Announcing The Winners Of BMR: Berlin 2018…
Since the program launched in 2015, Border Movement Residency has worked with over 10 artists creating residency experiences that are customised around the individual needs of artists. The aim of the program has always been to create meaningful and relevant creative exchanges between musicians in South Asia and Germany.
Producers from South Asia who have participated in 2 month Berlin based residencies include: KʌLʌ, Dinelka, Ghazaleh E, Sandunes, Alien Panda Jury,and FILM,while Berlin based artists we have worked with in South Asia as part of BMR include: Anika, Nene Hatun, Andreas Spechtel, Dan Boden and She’s Drunk.
We were overwhelmed with the number of applications received from around the region which were truly inspiring and of incredibly high quality. The jury diligently went through each one before selecting the winning participants based on the strength of their application form and the potential with their sound.
This year we are ecstatic to announce that the 3 artists who have been selected for the 2018 edition of Border Movement Residency are: phatcowlee (Nepal), Stupid Happiness Theory (Pakistan) and Nigel Perera (Sri Lanka). Each artist will spend two months this year in Berlin under the watchful eye of local mentors who will guide them through the cities music scene, supporting them both personally and professionally.
Here’s what the successful applicants had to say…
“I am overwhelmingly excited to have been selected as one of the artists for BMR this year. Club culture is still in its infancy where I come from, so I never grew up with one. I’m so ready to explore the new soundscape of Berlin, the thriving culture everyone talks about and looking forward to making new friendships and lots of laughter. Also, Ableton Live 10. Haha.” Rajan Shrestha / phatcowlee
“I always liked chasing opportunities that allowed my curiosity to remain an overbearing force in my life. It consistently helps in nurturing the child in me. Applying to BMR was a step in exactly that direction and words don’t do justice to the feeling of being awarded the privilege to participate in such a unique, tailor-made art experience. I plan on taking my time in Berlin to learn, unlearn and relearn. To observe, transcribe and ideate. And therefore write, record and release – all in an attempt to uncover more of this stupid ‘happiness theory’ we all like to chase.” Natasha Humera Ejaz / Stupid Happiness Theory
“I’m super excited about coming to Berlin and my family and friends are really proud of me, a bit nervous though, having not travelled before but most of all I can’t wait to come make and listen to the music there.” Nigel Perera
BMR is a project realised by Border Movement, Goethe-Institut, Abelton, Musicboard Berlin and Wild City.
Image credits: Shahrukh Khurshid (Natasha Humera Ejaz) and Shehan Obeysekara (Nigel Perera)
