A journey of love, music, and rediscovery in the world’s electronic music capital.
In 2009, Debbie Chia visited Berlin with her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Kavan. He casually mentioned wanting to live there one day, and in the haze of young love, Debbie replied, “Why not?” Seven years later, they turned that dream into reality, leaving Singapore to start a new chapter in Berlin.
Their shared passion for music formed the foundation of their relationship. Kavan first met Debbie after booking her for a DJ set at a helipad in Singapore—a gig cut short by rain but followed by their journey into building a record label, Midnight Shift, and performing together.
For Debbie and Kavan, Berlin was the epicenter of electronic music, a city where creativity thrived, and artists were celebrated. Moving there in 2016, after years of regular visits and growing connections, felt like a natural step. Debbie’s freelance copywriting allowed her to work remotely, while Kavan landed a job at a music booking agency on the flight to Berlin.
Living to the Beat of Berlin
Berlin’s vibrant music culture provided new opportunities for Midnight Shift. Proximity to pressing plants, distributors, and artists allowed the label to flourish. Beyond music, Berlin’s creative spirit drew a global community of like-minded individuals, making every encounter—from record stores to playgrounds—an opportunity for collaboration.
Despite Berlin’s allure, the city is not without its challenges. The meme “everyone in Berlin is a DJ” resonates, but Debbie embraced her individuality, creating unique experiences from ambient sets at Berghain to music events in the Maldives and Mauritius. Midnight Shift also collaborates with groups like Soydivision, fostering connections within Berlin’s Asian music diaspora.
A New Tempo: Motherhood and Adaptation
In 2018, Debbie became a mother, shifting her focus from nightlife to family life. Motherhood unveiled a different side of Berlin, offering vast green spaces and multicultural experiences for her son. Challenges like navigating cultural norms and securing local services added complexity, but the freedom and independence of Berlin life enriched her parenting journey.
Adopting a European lifestyle, Debbie learned to embrace seasonal living, from enjoying summer fruits to cycling in the snow. Her connection to nature deepened, reflected in rituals like gardening and cooking with seasonal produce.
Looking Forward
Berlin might not be Debbie’s final destination, as her curiosity and openness to new experiences remain boundless. “Migration is in our history,” she reflects, seeing her journey as part of a larger quest for growth and belonging.
While the concept of home evolves, Berlin has provided a fulfilling chapter for Debbie Chia—a story of love, music, and a life in harmony with her values.
