28 Years of Beats, Passion, and Evolution: Inside Evosonic Radio with Mike S. 🎶
Step into the dynamic world of Evosonic Radio as we celebrate an extraordinary 28-year journey with none other than Chris Maico Schmidt aka Mike S., the driving force behind the station's revolutionary sound. In this candid interview, Mike reflects on milestones that shaped the station—from its rebellious roots in 1997 to its fearless commitment to underground electronic music.
Discover how Evosonic maintains its authentic vibe while embracing global expansion, the secrets behind curating boundary-pushing content, and the raw moments that tested their spirit. Mike even teases bold future projects—yes, broadcasting from space might just be on the horizon!
For long-time fans and curious newcomers alike, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the heartbeat of a station that’s not just survived but thrived without ever following the rules. Get ready to journey through time, beats, and the unwavering passion that defines Evosonic Radio.
Dimitris: When you look back on 28 years of Evosonic Radio, what stands out as the most significant milestone in the station's history?
Mike : Honestly, it’s the fact that we’re still doing radio the same way we did back in 1997—about 90% of the time. EVOSONIC has never followed the traditional radio playbook. We don’t stick to rigid formats. Instead, we give our music editors and DJs the freedom to shape their shows. That’s how we bring the freshest club sounds straight into our listeners’ living rooms, 24/7. Our programming covers all sorts of styles within electronic music.
Dimitris: How has electronic music’s evolution influenced Evosonic Radio’s programming and direction over the years?
Mike : Honestly? It hasn’t. We’ve always been about the underground. We play what’s hot now, just like we did back then. And we’re just as passionate about the sounds of yesterday as we are about what’s coming next.
Dimitris: The anniversary event features a diverse lineup of artists. How did you put together this special list?
Mike : It’s pretty simple—our lineup is made up of our radio hosts and artists and collectives we’re friends with. If people find it special, then we’ve done something right.
Dimitris: How have you managed to keep Evosonic Radio’s original identity intact while expanding globally and reaching new audiences?
Mike : It’s all about staying true to who we are while being open to reinvention. We’re curious about new ideas, but we don’t jump on every trend. We form our own opinions, but we also listen to others. Respect is key. Looking back, it’s kind of like walking a tightrope—every single year.
Dimitris: What exciting projects or developments can Evosonic Radio listeners look forward to as you start the next chapter?
Mike : We’re planning to broadcast from space. Seriously.
Dimitris: Mike, when you reflect on 28 years of Evosonic Radio, which personal moments are especially memorable to you?
Mike : Ha, ha, ha… answering that could take forever. If I ever write a book about it—which has been on my mind quite a few times—that’s where you’ll find all the stories, down to the smallest detail. I promise.
Dimitris: How has the station’s mission or vision evolved since the beginning?
Mike : At first, we were focused on the business side of things. Now we operate as an association, but our goal has always been the same: preserving our cultural heritage.
Dimitris: Evosonic Radio has seen a lot of technological changes over nearly three decades. Which of these developments has influenced your experience as a radio host the most?
Mike : None, really, when it comes to hosting. But as a DJ? Moving from lugging around 30 kg of vinyl records to just using a USB stick—that’s been a game-changer for me.
Dimitris: Can you think of a particularly challenging time for the station and how you managed to get through it?
Mike : Not too long ago, I dealt with some people who attacked me personally and publicly. They’re still spreading false stories because I removed them from the Evosonic platform—for good reason, I might add. They were misusing it for their own egos. How did I handle it? I didn’t respond at all. It was easy because these were people no one really takes seriously. Looking back, my mistake was not realizing sooner what kind of negativity I’d let in.
Dimitris: How do you curate content with such a diverse range of programs and artists while maintaining Evosonic’s unique vibe?
Mike : It’s pretty straightforward. I look for the unusual, the different. It HAS to be outside the norm and something I genuinely like. You’ve got to know, love, and live the music to present it on Evosonic.
Dimitris: What role has feedback from the community played in Evosonic Radio’s development over the years?
Mike : A huge role. Honestly, we probably wouldn’t still be around if it weren’t for our listeners. Their words have kept me going when I felt like giving up. Here’s an example:
Back in 1997, I was just 17. Someone at my apprenticeship said, "Hey, if you change the audio frequency on DSF, you can pick up this 'illegal' radio station… ;)))" Boom! Parents asleep, little Tobi connects the stereo to the TV, hits record—Evo Pool Update! 😍😍 Roch Dadier… Massimo… Chris Liebing… It’s Friday night! 🚀🚀🚀 Hearing your voice again feels so good. The jingles have been with me my whole life and always will be. Huge respect for sticking with it. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🤗🤗🤗
Dear Evosonic Team,
I’m 43 now and grew up with your station. The countless hours spent with friends, recording your broadcasts—we can’t even count them, and we’ll never forget them. Your music has shaped my life in a lasting way.
Dimitris: Are there any special shows or collaborations planned for this milestone that you feel really capture the spirit of Evosonic Radio?
Mike : Honestly, all of them do.
Dimitris: What do you think the future of radio looks like, and what role will Evosonic play in it?
Mike : As long as electronic music exists, Evosonic will be part of the scene. Whether it’s still called "radio" down the line—I don’t know. Evosonic will only disappear when I pull the plug.
Dimitris: Are there any behind-the-scenes stories from the past 28 years that you’ve never shared publicly but that really capture the essence of Evosonic?
Mike : Those stories will be in the book… if I ever get around to writing it.
Dimitris: Finally, what message would you like to share with your long-time listeners and the new audience tuning in for the 28th anniversary?
Thanks so much to Mike for his time to reply in this very detailed interview! Enjoy the very special shows celebrating 28 years of Evosonic Radio.
28 years of Evosonic Radio - and not a bit quieter!
THE BEAT GOES ON - AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Evosonic Radio celebrates its 28th birthday - ON AIR, of course!
From Wednesday, 30.04.2025, from 5 pm to Sunday, 04.05.2025, 11 pm.
Not continuously, but with lots of familiar faces - er, voices - and lots of specials.
Included shows & artists:
Dudelsaladt with dudelsaladt. Groovegsus & Friends und Groovegsus. Like that Underground with miKech. Ohral On Air with Maxie König and Hardy Heller. The Drum and Bass Dimension with K-Lyde. MikeLike with Chris Maico Schmidt. Treibessenz with Noah Levin. 1zimmerapartment with Aus der Reihe tanzen. Flux House Anthems Only with Dimitri Kechagias. deKai with Dirty Techno Talk (ohne Talk). Jarweiler with Jörg Arweiler. Absoulute Beach with DJ of 69. Klima und Kohle with Henrik te Heesen, Christian Kammlott. Ad Libitum with Detlef Keller. Midnight Flow with Manikin. Deep & Soulful with Andy Baar. City of Drums Radioshow with Tom La Mer and Alexisalexander. Deepnight Station with Phil Harmony. Mixcult with Kirill Matveev. N.O.X.II and Rick Richter live aus dem Bunker. Dave Reyas with The Fifth Element. Cologne Drum and Bass Radio with Thixotrop. Jackfruit Radioshow with Dompe. Dirk Herzberg with Electronic Xperience. Drucklust with Dynasty Traxx. People of Ramba Zamba with Ponchmann and Markus König. Wo ist Walter? with Walter Marinelli and Alpha’s Crazy Sounds [Rerun] with Alpha. The last birthday show this year is also the first show after Alpha’s return to its old time slot.
Additional info:
