Berlin techno pioneer Ellen Allien returns with her latest album “New Life”, released via BPitch. Built around themes of personal autonomy, collective responsibility, and the possibility of imagining a different way of living, the album reflects Ellen’s ongoing exploration of freedom, connection, and transformation through sound.
Recorded across Berlin, Miami, and Ibiza, “New Life” captures moments of change, reflection, and renewal. Blending forward-thinking techno with elements of minimal, darkwave, and hypnotic atmospheres, the album creates an emotional journey between darkness and hope, inviting listeners to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Alongside this interview, KEYI Magazine unveils the music video for “Riot”, one of the standout tracks from the album. Continuing the themes of authenticity, self-expression, and freedom that run throughout “New Life”, the visual expands the world of the record through movement and imagery.
In this interview, Ellen Allien discusses the creative process behind “New Life”, the ideas that shaped the album, and the inspiration behind the “Riot” music video.
New Life feels like one of your most personal records. How did it come together?
It started almost two years ago in Berlin. I recorded the first ideas in my home studio using a very simple setup a mixer, a microphone and a keyboard. Then I left it behind because I went back on tour.
Months later I was in Ibiza and suddenly felt ready to finish it. I spent my days in a friend’s studio working on the album, and later I even recorded vocals in Miami. It wasn’t made in one place it travelled with me. Every city, every pause between tours became part of the process.
The album was almost called Be Your Own Leader. Why did you change it?
While I was making the record I kept thinking about leadership how much of our lives is shaped by systems, expectations and people telling us what to do.
For me, being your own leader isn’t about individualism. It’s about taking responsibility for your own decisions while still working together. I actually think we collaborate better when everyone feels empowered instead of controlled.
In the end I chose New Life because it carries hope. It opens the door to imagining another way of living instead of focusing on what’s wrong with the world.
That search for another way of living runs throughout the album.
Everything feels accelerated today. We’re expected to produce more, work more, always move faster. It leaves very little room to simply exist.
For me, creativity needs space. Nature, silence, conversations, cooking, swimming those moments are just as important as being in the studio. New Life is really about reconnecting with those simple things and remembering that they’re essential.
Nature also became the visual language of the project.
Yes. At first I thought about making a portrait or a fashion image, but it didn’t feel honest.
Then I found this photograph of myself standing naked in front of the sea in Mexico. There are no clothes, no styling, no performance just a human being in nature. That’s exactly what the album is about.
Since then I’ve started photographing landscapes wherever I travel. It has become part of the project because those places express emotions that words sometimes can’t.
You often describe New Life as an open project rather than a finished album.
Because it is.
I’m already creating new edits and alternative versions of some tracks. I don’t like the idea that an album has a fixed ending.
Music can keep evolving, just like people do. I wanted to give myself the freedom to keep expanding this world instead of closing it the day it’s released.
We’re premiering the video for Riot alongside this interview. How does it fit into the album?
Riot came from a moment in a queer club. During my set I couldn’t stop watching one person dancing. They weren’t trying to perform or fit into anyone’s expectations they were simply themselves.
I knew immediately I wanted them in the video. We didn’t choreograph anything. We just filmed them walking through the city.
For me, Riot is about authenticity. It’s about the courage to exist on your own terms. That spirit connects directly to New Life.For me, Riot is about authenticity. It’s about the courage to exist on your own terms. That spirit connects directly to New Life.
If there’s one idea you hope people take away from the album, what is it?
To trust themselves more.
To slow down.
To stay curious.
And to remember that a new life doesn’t begin somewhere else. it begins with the choices we make every day.
Follow Ellen Allien & BPitch
New Life on Bandcamp
Our Next Event: Phantom Bar on 30 July
Check more music related articles here.
