Instant Noise Productions.
Berlin Banter
Berlin Banter is a music project from Berlin, Germany, founded by Chris Kobusch in 2020. Chris collaborates with different vocalists, musicians and street artists to put out fresh and unconventional Electronica releases.
The first undertaking was the All Too Familiar EP (released digitally in Nov 2021 and on vinyl in Nov 2022) which is a collection of reimagined songs from the 1980s. For this release Chris worked with vocalist Cassis B Staudt who is a film music professional and who had worked with Jim Jarmusch in NYC before. Cassis' intimate vocals are the perfect match for the sensual mood of All Too Familiar.
In 2023 Chris released the single "I'll Wait" which is a collaboration with electronic music icon Tricky! The track is bending genres as it contains elements of Trip Hop, Post Punk and Industrial music. It collected >100k streams on Spotify in the first year.
In 2024 the singles 'Crystalline' and 'Clockwork Orange' have been releases. Both tracks feature the very talented Simonne Jones (Sneaker Pimps) and are produced by Mark Saunders who is known for his work with artists like The Cure, Erasure, Tricky, Depeche Mode, a-ha and many others.
AnEP called 'Indistinct Chatter' is in preparation, scheduled for release in early 2025.
Releases
CLOCKWORK ORANGE (Single)
Simonne Jones’ evocative voice pairs seamlessly with the track’s moody, electronic undertones, providing a perfect contrast to the punchy instrumentation.
The production, again helmed by Mark Saunders, is nothing short of masterful. Every synth line, drum beat, and guitar riff serves the song’s narrative, creating an atmosphere that feels both vintage and future-forward. (...)
Berlin Banter has clearly crafted something special here—a track that is not only a testament to their musical vision but also a nod to the legendary influences that shaped the genre. If this is any indication of what’s to come on their EP, Berlin Banter is sure to dominate the scene in 2024.
- Kindline Magazine (Nov 2024)
Berlin Banter feat Simonne Jones - CLOCKWORK ORANGE (Single)
Released Nov 01, 2024
CRYSTALLINE (Single)
Produced by Mark Saunders, known for his work with artists like The Cure, Tricky, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Neneh Cherry, and a-ha, Berlin Banter returns with the second single 'Crystalline' from the upcoming EP 'Indistinct Chatter'! After TRICKY was featured on the first single 'I'll Wait,' this time the Berlin-based American Simonne Jones, who is also part of Sneaker Pimps, sings on this track. The song 'Crystalline' captivates with its catchy melodies and compelling vocals, quickly enchanting listeners – the perfect alternative pop song!
≫ It was a lot of fun working on this - this is the best song I've been working on in years! ≪ [Mark Saunders]
Berlin Banter feat Simonne Jones - CRYSTALLINE (Single)
Released May 31, 2024
I'LL WAIT (Single)
Berlin Banter feat Tricky - I'LL WAIT
(Single)
Released April 14, 2023
Berlin Banter and electronic music icon Tricky have teamed up to release the new single I’ll Wait across all major music platforms on April 14, 2023. The powerful yet intimate track which is mixed by Gareth Jones, who is known for his work with Depeche Mode among other artists, bends genres by merging together elements of Electronica, Synthpop as well as Industrial. I’ll Wait is the first single of Berlin Banter’s second EP, following the debut All Too Familiar EP.
≫ I had composed the music for I’ll Wait already back in 1996, but I never released it, partly because this track was more experimental than everything else I was putting out. Now last summer I remixed the track and to me it sounded like a great fit for Tricky’s vocals. As I knew Tricky lives in Berlin, I decided to reach out and see if he would be up for a collaboration - and he was. ≪ [Chris, Berlin Banter]
All Too Familiar (EP)
All Too Familiar (EP)
Released Nov 26, 2021
All Too Familiar EP takes you on a journey to a different time and space - five carefully selected songs from the 1980s are being reinterpreted and taken to a completely different genre. Eclectic Electronica - timeless, priceless!
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Why Can't I Be You?
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Dangerous
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Winter Kills
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Left to My Own Devices
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Twist in My Sobriety
Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Google Play etc.
Also available on vinyl. Order here.
All Too Familiar (EP) - VINYL RECORD
Limited Edition on Clear Vinyl (300 copies)
Released Nov 04, 2022
Why Can't I Be You? (Single)
Why Can't I Be You? (The Cure cover) (Single)
Released June 26, 2021
The second single 'Why Can't Be You?' is a remake of a classic The Cure single from 1987. What used to be a fast-paced dance song is now a moody Trip Hop track which seems to be inverting the meaning of the lyrics, leaving you with a gloomy aftertaste. Little imperfections in the arrangement seem to reflect the singers dispair: Why can't I be perfect?
Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Google Play etc.
Dangerous (Single)
Dangerous (Depeche Mode cover) (Single)
Released March 19, 2021
Dangerous (Music Video)
Released March 29, 2021
With the debut single 'Dangerous' Berlin Banter take a classic Depeche Mode b-side to a very different space and time turning it into an intriguing cinematic track. Pianos, strings and analog synths melt with intimate vocals and distant street noise. This track will excite Depeche Mode followers as well as fans of sophisticated Electronica & Trip Hop! Don't miss this release!
Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Google Play etc.