Schneeweiss Presented by Oliver Koletzki: a collaboration of neighbours.

Over the years, Oliver Koletzki has continuously cited Berlin as a point of reference and, more importantly, a source of inspiration. Two of his albums – Großstadtmärchen and Großstadtmärchen 2 – have been a direct ode to the capital. Friedrichshain, one of Berlin’s vibrant districts, has always held a special place in Oliver’s heat. This is where he started out when he first moved to the city, and this is where he lives now. Moreover, the Stil vor Talent HQ is situated in the centre of the bustling Kiez.

So is Schneeweiss, one of Friedrichhain’s best and most loved restaurants. Over the course of eight years, the stylish eatery has impressed many a Berlin foodie with its contemporary take on alpine cuisine and attention to detail. Music is part of the experience here, which is no surprise due to one of the owners’ extensive background in Berlin’s club scene of the early days. Pairing striking award-winning interior design with a homely laid-back atmosphere, Schneeweiss welcomes everyone with open arms: Kiez locals and celebrities, students and businessmen, hipsters and families – all can be found here, Oliver Koletzki among them.

Thus, after many a late-night label dinner an idea slowly formed. Why not join forces and collaborate on a compilation that represents both, Oliver Koletzki’s and Schneeweiss’ taste? Compiled specifically with the restaurant in mind, SVT108 convinces as a tasty treat for the music connoisseur and a musical treat for the culinary aficionado.

Isolée’s stunning ‘Allowance’ opens the compilation on a bittersweet note, as melancholic autotune harmonies and a melodious loop glide over a cosy bass bed. Next, Serge Erège’s soulful voice, set against a backdrop of sunny synth stabs provided by Niko Schwind and Dunwich, leads into ‘From the Inside’ by Chasing Kurt. Here, a decisive bass-line supports the track’s incredibly emotive, velveteen vocals, making for an early highlight. The piano keys on Oliver Koletzki’s remix of ‘Once Again’ push things forward into ‘Love Lines’ by Artenvielfalt, the perfect summer track.

After the compilation peaks in Jonas Mantey’s beautifully epic ‘Sie ist Schön’, Oliver Koletzki’s ‘Bring Me Home’ enchants with guitar licks and a swaying groove. Danish duo Ost & Kjex provides feel-good vibes on their poppy ‘Indie’ to highly addictive results. Next, Andhim reinterpret HVOB’s ‘Always like this’, focussing on metallic percussion and a whole lot of melody, while former Bar 25 resident Dirty Doering makes you dream aided by Spanish guitars. Lastly, Stimming’s wonky ‘Window Shopping’ seamless flows into Oliver Koletzki & Fran’s jazzy classic ‘I Might’.

No doubt, this is just the beginning of a long-lastig collaboration: Bon Appétit.

Catalogue number: SVT108