Ein Tag, fünf Personen - Volkspark Hasenheide

In this feature, I go out into the urban sprawl that is Berlin and track down five unsuspecting pedestrians (all of whom wearing headphones) and ask them one question: "Was hören Sie gerade?"-"What are you listening to?"  

The results and reactions are sometimes surprising...

This week's foray into the fray sees me pestering the good people of Volkspark Hasenheide. It's an unassuming public space from the outside but once you're through the gates, the land opens up into a large undulating sprawl of greenery, complete with a zoo section, open air cinema, dog park and more shady drug dealers than you would care to shake a stick at.

Witalij - Germany

Whilst smoking a neatly rolled cigarette and looking rather contemplative, he was more than happy to indulge my musical curiosities.

What are you listening to? Boards of Canada - "Seven Forty Seven"

"I'm writing a paper about the Korean War."

Lisa - Germany

Taking a break from her inline-skating session, I seized the opportunity to steal a few minutes of her time. She was very patient and forgiving, even putting up with my bumbling German linguistic skills. 

What are you listening to? Minupren - "Liquid Sunday"

"Viel Glück!"

Adrian - Germany

Before I sat down with him, he was resting under a tree about to enjoy a nice cold beer and a joint after work. Despite going through a crisis in his relationship that very day, he was really welcoming and seemed encouraging of my little project.

What are you listening to? Dresden Dolls - "Shores Of California"

"Im feeling a little sad as I broke up with my boyfriend today."

Alexander - The Planet

On a stroll through the park he was in a little bit of a hurry, however I hedged my bets and posed the question to him anyway. Although coming across as a little evasive, he was still somewhat curious and gave me a sneak peek at what he was listening to before disappearing off into the distance.

What are you listening to? Joy Division - "The BBC Sessions"

"I'm from this planet... the universe!"

Udo - Germany

Probably the tallest man in the whole park, he was listening to his music on a tablet device that he carried in one of his large jacket pockets. Extremely friendly and appeared to have a strong passion for music. Unfortunately I didn't realise that I had snapped him with his eyes shut... sorry Udo!

What are you listening to? Leonard Cohen - "In My Secret Life"

"Music lives always!"

Ein Tag, fünf Personen - Viktoriapark

In this feature, I go out into the urban sprawl that is Berlin and track down five unsuspecting pedestrians (all of whom wearing headphones) and ask them one question: "Was hören Sie gerade?"-"What are you listening to?"  

The results and reactions are sometimes surprising...

This week I decided to take a trip to Kreuzberg's sloping Viktoriapark to embark upon the second instalment of ETFP. The weather looked a little schizophrenic with the midday heat still lingering, distant dark clouds threatened an early evening thunderstorm. However, despite these early warning signs, finding people relaxed enough to lounge around care-free on the precipice of a downpour was surprisingly easier than I had first imagined...

Cameron - Ireland

Showing off some impressive (shirtless) juggling skills right in the heart of Viktoriapark, he seemed in the zone. I waited for him to finish hurling his balls around to ask him the vital question...

What are you listening to? - Count Nine Lives - "Planet X"
"It's not what I usually listen to..."

Paul - England

Very welcoming, friendly, chilled out guy. Currently working in a call-centre to pay the bills but has big aspirations to push his Bass record label Risin Sound.

What are you listening to? - Kiyoko - "Shinigawa"

"I'm hangin"

Nicole - Germany

Enjoying a few beers in the hot summer heat, she was happy to answer questions but asked that I took a picture of her refreshment and headphones instead of her face - which was a shame because she had a pretty sweet blue mohawk!

Lene Lovich - "Wonderful One"

"Schönen Tag noch!"

Kirill + Penelope  - German

These two were sitting under a tree (pre-empting the storm perhaps?) playing their music through a portable speaker whilst enjoying a few cigarettes. Turns out the music was of his own creation but unfortunately he hasn't unleashed it upon the internet yet.

What are you listening to? Kirill Chepets - "Zidanee" (no link available)

"It doesn't have a name yet so I just called it "Zidanee!'"

Fabian - Germany

The last one on the list and again, like last week, is an audiobook listener (maybe this will become a theme?). Seemed the most suspicious out of this weeks five but after the ol' trusty business cards came out his suspicions waned and was happy to talk with me.

What are you listening to? - Christopher Clark - "The Sleepwalkers" (Audio Book)

"Who do you write for?"