Last updated: 7 hours ago
In the DDR in the early 1970’s Martin Zeichnete worked as a sound editor for DEFA, the state-owned film studio. Like many young East Germans of the time he would listen furtively to West German music and became infatuated with the Kosmische Musik epitomised by the likes of Kraftwerk, Neu! and Cluster emerging from his neighbouring country. Martin, a keen runner, hit upon the idea of using the repetitive, motorik beats of this new music as a training aid for athletes. He thought it could benefit the mind as well as the body with the pulsing, hypnotic music bringing focus.
After sharing his concept with colleagues Martin was taken from his studio to East Berlin and was surprised to find himself put to work by the NOK immediately. Installed in a cold Berlin studio with the few electronic instruments the state could supply he began one of the strangest journeys in music. Known to the government as State Plan 14.84L, Martin and his fellow musicians informally called it ‘Projekt Kosmischer Läufer’ (Cosmic Runner).
For the next 11 years Martin would be spirited to Berlin to work on tracks with little notice. He created hours of music fusing traditional rock instruments with synthesizers, early drum computers, tape slicing and looping techniques he and his engineer formulated themselves. His output included tracks for running at various paces, warm up pieces, ‘ambient’ music to play in gyms during training and pieces for artistic gymnastic routines.
After sharing his concept with colleagues Martin was taken from his studio to East Berlin and was surprised to find himself put to work by the NOK immediately. Installed in a cold Berlin studio with the few electronic instruments the state could supply he began one of the strangest journeys in music. Known to the government as State Plan 14.84L, Martin and his fellow musicians informally called it ‘Projekt Kosmischer Läufer’ (Cosmic Runner).
For the next 11 years Martin would be spirited to Berlin to work on tracks with little notice. He created hours of music fusing traditional rock instruments with synthesizers, early drum computers, tape slicing and looping techniques he and his engineer formulated themselves. His output included tracks for running at various paces, warm up pieces, ‘ambient’ music to play in gyms during training and pieces for artistic gymnastic routines.
Monthly Listeners
6,177
Monthly Listeners History
Track the evolution of monthly listeners over the last 28 days.
Followers
14,821
Followers History
Track the evolution of followers over the last 28 days.
Top Cities
190 listeners
125 listeners
96 listeners
74 listeners
67 listeners
Related Artists
Listening Center
