Hansa Studios is a renowned recording studio with a rich history, located in a historic building in the heart of the city. Established in the 1960s, it has played a significant role in shaping the music industry, known for its innovative production techniques and creative atmosphere.
Within these walls, Bowie pushed the boundaries of music composition and production. The innovative soundscapes and experimental recording techniques birthed albums like “Heroes”, “Low”, and two of Iggy Pop’s records produced by Bowie. Bowie’s collaborations with Eno at Hansa Studios marked a turning point in his career, propelling him into a new era of artistic exploration and reinvention.
We were the first big rock project recorded in Hansa. Before we took it over it was used almost exclusively for German pop music and classical music. One day Edu Meyer took us downstairs to a basement and showed us a closet full of valves (tubes, in the USA) manufactured during the war years. Each valve had a swastika stamped on them.
Although the theme of the album was very upbeat and we were always in a good mood, the atmosphere was dense due to the visual proximity of the Wall from the control room. We could see the Red Guards in their turrets all day long and they were watching us through huge binoculars! We asked Edu if that ever bothered him and he responded by shining an overhead light towards them while sticking his tongue out. David and I dived under the console and yelled, ‘Stop doing that!’ For a second we thought they would open fire. On another night David, alone, parked his car on a desolate street close to the Wall, stopping for a smoke. Someone tapped his window and asked him for a light. He swore it was a Red Guard soldier with the unmistakable red star on his hat. In horror he gave the soldier a light. Apparently there were secret tunnels that went under the river and this guy was just out for a stroll on the west side.
– Tony Visconti, A New Career In A New Town (1977–1982), 2017
Other artists who recorded albums at Hansa Studios in Berlin include:
- Depeche Mode: The British electronic music pioneers recorded their albums “Construction Time Again” (1983), “Some Great Reward” (1984) and “Black Celebration” (1986) at Hansa Studios.
- Iggy Pop: Iggy Pop recorded two iconic albums at Hansa Studios: “The Idiot” (1977) and “Lust for Life” (1977). David Bowie, a key collaborator, co-wrote, produced, and played on both, shaping their innovative sound.
- Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: The Australian alternative rock and post-punk band recorded “The Firstborn Is Dead” (1985) and parts of “Your Funeral… My Trial” (1986), and “Tender Prey” (1988) at Hansa Studios.
- R.E.M.: In 2011, the American rock band R.E.M. recorded their final album “Collapse into Now” at Hansa Studios.
- Siouxsie and the Banshees: This British post-punk band recorded their album “Tinderbox” (1986) at Hansa Studios, which helped establish their signature dark and atmospheric style.
- U2: The Irish rock band recorded their album “Achtung Baby” (1991) at Hansa Studios, resulting in hits like “One” and “Mysterious Ways.” The album’s opening track, “Zoo Station,” was inspired by the bustling atmosphere of the Berlin Zoologischer Garten train station.
- Tangerine Dream: The pioneering electronic music group from Germany frequently recorded at Hansa Studios as well.
External links
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- Hansa Studio Tour – public tours on selected dates, private tours upon request