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‘Snake Selection’ Slithers Its Way Through Chinatown: German DJ David Löhlein Creates Cultural Connection With NYC Techno Pop-Up Show

by Wandy Felicita Ortiz April 20, 2025
written by Wandy Felicita Ortiz

The crowd at Doyer Street Plaza in New York City’s Chinatown, where on April 19 German techno artist David Löhlein 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 neighborhood’s Doyers Street Plaza.

Pop-up shows in New York City have a rich history rooted in the city’s vibrant underground art and music scenes, especially in the borough’s 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 Löhlein.

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 Löhlein would leave in his wake.

What he provided was an exhibition of sound that showcased a surprising connection to the Chinatown community, despite Löhlein’s assumed lack of connection to the neighborhood.

“This year is the Year of the Snake in Chinese mythology,” he told The Knockturnal. “So I thought, ‘Okay, I always like to do things that are out of the box.’ 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. It’s out of the box.”

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 Löhlein 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 Löhlein’s 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 — and the NYC edition proved no exception. “Snake Selections are sacred to me,” said Löhlein. “They’re not just shows—they’re symbols of transformation, power, and connection. To bring this energy to New York, on Doyers Street, during the Year of the Snake — it’s magic.”

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 — somehow in that moment, they all had Löhlein in common, even if they had no idea who he was before they heard his music floating through the streets.

“Especially with pop-ups, it’s a great way to connect people,” he explained. “By just walking by, they wonder what is going on.” 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 Löhlein.

“I really enjoyed seeing the children dancing,” he added.

“There 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. It’s 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 Löhlein, the mere acknowledgement that his music may be impacting another person’s life path is humbling.

“I’m grateful to be in a position where I can influence people. I’m always super grateful, because again, inspiring people to follow their dreams, maybe inspiring five people to get a new passion for something, then it’s just beautiful,” he told The Knockturnal.

“Music 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.”

In terms of Löhlein’s next position, New York and a summer-like moment on a spring Saturday are just the beginning: he’s preparing to launch a number of projects as the year progresses. But for now, he’ll still be basking in that sun-drenched moment and letting it fill him with inspiration, much like a snake catching rays for warmth.

April 20, 2025 0 comments
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KoncertsMusicThe Latest

When It Comes To ‘Movement,’ Techno Legend Delano Smith Is Taking A Strategic Approach

by Wandy Felicita Ortiz June 5, 2024
written by Wandy Felicita Ortiz

With the Memorial Day weekend buzz settling down and music fans just settling into their summer show rotations, Detroit’s Movement music festival has just perfectly set the scene for 24 years of techno.

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June 5, 2024 0 comments
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MusicNews

New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

by Andrea Lorena October 20, 2023
written by Andrea Lorena

Our latest edition of our New Music Roundup has some spooktacular releases from newcomer Lost Prince, albums from Mersiv and Ternion Sound, a killer remix from Don Diablo, and more. 

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October 20, 2023 0 comments
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KoncertsLifestyleMusic

This Weekend: Nina Kraviz, Magdalena, Kevin de Vries and KAS:ST Launch Teksupport and ArtsDistrict Partnership

by Andrea Lorena January 19, 2023
written by Andrea Lorena

NYC-based promoters Teksupport recently announced an exclusive partnership with immersive Brooklyn-based venue, ArtsDistrict. The exciting new partnership will kick into effect tomorrow, Friday, January 20th, with a sold-out event with Nina Kraviz and Magdalena, followed by a co-headlining party with KAS:ST and Kevin de Vries on Saturday, January 21st.

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January 19, 2023 0 comments
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MusicNews

New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

by Andrea Lorena March 15, 2022
written by Andrea Lorena

Check out this week’s edition of our NMR for a slice of melodic techno from Lauren Mia, euphoric piano house from Kice, dystopian bass from Demur, and more.

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March 15, 2022 0 comments
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EntertainmentMusicThe Latest

New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

by Andrea Lorena February 4, 2022
written by Andrea Lorena

Our first NMR of 2022 is here! Our latest installment features tunes from The Librarian, juSt b, Tommy Trash, and more.

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February 4, 2022 0 comments
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MusicNews

New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

by Andrea Lorena December 23, 2021
written by Andrea Lorena

This week we have a special holiday edition of our NMR, featuring new tunes and music videos from Rebecca Black & Slayyyter, Emile Hirsch, Ravell, and many more.

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December 23, 2021 0 comments
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KoncertsMusic

On-site: Modeselekor throws a set to remember in Madrid

by Paula Espinoza November 15, 2021
written by Paula Espinoza

The iconic German duo Modeselektor headlined one of Madrid´s most famous techno parties CODE in the sought-after club Fabrik, giving spectators a night to remember.

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November 15, 2021 0 comments
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MusicNewsUncategorized

New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

by Andrea Lorena November 12, 2021
written by Andrea Lorena

We have a stacked NMR this week with picks from EdOne, Josh Pan, Bebi Monsuta, and more. 

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November 12, 2021 0 comments
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KoncertsMusicThe Latest

Tomorrow: Italian Duo Mind Against Return To Brooklyn For An Extended Set

by Andrea Lorena September 30, 2021
written by Andrea Lorena

The brothers will be making their debut at the new Williamsburg-based venue, Superior Ingredients. 

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September 30, 2021 0 comments
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