Monika Kruse (born 23 July 1971) is a German techno DJ/producer and record label owner, with a career in electronic music spanning more than 25 years.
Kruse remains a prominent fixture on the international house and techno scene, with regular appearances at major European events like Awakenings and Time Warp, and is also known for her long-term commitment to social justice via her No Historical Backspin charity that she founded in 2000.
After her final exams she took various apprenticeships in the music industry, before later commencing a role as a product manager for Chrysalis Records, working with bands including Gang Starr and Monie Love.
[4][5] In the mid-1990s, Kruse organized illegal techno parties in empty houses, decommissioned power plants, old World War II bunkers and on tank training grounds.
At the end of 1997, Kruse moved to the German capital of Berlin to join the city's renowned techno scene, where she began her Terminal M record label in 2000.
The label has played host to early releases from artists like Stimming and andhim as well as prominent artists like Patrick Lindsey, DJ Rush, Miss Kittin, Gregor Tresher, ANNA, Pig&Dan, Paride Saraceni, Noir, Victor Ruiz, as well as supporting the music of emerging talent like Skober, Metodi Hristov, Kydus, Drunken Kong and Ilija Djokovic.
Her benefit charity party at Berghain in March 2015 brought DJs like andhim, Anja Schneider, &ME and Ellen Allien[10] together and raised over 20,000 Euros for Amadeu Antonio Stiftung.
Raising awareness and funds for these causes is important to Kruse who believes "No one should be discriminated against, hindered or hurt because of their personal background, race, gender, belief, physical challenges or sexual orientation – be it in Germany or elsewhere.
70 years after the National Socialist tyranny in Germany we'd like to celebrate society's diversity through music, joy and togetherness and set an example for tolerance, which should go without saying for a mutual, peaceful future.
"[20] Monika says she bonded with Pig&Dan in Ibiza more than ten years ago: "I remember clicking with them from the first moment and we’ve been great friends ever since.
[21] Monika believes 'Get Me On' to be one of her most emotional production works – "It was extra special because it was during my time-out moment where I was doing a lot of meditation and I think that reflects in the EP".