Originally from Odesa, in what ways does your Ukrainian heritage influence your creative process and the selection of music?

The most significant thing that still hiddenly influences my creativity is the environment where I was growing up as a kid, on the seashore of the Black Sea. All those seascapes, merging into endless weedy steppes, instilled some kind of longing and melancholia that inspires me and often reflects in my selection of music.

From the melancholic echoes of the Black Sea shaping his artistry to the hurdles of finding a place in Polish society, Gravity’s 

 offers a profound take on the cultural and economic divides within electronic music. In the next episode of 

, he reflects on life in Poland, the unique evolution of Eastern rave culture, the pervasive dominance of the West, and the steps needed to nurture greater diversity and equality in the industry.

Beyond the Booth with bijū: The Struggle for Unity

What does the concept of a club mean to you?

A club is characterised by its relationship with the community and the possibility for its people to feel safe and connected to the place over time. My favourite club is a place where people know what they come for, while having enough space to discover and get surprised. Honesty might be the most important pillar to facilitate all this.

What defines a good club in your perspective, and how should you feel inside it?

For me a good club doesn’t need much in terms of materialistic things. A good sound system is key, and a smoke machine to get lost on the dancefloor. I am not someone who gets very excited about big lights/lasers or visuals. Enough space to dwell, to chill and I am personally a big fan of compact dancefloors. No need for big warehouses.

One of Garage Noord's core employees and DJ known as cccore discusses his vision of a good club and more for our Beyond the Booth interview series.

Beyond the Booth with cccore: A Space Out of Time

What memories come to mind when you think about your early days in the Berlin music scene?

When I first moved to Berlin it was all very exciting to me. I was discovering what seemed like a neverending offer of music and parties to go to, as well as weekend-long club nights, and daytime club parties. I think I must have visited most of the Berlin clubs in my first 3 months. I also remember going to some of the very first Boiler Rooms in Berlin and asking to work at the door as a way to attend the events, which I did for quite a while and was a fun way to get more into the scene.

In our latest Beyond the Booth interview the French-born, Berlin-based DJ and Refuge Worldwide resident 

, shares her journey through Berlin’s music scene and the political roots of club culture. From early days working the door at Boiler Rooms to residencies at Therapy Dog and Refuge, in her sets, she creates deep, emotive journeys that blend melancholy with hope, joy, and resilience, all while rooted in a deep sense of community and connection.

Beyond the Booth with ophélie: The Activism Embedded in Club Culture

 took things slow for another episode of our podcast and delivered a mix full of trippy twists and spacey tunes. It’s Monday, so why don’t we keep it slow too: let’s kick back, put on the mix and enjoy what Franklin has to offer.

Where do you get inspiration for your mixes and what makes a mix special in your opinion?

Inspiration comes from the tunes. Certain special tracks that might not work on the dance floor but will give a mix that edge. I'm usually interested in creating mixes that drive on the borders of dancefloor compatibility.

As a producer, DJ, live performer and promoter you have been an active member of Berlin’s electronic music scene for many years. You grew up near Frankfurt. How did you find your way to electronic music and were there other musical influences that shaped you?

   In my younger days I had to rely on recommendations from friends or certain radio shows I was taping. My friends gave me some mixtapes on which I didn't have a clue what was going on, but they sounded very interesting. From early Gabba to Trance tapes. I always loved instrumental music like Art Of Noise or some of those over the top epic instrumental Mike Oldfield LPs. But I wasn't fixed to styles. More like certain LPs from certain Artists.

Amongst the big influences were also computer game soundtracks, the demo scene from the Amiga 500 area or extended remixes from commercial dance tunes, which gave them a much less commercial vibe. I listened a lot to the HR3 Clubnight while drawing pictures for hours in my room. The next step were the first club visits and also some early DJing with two tape decks and tracks I've recorded from CDs.

The pandemic was and is an intense time for everybody. Especially artists had to suffer a lot. How did you make it through this time?

You are the founder of 'Mother's Finest Berlin' – a label and event series with a diverse and high quality line-ups. Just recently you’ve celebrated the 8th anniversary of your imprint at the Renate club. Eight years is a long time. Can you tell us how it is going and what drives you?

Club environment is a special place for me so I'm always drawn back to it. I’ve missed it a lot during the pandemic, since almost all social interactions were gone. In the future we'll release more EPs. Also, MF will be back regularly at Oxi Club, plus there will be more events internationally.

As for everyone in the Gravity Network, music is a huge passion. What else do you like to do in your free time?

I'm a movie nerd and during the pandemic I came back to working with visuals. Started experimenting with generative art and having fun zooming out with it.