German techno pioneer Paul Kalkbrenner has unveiled Dreaming On, the third single from his highly anticipated new album The Essence, due out this fall via B1 / Sony Music.
The track pays homage to Depeche Mode’s 2001 classic “Dream On”, weaving its melancholic mood into Kalkbrenner’s signature minimalist warmth. Instead of delivering a straightforward cover, Kalkbrenner reimagines the source material as a hypnotic, techno-driven landscape. A steady groove anchors floating hooks and evolving textures, creating a respectful continuation of the original while remaining unmistakably his own.
“It’s about the essential. This is an album I can truly stand behind. I consider it my best,” Kalkbrenner says. “Sure, there may be more well-known hits on my other albums, but there were always two or three filler tracks. This one doesn’t have a single filler. Not even a filler moment.”
The Essence: Kalkbrenner’s Most Ambitious Project Yet
The Essence is Kalkbrenner’s first album in seven years, built over several years in a Berlin apartment styled with vintage flair and modern design. Each track was shaped to feel both organic and forward-thinking, aiming to strip away excess and focus only on what matters most.
Since rising out of Berlin’s early ‘90s rave scene, Kalkbrenner has redefined electronic music with bold projects that bridged underground club culture and the global stage. From the cult film Berlin Calling and its iconic anthem Sky & Sand, to headlining Tomorrowland, and performing before 400,000 people at the Berlin Wall anniversary, his career has consistently pushed boundaries.
With The Essence, Kalkbrenner reaffirms his status as one of electronic music’s most innovative storytellers. Dreaming On is not just a single—it’s a statement of intent for what promises to be his most essential album yet.
Listen Now
You can stream Paul Kalkbrenner – Dreaming On (feat. Depeche Mode) on Spotify and all major platforms here.
