The crowd at Doyer Street Plaza in New York City’s Chinatown, where on April 19 German techno artist David LΓΆhlein played a free pop-up show. (Photos: Wandy Felicita Ortz
While April can offer its temperamental weather to native New Yorkers and visitors alike, the sun shone in a way that beckoned a summer pop-up show on April 19. One such performance in the heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown is what fans, locals, and curious onlookers encountered that Saturday evening as they traversed the neighborhoodβs Doyers Street Plaza.
Pop-up shows in New York City have a rich history rooted in the cityβs vibrant underground art and music scenes, especially in the boroughβs neighboring Lower East Side, where guerrilla-style performances in public spaces and abandoned buildings in the 1970s and ’80s became a countercultural staple of up-and-coming music.
Over time, they evolved into something all their own, blending spontaneity with creativity and often serving as launchpads for emerging artists and experimental concepts. But on that day, there were no 1970s throwbacks to be heard throughout the block. Instead, music heads tuned into a new techno sound from a fresh DJ name: David LΓΆhlein.
The German artist offered a free pop-up show that evening, serving as a prelude to a DJ set at Bushwick, Brooklyn nightclub h0l0 later that night. The Knockturnal was in the crowd, elbow to elbow with fans and those who would follow up with music sets of their own in the plaza later that night, hoping to reflect perhaps a glimmer of what LΓΆhlein would leave in his wake.
What he provided was an exhibition of sound that showcased a surprising connection to the Chinatown community, despite LΓΆhleinβs assumed lack of connection to the neighborhood.
βThis year is the Year of the Snake in Chinese mythology,β he told The Knockturnal. βSo I thought, βOkay, I always like to do things that are out of the box.β If you can do something differently, you can break boundaries also. So I would think Chinatown is a good place for playing with the idea of the snake. Itβs out of the box.β
The Snake is also a symbol of strength, power, and transformation. Snakes shed their skin as they grow, symbolizing renewal and transformation. This represents the idea of letting go of the past and embracing change, which is often seen as a key trait for those born under the Snake sign. It signifies personal growth and the ability to adapt.
That anecdote in regards to Chinese history and tradition struck a chord with LΓΆhlein long ago: he holds an affinity for the snake as an animal and identifies himself with the reptile as well.
It motivated him to release Snake Selection, the series which he presented in partnership with NYC-based music collective AGAPE on April 19. Outside of the New York City music circuit, Snake Selections are known as LΓΆhleinβs signature conceptual performances: each one is filmed, curated around a unique theme, and staged in visually or culturally significant locations.
What results is an immersive, viral-ready blend of music, symbolism, and environment β and the NYC edition proved no exception. βSnake Selections are sacred to me,β said LΓΆhlein. βTheyβre not just showsβthey’re symbols of transformation, power, and connection. To bring this energy to New York, on Doyers Street, during the Year of the Snake β itβs magic.β
The magic itself was apparent in the music: although Chinatown is a bastion of Asian culture in New York, on that day it was a symbol of synergy across all people. There are people who live there, who work there, and own their businesses there β somehow in that moment, they all had LΓΆhlein in common, even if they had no idea who he was before they heard his music floating through the streets.
βEspecially with pop-ups, itβs a great way to connect people,β he explained. βBy just walking by, they wonder what is going on.β Young and old, fans and fresh ears, people stopped to listen and even dance.
Phones and cameras in hand, those in the plaza were elbow to elbow as the sun set on David LΓΆhlein.
βI really enjoyed seeing the children dancing,β he added.
βThere were people from all over the world dancing because enjoying music is just something that, through those pop-ups, you can see that no matter where you come from, no matter what age, you do enjoy the same things as a human being. Itβs a beautiful way of bringing people together instead of dividing them.”
When asked by The Knockturnal about their perception of the show, the crowd offered a mix of perspectives: some were there just for the Snake Selections, others so inspired by him that they identified as artists themselves. For LΓΆhlein, the mere acknowledgement that his music may be impacting another personβs life path is humbling.
βIβm grateful to be in a position where I can influence people. Iβm always super grateful, because again, inspiring people to follow their dreams, maybe inspiring five people to get a new passion for something, then itβs just beautiful,β he told The Knockturnal.
βMusic and artistry and passion for any kind of thing is one of the most beautiful things you can have… To me, if I made a decision, a small decision, maybe a chance meeting, but little situations led me to this point right now, I think it can also lead them to be in a happy position.β
In terms of LΓΆhleinβs next position, New York and a summer-like moment on a spring Saturday are just the beginning: heβs preparing to launch a number of projects as the year progresses. But for now, heβll still be basking in that sun-drenched moment and letting it fill him with inspiration, much like a snake catching rays for warmth.
