In an interview with Maschine:
No stage too small, no evening too long, no hustle and bustle too loud

Maschine, you were born in Berlin, but ended up in Kiel in the late 90s after a few stops along the way. Why Kiel?

Kiel offered plenty of opportunities. Back then, there wasn’t really such a thing as an events agency in the modern sense, or even a profession within the events industry. So I trained the first few people back then, if you can call it that (laughs) – but it was already a proper profession with exams and all that.

You host festivals and events such as Wacken, wrestling, galas, karaoke nights and much more – is there an event that’s one of your favourites?

Generally speaking, I like festivals – or rather, the stages – often on Radio BOB – the best station! But I also love karaoke, whether in a pub, with a live band or outdoors, as well as crazy things like wrestling and boxing events or Full Metal Cruises. Generally speaking, I’m really into sport; I absolutely love presenting at THW Kiel handball matches – it’s a brilliant sport! But I also find panel discussions and interviews – including political ones, what you might call ‘serious’ presenting – absolutely brilliant. Regional events, such as the Bootshafensommer, are also really lovely.

Before you go on stage, do you still get nervous at all, or is it just so much a part of who you are that you simply enjoy the moment to the full?

A certain degree of nervousness is always part of the experience. Positive stage fright is very rewarding and feels great.

What do you do to wind down from all the hustle and bustle?

Music – which actually tends to fuel the hustle and bustle. I like the hustle and bustle; it doesn’t stress me out. On the contrary: too much peace and quiet makes me restless.

Here at Kiel-Marketing, we count on you as our presenter for many of our events year after year. This year, as always, of course, for the Marina Summer, but also, for example, for the Anbaden at the Seebar. Admit it, you’re only there as a presenter so you don’t have to jump into the freezing cold water yourself!

That’s true – I always say that on the day too. By the way, thank you very much for your continued trust in my abilities.

Your message to all you wimps: Why is it worth plucking up the courage to take part in the first swim of the season (or at least pop along to cheer everyone on)?

It’s a lovely Sunday outing, you meet lots of nice people, and the Seebar’s a great place to hang out. If you bring a range of clothes with you, you can easily decide on the spur of the moment whether to go in the water or not.

How do you feel about Kiel’s cultural scene as a whole – is it rather quiet, rather wild, or rather underrated?

I think it’s a shame that the city puts so many brakes on things, especially when it comes to open-air events – there are too many unnecessary restrictions and red tape. Apart from that, I like the music and subculture scene in Kiel, even though there are fewer and fewer great clubs.

Do you have a favourite spot in Kiel where you like to hang out?

The pubs in Kiel that, thankfully, are still around, such as Palenke, Überseestuben, Unrat and a few others. Chatting at the bar is a great way to unwind.

What makes for the perfect summer evening in Kiel for you?

A still breeze, a long sunset and lingering warmth. Or a nice place with a terrace that doesn’t have to close at 10 pm.

You’ve built up your own programme with ‘Maschines Late Night Show’ – how did the idea come about?

The idea came about on the Full Metal Cruise, which I’ve been hosting since the very beginning. I felt there was a lack of a programme featuring guests and all the trimmings. It just kept growing from there.

How difficult is it to entertain a festival tent or a cruise ship full of metalheads?

Not that difficult, really – you just need plenty of stamina and endurance when you start at 11 am and the last event of the day is karaoke until 3 am. Those are long shifts. Of course, you always need to be well prepared, spontaneous, full of ideas and enjoy being there.

Your show is also streamed on Twitch: how important is interacting with your audience to you – whether online or live?

Interaction is essential for me, whether as an entertainer or with the band. It creates some wonderful synergy.

If you had to choose: music or presenting – which would you go for, and why?

Then neither, actually. Well, maybe presenting after all. But I can’t really decide – you tell me …

When you look to the future, are there dreams, plans, perhaps even a TV appearance?

I hope that, in the future, age won’t be too much of a deciding factor when it comes to bookings. Given the obsession with beauty out there, that could well be the case. As I’m just starting to write and prepare for readings, I hope to make a name for myself in that field. I’d only be interested in television if it wasn’t one of those mindless programmes. I could see myself on ZDF Neo – they’re bold and don’t mind free speech; everything else is too stuffy for me. (laughs) Otherwise, I just want to stay healthy and carry on living the way I do – ideally, later on, in a shared flat for older people with good friends.