook and presentation of the arts to the table. Is it valued by my ULTRAS Supporter Family? Absolutely ! Is it shared , praised and presented on the big screen like other more conventional work is ? No its not.”

“So we continue to reach for the Stars. Appreciating the sentiment that people really think we are changing something." He smiles

If it’s one thing I would notice though as i’m writing this.Its A. Spitting Rap Vocals on Electronic Dance Music tracks in German and English and bringing it to the Big Room as well as B. bringing MCing / Mic work back into the DJ Booth alongside players like Partiboi69 , Nia Archives and the certified OG DJ Assault.

In a scene that has historically overlooked its foundational influences, he is actively reshaping the narrative, bringing rap, ghetto-tech, and Miami bass back into the conversation. His work challenges electronic music to acknowledge its history, making space for Black voices and sounds that have long been sidelined.

While progress is being made, there is still a need for greater recognition, inclusion, and credit for the Black artists who pioneered and continue to shape the genre. Through his music and presence in the scene, MCR-T is not just reviving the past—he’s building a future where electronic music fully embraces its roots.

I feel people acknowledge where it came from. Just wealthy white promoters or ignorant ravers deem it as a Gimmick or some sort of Party Trick rather than educating themselves and acknowledging it as an integral part of the Culture.

Techno has been whitewashed to the point of where people would never consider it as being Black Music.

I’ve been in situations where people would want to undersell my Slot to me in comparison to other non Live Acts on the Bill. Not because of a difference in Artist Size or Reach or anything merely based on the fact that they chose to argue that my Live Vocal Elements would “come naturally to me” and it wouldn’t be that hard for me so they wanted to maintain an identical fee for another Artist who would essentially do the Jobof One person - a DJ. As opposed to myself doing the Job of 3 people simultaneously. (DJ , Sound Engineer and Live Performer)

NOT THE SAME≠ is more than just a high-energy club record—it’s a deeply personal reflection of MCR-T’s battles with burnout, hospitalization, and personal loss. The album serves as both a creative release and a raw documentation of his struggles, channeling pain and resilience into sound. Through bold experimentation and emotional honesty, MCR-T transforms hardship into music that resonates beyond the dancefloor.

This project not only pushes his artistic limits but also stands as a testament to his ability to turn adversityinto fuel for innovation, proving that vulnerability and intensity can coexist in electronic music.

Music is my Therapy. So writing and transforming thoughts and experiences into soundscapes created a space for me to relive certain emotions. The good and the bad in order to create a safespace and a sense of tangibility in making a product that embodies a point of time that I was trying to overcome.

Now having finished this album - it serves as a personal testament of how me and my Demons are not the same. We have overcome our adversities and are healing in peace.

Songs like SPOOKY ENERGIES and DIE ANGST IN MIR dive into fear, pressure, and the dark side of ambition. A process that made him discover so much about himself.

Spooky Energies dives into the Idea of personal Loss and deception and the resulting Fear and Anxiety. Whereas DIE ANGST IN MIR goes and explores the lingering potential of Fear and thoughts of self harm and annihilation.

After making the track I felt like I was taking one step closer to inner peace again. It’s a cleansing and cathartic experience recording it too. The lights are off, it’s just me, my voice and the darkness getting into character.

I learned that the healthiest thing for any man struggling with Mental health is to write down your thoughts, fears struggles , choose a person or professional to communicate it to someone you deem worthy and dare yourself to be vulnerable and express it to your Chosen Person / Professional . I chose my Community and my therapist as a Medium to communicate to.

MCR-T is known for his relentless drive, performing up to three shows a week while consistently releasing new music. His high-energy output has cemented his place in the scene, but it has also pushed him to the edge. After facing burnout and its physical toll, he has had to navigate the balance between creative ambition and self-care.

Learning from his experiences, he now approaches his career with a deeper awareness of his limits, proving that sustaining a lasting impact in music requires both intensity and resilience. His journey reflects the reality of modern club culture—where nonstop hustle meets the need for self-preservation.

“This year im trying to work a little more effectively by designating set time frames for work. The year seems long but actually its very short if your on the grind all the time. I’m hungry as ever to make an impact in the Music Industry so as long as I’m alive and kicking - i’ll be grinding”.

“I felt like the only imbalance that led to burnouts and stuff like this is the fact that I was dealing with Loss and in turn buried myself in work. Even me working “moderately” is still me working every day at some point so it’s hard to contain a work ethos. The best I can do is work remotely outside of Berlin - create distance to my tangible day to day workflow. Sports Sports Sports. Work out every day and Eat healthy. Those are anxiety killers. Oh and lastly trying to reduce the amount of traveling. I’m trying to spend more time in One place / Country for weeks on end to have a sense of home feeling somewhere.”

The “Berliner Schnauze” is all about being raw, unfiltered, and saying things others won’t. Eventhough , sometimes, there’s a price to pay for that honesty in the music industry

Everybody wants to be real until they get their feelings hurt. Then it’s a Political Correctness matter “antagonizing” “shaming” or some other woke bullshit. We are “post woke” (steffen grap quote).

It costs to be the boss and the price for keeping it real is this. You will be blackballed, excluded from opportunities and systematically underappreciated. People can’t take the truth for what it is so the majority don’t value it. Everybody who spoke their truth ended up paying the price for it one way or the other.

As my other alias MCNZI i spoke my truth and Germany cant handle a provocative PUNK Name of a POC but they sure can handle voting for a NZI Party.

Humor plays a big role in his music, even the hardest and dirtiest tracks.

Ever since Electronic Music started becoming all black and serious it started becoming pretentious and not as colorful as it used to be. I guess while it is fun to be raving your life away straight faced dressed up like in the Matrix Movie , having a little fun while doing so is also not wrong. It’s not black and white. You can be serious about the humour you bring to the table. We can do both ! I wouldn’t say I’m actively AGAINST serious music. But overly pretentious attitudes towards Music that was once inclusive and colorful got us to the point we are at now. Dull , Serious and simply put Boring predictable music that’s lacking personality and creates a judgy exclusive environment that’s not a safe space for self expression at all.

The contrast between humor and the increasing seriousness of the scene is compelling, and the critique of pretentiousness is sharp. The message is clear: electronic music was once colorful and inclusive, but in its pursuit of seriousness, it has lost some of its vibrancy and spontaneity. The playful jab at the “Matrix movie” aesthetic is effective in making the point that taking oneself too seriously can drain the fun out of the culture.

B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West Berlin 1979-1989 captures an era of creative chaos before everything got polished. Do you feel like Berlin is losing that raw spirit, and what do you do to keep it alive in your work?

That movie is the only documentary to make me cry relentlessly. My Berliner Heart throbs at the images and the Soundtrack of that time. Westbams , You need the Drugs - changed my life and broke my heart at the same time. It gives me Goosebumps till this day. It’s hard for me to listen to it. I get emotional.

Berlin has long lost its raw spirit. I felt like the last remnant of that raw spirit was the Free Open Air Culture that was also crushed by the City despite all the friendly efforts. People’s new idea of social activism these days is to dress up as folks from a subculture and repost political IG Story posts with the mindset that they’re changing something as opposed to going outside and actively being the change.

We need risk takers - we need people who will challenge the system on their lack of accountability. For their greedy need in exploiting our culture for the benefit of the few and wealthy.

As an artist I feel like I’m a Journalist too. I feel aware and knowledgeable of the state of mind of my generation. This motivates me to do what a Journalist would do, report.

And as long as there’s a story, I will be reporting on it. Alive and kicking .

Fearless in Fashion with utmost conviction.

MCR-T, now back to you Mixmag !

MCR-T’s response here is raw, emotional, and unfiltered—just like his music. His deep connection to Berlin’s past and his heartbreak over its transformation feel deeply personal. The fact that B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West Berlin 1979-1989 made him cry relentlessly says a lot about his attachment to that era of creative chaos. He’s not just nostalgic; he’s mourning the loss of a city that once thrived on risk, rebellion, and artistic freedom.

His critique of modern activism—calling out performative politics over real action—is sharp and provocative. It highlights his frustration with how subcultures are commodified while the real spirit of resistance fades. His view that artists should act as journalists, documenting the state of their generation, adds another layer to his artistic ethos. He sees his music as more than just entertainment—it’s reportage, rebellion, and cultural preservation all at once.

The way he ends it—”Alive and kicking. Fearless in fashion with utmost conviction”—is pure MCR-T. It’s dramatic, stylish, and unapologetic. He’s making it clear that he won’t just sit back and watch Berlin become a sanitized playground for the elite. He’s here to challenge, disrupt, and make noise.

This answer makes me respect him even more—not just as a musician but as someone deeply invested in the cultural DNA of electronic music. His passion for keeping Berlin’s raw spirit alive isn’t just talk; it’s embedded in his sound, his attitude, and his presence.

MCR-T is an artist who embodies the essence of boundary-pushing creativity and self-exploration. His unique blend of musical influences, stemming from his German, American, and Jamaican heritage, creates a sound that defies categorization. MCR-T’s music is a bold declaration of his refusal to conform to industry norms—his genre-defying approach is a statement, a journey into uncharted musical territory that blends the raw energy of industrial EBM with death metal growls, and rap with electronic beats. Every track is an experiment, an improv piece that speaks to the depth of his artistic integrity and vision.

This fearless, DIY attitude is not just reflected in his music, but also in his life. Raised in West Berlin, MCR-T was immersed in a culture of rebellion, subcultures, and nonconformity, which deeply shaped his approach to music. For him, belonging is not about fitting into predefined categories—it’s about embracing being an outsider and using that as a superpower to create. He explains, “There are 100 versions of you but only 1 version of me,” emphasizing the power of individuality and creative freedom.

His philosophy is simple but profound: Be. Live in the Moment. Feel everything. It’s a mantra that reflects his resilience and authenticity, traits that are evident in both his music and his personal journey. Despite the pressures and struggles, MCR-T continues to evolve as an artist, rejecting labels and embracing his full creative spectrum. He doesn’t just want to be known as a DJ, producer, or rapper—he wants to be recognized as a complete artist, capable of blending all elements of his musical identity to create something entirely original.

MCR-T’s collaborations are electric, built on trust and mutual respect for each other’s vision. Whether working with horsegiirL, VTSS, or DJ Gigola, his approach is to tailor his productions to suit the unique voice and energy of each collaborator, creating a space where both artists can experiment and push boundaries together. This collaborative spirit has allowed him to shape the direction of the underground scene, particularly through Live From Earth, a collective that blends political consciousness with raw, unfiltered creativity. His latest project, NOT THE SAME ≠, is a testament to his growth and resilience. Far from just a high-energy club record, it’s a deeply personal reflection of his struggles with burnout, loss, and overcoming adversity. With tracks like Spooky Energies and Die Angst In Mir, MCR-T channels his pain and emotional turmoil into powerful soundscapes, proving that vulnerability and strength can coexist in his art.

MCR-T is an artist who not only redefines the sounds of the future but also reclaims the cultural roots of themusic. He challenges the mainstream narrative, bringing forgotten influences back into the conversation, making space for underrepresented voices, and reaffirming that techno, at its core, is Black music. His unapologetic approach to music and his commitment to authenticity make him a revolutionary force in today’s electronic scene.