Blending the pulse of ’90s rave, electronica, and hip-hop with a high-impact approach to production, Berlin’s A.D.H.S. has carved a sound that’s gained worldwide traction.
Photo credit: Paula Schu
With releases on Terminal M and Drumcode, and support from top-tier names like Adam Beyer and Amelie Lens, the Ravensburg-born artist has established a clear identity — one rooted in energy, emotional tension, and club-ready precision.
His remix of Thomas Schumacher’s ‘When I Rock’ topped charts in 2023, earning the FAZEmag Best Remix award, while 2024 has seen his Warner Music debut and appearances at key festivals including MAYDAY and Nature One.
Now, A.D.H.S. takes another bold step, joining Amelie Lens’ EXHALE imprint with his new EP ‘In The Dark’. The three-tracker channels the emotional duality of late-night cityscapes and includes a remix by Aida Arko.
Alongside the release, A.D.H.S. continues to expand his creative world through a visual collaboration with artists Arthur Kechter and Marek Papke, and the launch of his own fashion line.
In this conversation, A.D.H.S. opens up about the EP’s inspirations, his roots in hip-hop, and the growing challenges of maintaining artistic focus in a fast-paced digital world.
EG: Hi, Michael! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
A.D.H.S.: Hey guys, thanks for having me. I’m on a plane back home after a long festival weekend — feeling a bit wrecked, but full of good vibes.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the incoming drop of your new ‘In The Dark’ EP! You must be stoked to have this one out! What has the initial reception been like so far?
A.D.H.S.: Both tracks have been in Amelie’s and my sets for over a year now, so people have been seriously craving the release. Seeing how hyped they were to finally get their hands on it was just amazing.
EG: What can your fans expect to find on this record? What’s ‘In The Dark’ all about? Is there a thread connecting these cuts?
A.D.H.S.: Both tracks of the EP explore the theme of big cities at night. With ‘Maxed Out’, I channeled the energy I experienced in the raw, dusty, and very creative neighborhoods of London. ‘In the Dark’ is the contrast — a track that feels more clean, shiny, yet still full of energy, like a city such as Shanghai. Both tracks are made for the rave — but also perfect for a late-night stroll with headphones on.
EG: And ‘In The Dark’ marks your debut for Amelie Lens’ acclaimed EXHALE imprint. What does this possibility mean to you? How did it come about?
A.D.H.S.: Ah, that’s such a big one for me! Honestly, I was flying when I got the message from Amelie. I had sent her my upcoming release as a promo to play, and she just replied that she liked it — and asked if I had any music to send her for her label as a demo. The next day, I locked myself in the studio to make sure I had some bombs ready. So stoked she signed it — and I’m now part of this amazing label!
“Artists should focus on making original and authentic work — not chase every hype out of fear of missing out”
EG: Since we’re on the congratulations front, kudos on the launch of your own merch and fashion line! This must be a huge step for you as an artist. What can you tell us about this collaboration with visual artists Artur Kechter and Marek Papke?
A.D.H.S.: Thank you guys! Really appreciate it. Honestly, it’s so much fun because it’s another way to express myself and give my releases another dimension. It’s also beautiful to see my front row Habibis wearing the pieces we create. Working with those two geniuses, Artur and Marek, is super inspiring. They already created incredible visuals for my festival shows last year, and with each release, we add another layer to the show. Our goal is to create visuals that don’t distract from the music — instead, we want to build a visual world that draws you in so deeply, you don’t even think about pulling out your phone. Because the rave comes first.
EG: Not only that, but you’re about to have your biggest year in terms of festivals. What can we expect? Are there any on the horizon that you’re most excited about?
A.D.H.S.: Definitely closing out the Extravaganza Stage at Fusion Festival b2b with my brother Thomas Schumacher is a huge highlight for me! The energy and vibes at that festival are something else. Another highlight — not a festival, but still something truly special — is playing the Nature One truck at the Rave the Planet Parade. I just love those ’90s rave vibes!
EG: By the way, we’ve been told that you were originally a hip-hop head. How and when did electronic dance music come into your life? What was it that you found in electronic music?
A.D.H.S.: Oh yes, hip-hop was my first love and still has a huge impact on me. Electronic music came into my life during a really tough time, after I lost someone very close. Creating sets on my laptop helped me to forget my situation for a few brief moments back then. So I’m incredibly grateful that one of my best friends introduced me to it at just the right moment.
EG: Discussing a broader picture…what do you see as the biggest challenge for artists in the near future?
A.D.H.S.: Cutting through the noise on social media with your actual art — that’s the biggest challenge. Unfortunately, the focus there has shifted away from real art towards fast, superficial entertainment. In my opinion, one of the most important things is to not let this shift or the pressure of being constantly online affect your creativity. Instead, artists should focus on making original and authentic work — not chase every hype out of fear of missing out.
“We want to build a visual world that draws you in so deeply, you don’t even think about pulling out your phone”
EG: Looking forward, what can we expect from A.D.H.S.? Where can your fans catch you next? What are your next scheduled shows?
A.D.H.S.: First of all, there’s a lot of music coming out in the next few months. A very cool collab I’m super proud of is dropping in August — and before that, two more singles that are real highlights in my sets. In the coming months, I’ll be playing lots of festival shows across Germany — and of course, the Rave the Planet Parade in Berlin in between.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Michael! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
A.D.H.S.: Thank you guys — and shoutout for the great questions!
A.D.H.S.’s ‘In The Dark’ is out now on Exhale Records. Stream and download here.
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