Berlin Calling

Martin 'Ickarus' Karow travels the world's techno clubs with his girlfriend Mathilde while he works on a new studio album. To sustain the party-centric lifestyle, he relies on drugs supplied by his friend Erbse at the clubs. This relentless cycle of touring, partying and recording sets the stage for a volatile creative period.

After taking a PMA-containing ecstasy tablet, Ickarus slips into a drug-induced psychosis. He ends up naked in a Berlin hotel, drawing the attention of hotel staff and triggering an emergency response.

He is taken to a psychiatric hospital in Berlin, where he meets fellow patients Crystal Pete and Goa Gebhard. The clinic's head doctor, Dr. Paul, recommends that Ickarus take a voluntary break from touring to recover under her care.

Despite the diagnosis, Ickarus insists on continuing his work by bringing his laptop and recording equipment into the hospital. He persists with creating music in the clinic, trying to maintain momentum during his enforced stay.

Ickarus leaves the clinic and relapses into drug use after visiting his dealer Erbse. When Vinyl Distortion chief Alice delays the release of his album, he confronts her and destroys her office after she refuses to speak with him.

Mathilde moves out of their apartment and moves in with her lesbian coworker Corinna, signaling the breakdown of their relationship. At the same time, a 25,000 Euro tax bill arrives, and Ickarus struggles with the financial pressure as he tries to visit Mathilde, who refuses to see him.

That night, after Dr. Paul leaves, Ickarus convinces the clinic intern to host a going-away party, which spirals out of control. The party becomes chaotic with drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes, and Dr. Paul locks Ickarus in a room, leading to his transfer to the clinic's closed unit.

Ickarus's father, a priest, and Mathilde argue with Dr. Paul for his release. Dr. Paul eventually relents and allows his release from the hospital.

The production label Vinyl Distortion re-signs Ickarus, restoring momentum for his album. He proposes an attention-grabbing title for the project, 'Titten, Techno, und Trompeten'.

Alice suggests choosing a more international title, and the label ultimately settles on 'Berlin Calling' for the album. The album cover photography takes place in the clinic with Ickarus still dressed as a patient.