Paul Kalkbrenner (born 1977 in Leipzig) is a German electronic music producer and live act who reassembles his tracks from individual elements on stage, setting him apart from conventional DJs. He broke through internationally with the 2008 film *Berlin Calling* - for which he composed the soundtrack and played the lead role - and the platinum single "Sky and Sand", sung by his brother Fritz. Despite never chasing mainstream appeal, he topped European album charts with *Guten Tag* (2012), *7* (2015) and *Parts of Life* (2018).
Paul Kalkbrenner released his ninth studio album *The Essence* via Sony Music / B1 Recordings - his first full album since *Parts of Life* in 2018.
On the album, Kalkbrenner collaborated with Belgian artist Stromae on the single "QUE CE SOIT CLAIR", a reunion following his remix of Stromae's "Te Quiero" in 2009.
Besides Stromae, Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) also appears as a guest artist on *The Essence*.
Kalkbrenner celebrated the release of *The Essence* during Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 with a special live show at Loveland in Theater Amsterdam.
Kalkbrenner returns to Amsterdam for a live show at Loveland during Amsterdam Dance Event 2026.
