Zurich Music Week

Samy Jackson - Track Construction – From Idea to finished Tune

Mon, 4 August 2025, 14:00

Masterclass in German
This masterclass with Samy Jackson (Animal Trainer) is aimed at up-and-coming producers, musicians, and creatives who want to experience and understand the track design process in a hands-on way. Over the course of 90 minutes, Samy walks you through the full workflow of creating a track – from the first spark of inspiration to creative techniques and concrete production steps. The goal is to equip you with inspiration, methods, and practical tools to boost your own creativity and productivity.

Emanuel Satie - From Good to Great – Producing Timeless Electronic Tracks

Mon, 4 August 2025, 16:00

Masterclass in German
In this exclusive masterclass with Emanuel Satie – award-winning producer, internationally touring DJ, and multiple Beatport chart-topper – participants will experience the full process of modern track production first-hand. From the initial idea to a release-ready master, the session covers not only production techniques but also the mindsets, strategies, and core principles that turn a good track into a timeless one.

Techno Island Switzerland: How European Politics Shape Our Cultural Future

Mon, 4 August 2025, 18:00

Conference in German
What happens in Europe directly affects Switzerland — especially in the music and cultural sector. Whether it’s about Swiss artists being able to travel freely, local promoters booking international acts, or accessing equipment and services from abroad, European politics play a major role in shaping our cultural landscape.
In the conference Techno Island Switzerland, host Marielène Froidevaux — co-founder of Black Stellar Music GmbH and co-managing director of Operation Libero — explores these questions with guests from the worlds of culture and politics:
What are the Bilateral Agreements III? What’s on the political agenda leading up to the vote? And which political developments and specific elements of Bilaterals III directly impact the music industry — and how?
The goal of this session is to raise awareness, provide clear and accessible information, and reduce fear or misconceptions among the public. In the spirit of: Knowledge is power.

ZMW x Opening

Mon, 4 August 2025, 20:00

Let’s kick off Zurich Music Week 2025 in style!
Join us for the official opening – the perfect opportunity to connect with national and international nightlife professionals and fellow music lovers. Look forward to good vibes, inspiring people, and a shared toast to the nights ahead.

Hannes Bieger - The Perfect Kick Drum

Tue, 5 August 2025, 10:00

Masterclass in English
The kick drum is widely considered the most crucial element in electronic music, forming the sonic foundation of any house or techno track. A great kick can elevate a track to new heights, while a poorly mixed or weak one can cause the entire production to fall flat.
This masterclass takes a deep dive into the most fundamental component of any club track—literally. Topics include: sound selection, sample treatment, drum tuning, tools like rumble and sidechain, and how to control and contextualize your kick within the mix.

Dasstudach - Using Sample Loops and Track Timings in Electronic Music

Tue, 5 August 2025, 16:00

Masterclass in German
In this dynamic masterclass, Dasstudach – a leading figure and driving force of the Swiss hard techno scene – introduces you to key techniques in modern electronic music production: how to use sample loops and why track timings matter.
Sample loops are repeatable clips of audio or MIDI data used to build new compositions. This technique lets you create complex musical structures quickly and efficiently.
Track timings, on the other hand, are crucial in electronic music—they shape the pulse and pace of a track. You’ll dive into essential timing concepts and how they impact groove, explore techniques for tempo manipulation across genres, and learn how quantization and groove templates can create distinct rhythmic feels.

O/Y & Oilst - Improvisation & Jam in Electronic Music

Tue, 5 August 2025, 18:00

Masterclass in German
Every last Thursday of the month, Zurich’s Club Kauz hosts an open electronic music jam in front of a live audience. 4–6 musicians come together to improvise live using electronic and/or acoustic instruments, creating a collective, hypnotic sound collage.
This masterclass is designed to prepare you specifically for this unique form of collaborative music-making – not just in theory, but through hands-on experience with concrete tools, exercises, and reflection. It’s aimed at anyone looking to get ready for a live jam setting or deepen their improvisational practice.

Talk with Hannes Bieger – Between Machines, Melodies, and Humanity

Tue, 5 August 2025, 19:30

Conference in German
Hannes Bieger is one of the most renowned sound architects in the electronic music scene. As a producer, mixing engineer, and live performer, he has conquered international stages with his unmistakable sound.
As part of Zurich Music Week, Nici Faerber sits down with him to talk about his journey, formative influences, and his perspective on the evolution of the scene: Where is electronic music headed? What role does analog gear still play? And how can an artist stay authentic in a constantly shifting environment?
A conversation about machines and music, about inspiration and intuition — and about the human behind the machines.

From Beats to Reels: How Social Media Is Changing the Electronic Music Scene

Tue, 5 August 2025, 20:00

Conference in German
Algorithms and reels have become much more than just part of music promo. In this panel, Zurich-based DJ and producer Lou Combo talks with his guests about platforms like Instagram and TikTok — and how deeply they now influence the daily creative lives of DJs and producers.
What does visibility mean today? Is a strong social media presence a must to succeed internationally — or can it still work without it? How can artists stay authentic while platform algorithms keep shifting? And how much energy should you actually invest in posting?

Mara - Finding Your Voice: Artistic Identity & Career Building in Electronic Music

Wed, 6 August 2025, 15:00

Masterclass in English
In this empowering session, independent DJ, producer and singer Mara shares her journey through the electronic music scene—covering everything from defining your musical and visual identity to mastering social media without losing your authenticity. Learn practical tips for getting started as a DJ, building your unique vibe, and turning online presence into real-world impact. A must for emerging artists seeking to grow with integrity.

Andy’s Echo - Electronic Live Act Masterclass

Wed, 6 August 2025, 17:00

Masterclass in German
How do you bring electronic music to the stage using live instruments and vocals? In this masterclass, Andy’s Echo shares how he prepares and performs his live set. You’ll get an inside look at his approach as a live act, along with hands-on tips and inspiration you can apply to your own project.

The Impact of U.S. Politics on the Funding of Queer Culture, Events, and Artists

Wed, 6 August 2025, 18:00

Conference in German
The current political climate in the U.S. is having far-reaching effects — and its impact doesn’t stop at Europe’s borders. Queer culture and events like Zurich Pride are directly affected. It’s concerning to see how the sponsorship landscape for Pride events and queer festivals is shifting: established partners are pulling out, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives are being scaled back or entirely shut down.
At the same time, these political developments are fueling a rise in queerphobia — along with increased security costs for queer events.
Join us for a vital conversation about these urgent issues. Together, we’ll explore ways to protect and secure the funding and visibility of queer culture and events moving forward.
We look forward to your participation and a lively, empowering discussion!

Mathias Kaden - Vinyl DJing

Wed, 6 August 2025, 18:30

Masterclass in German
This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to classic vinyl DJing. It starts with an explanation of the setup and functionality of turntables and DJ mixers – including faders, knobs, and all essential controls. Participants will then get a quick overview of how to properly set up a turntable, along with an introduction to the feel and unique characteristics of vinyl records.
Next, we’ll practice with different speeds (33 / 45 RPM) and use the pitch control (±8%) for basic adjustments. The core focus of the workshop is beatmatching two vinyl records, which will be practiced together step by step.

Harder, Faster, Stronger, Slower? Is the Downbeat Coming After 150 BPM? In collaboration with Kaput mit Stil and the Bar & Club Commission Zurich

Wed, 6 August 2025, 19:30

Conference in German
Hard, fast, dark, and intense — that’s the current musical spirit on the dancefloor. Beats and basslines hit the dancers with full force, melodies are modulated beyond recognition, and the crowd’s energy is captured through immersive 360-degree setups.
But now… what’s next? It can’t really get any harder or faster — so is the downbeat making a comeback?
Time to look into the crystal ball with key players, creatives, and journalists from Zurich’s nightlife scene.

Juli Lee & KL!T - From Loop to Launch: Overcoming Creative Stagnation in Music Production

Thu, 7 August 2025, 14:30

Masterclass in German
Ever been there? You’re inspired, you’ve got a great idea, and you produce a killer 8-bar loop. Then suddenly – nothing. The flow disappears, you’re going in circles, and everything starts sounding unfinished and off. That’s exactly the moment this masterclass is all about. Zurich-based producers Juli Lee and KL!T will show you how to identify production blocks – and overcome them using both technical and creative approaches.

Helvetiarockt - Advancing gender equity in music – A discussion between two organizations

Thu, 7 August 2025, 18:00

Conference in German
The music scene should be for everyone, yet gender minorities still face barriers to opportunity, influence and visibility. What can be done to make the industry more inclusive and safer for FINTA people – women as well as those who identify as female, intersex, non-binary, transgender, agender?
Two organizations will share their journeys, from workshops to directories to advocacy, and how their work is helping to reshape their respective music scenes: Helvetiarockt in Switzerland and XXX.
This panel is more than a talk, it’s a call to action.

Rosanna - “Not Tonight”: Exclusivity vs. Inclusion at the Club Door

Thu, 7 August 2025, 20:00

Conference in German
Have you ever waited in line for hours outside a club — only to be turned away at the door? A new study from Berlin examines why that might happen and concludes: it’s unclear. Door policies are often anything but consistent, varying wildly from club to club, night to night, and bouncer to bouncer.
Yet, some groups of people are consistently less likely to be let in — and that’s exactly where the problem with door policies in 2025 begins. On one hand, inclusion is part of the ethos of electronic music culture; we like to present ourselves as diverse and open. On the other hand, the very word “club” implies exclusion — if you’re not a member, you’re not getting in.
Host Rosanna Grüter discusses the dynamics of belonging and exclusion, wrong decisions and safe spaces, superficial judgments and the future of club door culture with guests from the nightlife scene and academia.

Anja Schneider - Starting Your Own Label: Fundamentals & Insights

Fri, 8 August 2025, 14:00

Masterclass in German
As part of Zürich Music Week, Mobilee founder, DJ, and producer Anja Schneider hosts a masterclass focused on the ins and outs of running a record label.
This session is ideal for artists looking to self-release their music, music lovers interested in starting a label, and anyone in the industry wanting to understand how label work truly functions.
Topics include legal basics, structure and role distribution, finances and sustainability, distribution and promotion, as well as branding and building a community. Anja Schneider also shares personal stories and lessons from founding and running Mobilee — including what she would do differently today.

Club Culture 2025: From Business to Collective to Cooperative?

Fri, 8 August 2025, 14:00

Conference in German
European club culture is facing one of its greatest challenges to date: operating costs are rising while revenues are falling. Club owners are dealing with higher expenses for rent, insurance, and general living costs — and the same applies to their audiences. On top of that, there’s the question of how the consumption habits of younger generations have shifted during and after the pandemic.
It’s high time to reflect on the future of club culture. Together with representatives from nightlife associations and scene-makers from across Europe, we’ll discuss: Where will club culture happen in 2035? And how will it be financially sustainable?

Nici Faerber & Pazkal - Master the Mix: Harmony and Precision with Mixed in Key and Cue Points

Fri, 8 August 2025, 15:00

Masterclass in German
In this masterclass, you’ll learn how to build harmonically mixed sets using Mixed in Key and take your DJ game to the next level with smart cue points. From track analysis to flawless transitions – Pazkal & Nici Faerber show you how to blend music theory with hands-on DJ skills for more control, creativity, and flow behind the decks.

Nordstern - The Evolution of Nightlife – 25 Years of Nordstern Basel

Fri, 8 August 2025, 17:30

Conference in German
For 25 years, Nordstern has been a defining force in shaping Switzerland’s electronic nightlife. On this panel, two of the club’s key figures — Julian Homann and Dan Keller — share insights from behind the scenes. Joining them are Chris Liebing, long-time friend of the club and world-renowned DJ/producer, and Thyora, an emerging voice of the new generation. Aileen Lakatos, passionate moderator, clubgoer, and cultural enthusiast, brings the audience’s perspective into the discussion.
Together, they explore how day and nightlife intersect, how clubs respond to trends and shifts, and how electronic music and nightlife culture have evolved — and continue to do so.
The evening will close with an open space for deeper conversations, connection, and fresh ideas.

San Marco - DJ Storytelling: The Dramaturgy of a Night

Fri, 8 August 2025, 19:00

Masterclass in German
From the first beat to the final track, every night tells its own unique story – shaped and underscored by the sound that fills the room. Whether taking center stage or playing from the shadows, DJs set the tone and control the energy on the dancefloor through their selection.
Just like any good story, a DJ set follows certain principles and key moments. In this masterclass, DJ and co-owner of Friedas Büxe, San Marco, breaks down these storytelling tools, defines their structure, and explores how to use them to craft unforgettable musical journeys.

Beatport - Releasing music in the modern era: Tools, Timing and Tactics

Fri, 8 August 2025, 19:30

Conference in English
In today’s electronic music scene, producing great tracks is not enough – what matters is how strategically artists act, position themselves, and engage their audience. This panel highlights key elements of a sustainable career: from branding and smart budgeting to release strategies, algorithm dynamics, and distribution choices (DIY vs. specialized), as well as promo tactics like DJ promo, DSP pitching, and link-in-bio optimization.
Community-building is equally important – tools like Discord, Patreon, newsletters, and remix contests help connect with fans and generate valuable insights. The panel also explores effective networking with promoters, clubs, distributors, and radio stations, along with income sources like streaming, live gigs, downloads, and passive revenue.
Whether you’re a newcomer or an established artist – this talk offers practical strategies for growing your reach, visibility, and long-term success in the music industry.

Zurich Music Week
Hohlstrasse 190
8004 Zürich

Email: hc.wmz@ofni