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#InDepth Interview with Chris Maico Schmidt aka Mike S about his Elisenstrasse EP on Blu Fin


1966
Janet Jackson, Mike Tyson, Lisa Stansfield, Marusha and I see the light of day. Walt Disney is death, the Vietnam war is alive like never, Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock start in the vastness of the universe. The famous Wembley goal is scored on the earth - or maybe not.

The Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones and of course the Beatles worldwide dominate the charts. Rock music become psychedelic. "We all live in a yellow submarine"!!!!

1978
Disco and the balls to this, everywhere. Record entertainers mutates into disc jockeys and I buy my first LP: "Masterpiece" by The Temptations.

1981
While U.S. President Reagan and Pope Johannes Paul II. were injured seriously in assassinations, the DJ of a dance hall near Stuttgart slips in the bathtub one Saturday night. I, the Lightjockey, must take his place. 14 vodka lemon, 5 times "Thriller" and 4 times "Young Guns" later, I have my first permanent booking as a DJ.

1985
Researchers discover the ozone hole, the charts are occupied by "Modern Talking" and I make my own business as a "organizer in the music trade", become a DJ with trading license.

1989
Mourning of i.a. Salvador Dalν, Avicii is born in Sweden ... I discover "House". Opening of wall and frontier and finally the reunification of the two German states ... I discover "Techno".

1993
In love with Whitney Houston, impressed by Frankfurt productions such as "Snap" or "Culture Beat", inspired by "Dark and Long" by Underworld, I go to the music studio. My second project "Cybordelics" makes it on place 1 and 2 of the UK-Underground Dance charts.

1995
While "Forrest Gump" sees the world with other eyes, the Loveparade has to change the way in Berlin because of increasing numbers of visitors. I become a co-founder of the record-chain of stores "Delirium" in Stuttgart and the record label "Suspect Records" on which my first LP appears in co-production.

1997
The cyberpet Tamagotchi and clone sheep Dolly are the darlings of the media. Carl Cox reaches place 1 at the first "DJ Mag Top 100".

With me as a managing music editor and later then as program director, "Evosonic Radio" start broadcasting in Cologne. The worldwide first radio station which plays non-stop electronic dance music for 24 hours.

1999
The music industry makes profit again - thanks to internet. Digitization rescues the music, but for "Evosonic Radio" every rescue is late. The broadcaster goes down like the Titanic in the movie.

2000
The discovery of BSE infected cattle is topic just the same as the successful world exhibition EXPO. Paul Van Dyk conquers the USA and I am honoured with the German Dance Award for my work at "Evosonic Radio" with a delay. However, for the start in the new millennium it is the best for me that I become a father.

2004
We are Pope and DJ Tiesto accompanies the parade of the athletes with his music in front of millions of TV spectators at the Olympic Summer Games in Athens. I become an instructor at the "VibrA School of DJing" in Cologne.

2011
"Stresstest" rightly is word of the year. The Arab Spring, the nuclear power plant in Fukushima and the euro crisis also provided it. I start a small comeback stress-free and recovered through the long music break.

2013
EDM is a swearword meanwhile and David Guetta has sold to date valued 90 million sound carriers. I can register a couple of remixes and the re-work of one of my classics.

2016
While the German DJ Felix Jaehn reaches place one of the American Billboard charts, my label "Evosonic Records" starts with my first solo LP "Two point Zero". From "Mike S." becomes "Chris Maico Schmidt", because that is my name.

2017
Donald Trump becomes President of the USA. Evosonic makes podcasts and again radio. The record department reaches the iTunes Dance Charts with the second "Cybordelics" Rework "Adventures Of Dama", the videos of it have a short time over 12000 views on YouTube.

His incredible Elisenstrasse EP is out now on Blu Fin from Cologne and we requested an interview from Mike S to unlock all the secrets behind this top EP and to talk about his past histories and future projects. Thanks to Andrea Engels at Blu Fin headquarters for arranging this interview. Enjoy this top legend with his own words.


Find this EP on Beatport click here

Dimitri: When did you start your involvement with electronic dance music and which music style you are more affiliated with and why?

Chris Maico: In 1991, almost 10 Years of being a Disc jockey, I switched from mainstream to electronic music. As a DJ, I love to play music that works for the moment on the Dancefloor. With tendencies for techno.



Dimitri: Did you had the opportunity to attend any kind of music production course or are u completely self taught? Do you consider that is essential for any artist to complete any production course?

Chris Maico: All production skills are self-taught over the decades. I was introduced by Danny Danito to Ableton Live. The rest was learning by doing. Now I’m "able" to teach producing at the Vibra School of DJing as a Lecturer. It can be helpful to take a course, but it is not really necessary.

Dimitri: In which label was your first ever release and how did you manage to attract the attention of the label?

Chris Maico: 1992 on German Label Harthouse (Frankfurt) founded by Sven Väth. I tested my production on this time on our Resident Club Oz (Daimler City Stuttgart) playing Gigs together with my good Friend Marco Zaffarano also an artist of Harthouse Frankfurt. He called Sven Väth by phone, told him that he must necessarily listen to my sound. Either he wants or not. He listens and the rest is German Techno History....



Dimitri: Can you pick for us your Top 5 tracks that you have produced and you consider them as being highly important for the progress of your career indifferent if they were commercially successful.

Chris Maico:

1. Cybordelics-Adventures of Dama 1992 (Harthouse Frankfurt)



2. Mikerobenics-Julika (Comes Too Late Mix) 1994 (Harthouse Frankfurt)



3. Mikerobenics-Das Was Und Das Wie (LP) 1996 (Global Ambition)



4. Chris Maico Schmidt-Two Point Zero (LP) 2016 (Evosonic Records)



5. Cybordelics feat. James Davis - Adventures of Dama Rework (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix)



Dimitri: Let's focus on Elisenstrasse EP on Blu Fin. Please tell us from where did you got the inspiration for the tracks included on this EP?

Chris Maico: I've been working on the tracks of the Elisenstrasse EP for 2 years but I was n´t able to finish this tracks for a really long time. The positive vibes of Ponchmann, friend and artist at Evosonic Records, finally made sure that I could finish the tracks. By the way, we live in a commune located at Elisenstrasse. 

Dimitri: How long it took you to produce the EP and was an easy or difficult process?If you have faced any difficulties please tell us about them and how did you resolved them?

Chris Maico: In this case it was a long term creative process, as already mentioned. You cannot talk about difficulties in such a process. If it does not work, I'll put it aside and try later. I cannot force creativity.

Dimitri: Which was the biggest challenge that you faced during the production of this superb EP?

Chris Maico: To not disturb my neighbours baby.

Dimitri: Can you describe to us the steps that you went through the production of this EP and of any other track that you have composed?

Chris Maico: Inspiration, constellation, creation, finalisation. But what push me over and over again is the one goal: to reach people with my music. No matter who, no matter where, no matter how, you should enjoy my tracks and dance! 

Dimitri: Did the label accepted the tracks as they were submitted to them or did the label recommend you to do some changes or fix certain things?

Chris Maico: There were no change requests for this production. This happens very rarely.



Dimitri: Are the tracks original compositions or are they based on a template from another track produced from you or another producer?

Chris Maico: Original composed by myself. But let's be honest: are not all tracks templates from other tracks? Nowadays?

Dimitri: Is the quality of this EP  higher than your previous one? If yes in what ways the tracks included sound better than your previous one?

Chris Maico: As I’m producing such a long time, quality is almost similar in my productions. But when I think about it, I have the feeling that I am improving every time.



Dimitri: Do you have any friends or relatives that you have send them the EP before sending it to the label and did you had the opportunity to test it on any DJ gig? If yes have you decided to do any alterations as a result of the comments and crowd reaction?

Chris Maico: Sometimes yes sometimes no. Normally, I'm pretty sure, for that matter. At the Elisenstrasse, however, I asked several friends for opinion. Ponchmann (the one with the vibes of Question 5) and Kotapski (friend and colleague who was also immortalised here recently). That was due to the many vocals that were used this time. I was not sure if it was too much. To test in the club would be the ideal case.



Dimitri: Can you describe to us the studio that you have produced the EP? What is your favourite hardware and software set up? Do you have in mind any new gear that you wish to get in order to raise the quality of your production?

Chris Maico:
-Livingroom Home studio
-Fast PC, Ableton Live and Plugins like Bazille (U-He), Massive or Dub Station.
-an even faster PC

Dimitri: Do you master the EP  yourself or the mastering is task for the record label? Do you understand mastering as being essential?

Chris Maico: I do not master myself, YET not. But I would like to be able to master this step myself. But I clearly miss the right hardware and environment. Regardless, however, every producer should have the right to deliver a perfect premaster. Sound engineers cannot do magic and yes, I understand mastering as being essential.



Dimitri: There is a growing trend of vinyl coming back for good. Would you like to see this track released on vinyl or any other of your future tracks? Do you prefer digital files or vinyl?

Chris Maico: I waited for this question. It is unnecessary. Any discussion about it is unnecessary. Professional DJ's find this question not only unnecessary, but also a waste of time. Nevertheless, I will respond. It does not matter how and with what a DJ does his job. He just has to entertain the audience and to do it very well. He is a “service” provider who sometimes earns a lot of money. Money that peoples pay for this “service”. He has to make that people happy. By the way, the party bunch is not interested in how he does it.

Dimitri: Do you have any future releases planned and when will be released?

Chris Maico:Yes, enough stuff is around. In addition, I talked to Andrea from BluFin about remixes of Elisenstrasse. Sure, is another remix for Kotapski’s label "Louder Than Famous". There is a second remix of the track "Dreams". In my mind are just 2 "screenplays". On the one hand for a big remix rework of my classic "Julika" by Mikerobenics and on the other for a new LP. Then there is my label "Evosonic Records", with sensational releases. The second release of "Elektrifizierer" is coming and also the second, by the way a blast, of "Andy Baar" is finished, including a remix of mine.



Dimitri: Can you choose for us from your incredible history your Top 3 best DJ gigs so far and the reasons that made them so special?

Chris Maico: Serious question that cannot really be answered, because I have been working as a DJ since 1982. If I had to, then all the gigs in the time of the "Neuen Deutschen Welle (NDW)", because EVERY gig at the time were pure excesses and the Love Parade in 1993, because every DJ was playing my first production. At every party and on every parade car. Unmatched Feelings.



Dimitri: Do you have any more DJ gigs planned for the next few months? 

Chris Maico: Not right now. but that will change again soon.

Dimitri: You are the heart and mind of Evosonic Radio. Can you mention to us why is considered to be so important for the global techno history and is something currently planned?

Chris Maico: This topic and the answer to your question is too complex. Maybe a new more detailed interview about the subject would be more useful. Can we do it sometime in the future? I can still give you a "short" answer via what wikipedia notes about this issue:

"Evosonic was a specialist in electronic dance music of German radio station that was available on cable and satellite.

Evosonic was operated by a team led by Chris Maico Schmidt aka Mike S. from Stuttgart and principal shareholder Frank Heitmeyer. The first broadcast took place on 1 May 1997 from Cologne. The broadcasting ended on 1 October 1999.

Evosonic than submit to the conventions of format radio but let his music writers and DJs who renounced largely on a fee, a lot of freedom. The programs covered from many styles in electronic music and traditional high musical quality.

As managing director and head of programming from Evosonic, win Chris Maico Schmidt aka Mike S. in January 2000, the German Dance Award in the category "Best Medium".

And yes, there is a plan (I had this theme all these years along with, I'll just call him Mr. N. from H., never give up). At the end of 2017 Evosonic Radio Vision GmbH & Co. KG was founded, based in Berlin. The goal is the dissemination and thus a relaunch of Evosonic Radio, via DAB. For this purpose, runs since 2017 a test live stream, 24 hours, 7 days a week partly already with moderated broadcasts.

Not to forget:
Since 2015 EVOSONIC PODCAST: two times a week to download or stream, we present well-known shows from then, with the sound of today, as well as new show concepts of interesting contemporary artists. Electronic music of all kinds in the mix, new interpretations of audio books, sound collages and interviews.

Since 2014, EVOSONIC ARCHIV: all over Germany (and beyond) there were and there are fan groups and initiatives to preserve the memory of Evosonic Radio. After the switch-off (1999) a big wave of exchanging broadcast recordings slopped across the republic.

On our archive-site we will give an overview about the collected material. By fans for fans, for up- and downloading. We have over 900 registered users, 157 GB in 2725 files, distributed to 74 former Evoschows.

Since 2016, EVOSONIC RECORDS: I founded evosonic records, which is essential for one and the same goal: all kind of electronic high-calibre music – then and now.

And all you can find here: https://evosonic.de.






Dimitri: Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career so far and best tip you learnt recently to make your tracks better.

Chris Maico: Constant work, dynamic process!

Dimitri: Can you offer us here your tips or more elaborated advice for any new artists who may read this interview and wish to get involved with the electronic music industry.

Chris Maico: Constant work, dynamic process and never give up. And: A wise man once said that producing one track per day is more likely to have a No.1 hit, than just producing one every 2 months.

Many thanks to Chris for taking some time out of his busy schedule to reply on this interview. We are extremely glad his back and we wait for more brilliant music from his hands. 



DISCOGRAPHY

ALBUMS
1995: Mikerobenics - Fooled by Dr. Cycle & Mrs. All (Suspect)
1996: Mikerobenics - Das Was und das Wie (Global Ambition)
2016: Chris Maico Schmidt - Two Point Zero (Evosonic Records)
2017: Chris Maico Schmidt - Two Point One (Philipp Giebel Rework) (Evosonic Records)

SINGLES AND  EPS
1993: Mescal X - Return of Lisa (Blackflame/Intercord)
1993: Cybordelics - Adventures of Dama (Harthouse)
1993: Mike Masseter - Vol. I (Ultra Violett/Orange)
1993: Cybordelics - Adventures of Dama (Harthouse UK)
1994: Cybordelics - Fairy Tales (Harthouse)
1994: Cyborano - Wrist Aching Muscles (Friends/Le Petit Prince)
1994: Mescal X - Dragonfly (CSC/Overdrive)
1994: Mike Masseter - Saman (Delirium Compilation)
1994: Feldmann - Audience (Suspect)
1994: Mike S. - Labrinha (ZYX/GOA Rave Comp.)
1994: Mikerobenics - Diadora (Harthouse)
1994: Mikerobenics - Julika (Harthouse)
1995: Mike S. feat. Ben Elvis - Jake (Superstition)
1995: Mikerobenics - Julika Remixe ’95 (Mindstar/Musicman)
1995: Lee Roy - Love is a Shield (ZYX)
1996: Mikerobenics - Replika (Global Ambition)
1996: Mikerobenics - Replika Remixe (Global Ambition)
1996: Mikerobenics - Julika Remixe ’96 (Mindstar/Musicman)
1996: Mikerobenics - The Return of Julika (Pull the Strings)
1996: Mikerobenics - The Cat and the Cannary (Global Ambition)
1996: Junction 3 - Wolf in the fold (Pull the Strings)
1996: Mike S. meets Inspector - Oscar Clasani (Global Ambition)
1996: Mikerobenics - Schattenmund (Global Ambition)
1996: Mikerobenics - Schattenmund Remixe (Global Ambition)
1997: Mikerobenics - Die Weissagung / Prediction (Global Ambition)
1997: Mikerobenics - Der Hexenritt / Witch Ride (Global Ambition)
1998: Cybordelics - Adventure of Dama Remixe (Technogold)
1998: Cybordelics - Alice in Wonderland Remixe (Technogold)
2012: Mike S. - Vibra EP (Code2 Records)
2012: Mike S. - Noah (Harthouse)
2013: Cybordelics - Adventure of Dama 2013 (Harthouse)
2015: Kotapski & Schmidt - Let`s go EP (Yellow Tail Records)
2015: Kotapski & Schmidt - Remember This (Natura Viva)
2015: Kotapski & Schmidt - Kiss Your Face (Natura Viva)
2016: Kotapski & Schmidt - Ayjuwah EP (Code2Records)
2016: Chris Maico Schmidt - Sing The Song Remixe (Evosonic Records)
2016: Cybordelics - Adventure of Dama 2017 Vinyl (Harthouse)
2016: Chris Maico Schmidt - Downtown Remixe (Evosonic Records)
2016: Chris Maico Schmidt - Downtown The Kotapski Remixe (Evosonic Records)
2017: Cybordelics feat. James Davis - Adventure of Dama Rework (Evosonic Records)
2017: Cybordelics feat. James Davis - Adventure of Dama Rework 2 (Evosonic Records)
2017: Chris Maico Schmidt - Waldstrasse EP (BluFin)
2017: Cybordelics - Adventure of Dama 2017 Digital (Harthouse)
2018: Chris Maico Schmidt - Elisenstrasse EP (BluFin)

REMIXES
1993: Acrid Abeyance - Exposure Track (Cybordelics Remix) (Important)
1993: Microwave Prince - I need your love (Mikerobenics Remix) (Le petiti prince)
1994: DJ Khetama - Fremde Welten (Mikerobenics Remix) (Time Unlimited)
1995: Marco Zaffarano - Hippodrama (Mikerobenics Remix) (MFS)
1999  Jean - Pediculos Humanus (Mike S. Remix) (Eleganz)
2014: Mafu Nakyfu - Do you feel Lucky EP (Mike S. Remix) (Code2 Records)
2014: Nicorus - Psycho (Mike S. Remix) (Code2 Records)
2015: Bodo Felusch - Looping (Mike S. Remix) (Unvirtual Music)
2017: Julian Reifegerste - Dober Dan (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix) (Evosonic Records)
2017: Elektrifizierer - Was Du Nicht Weiίt (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix) (Evosonic Records)
2017: Strich Zwo - Fuck Me Palmtree (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix) (City Of Drums)
2017: Kotapski - Dreams (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix) (Louder Than Famous)
2017: Frank Krumsdorf - Good News (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix) (Evosonic Records)
2018: Andy Baar – Keep On (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix) (Evosonic Records)
2018: Kotapski - Dreams (Chris Maico Schmidt Remix II) (Louder Than Famous)

DJ-MIX
1996: DJ Mike S.- The Atmosphere Club Mix (Global Ambition)
1997: DJ Mike S.- The Second Atmosphere Club Mix (Global Ambition)
1998: DJ Mike S.- The 3rd Atmosphere Club Mix (Global Ambition)

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