Records that shaped MAXIMILIAN’ sound

For MAXIMILIAN, music has always been about more than tracks. It’s about the machines, the grooves, the imperfections, the records, and the memories attached to them. A lifelong vinyl collector and DJ since the early ’90s, his sound has been shaped by the raw energy of Chicago house, the emotional depth of Detroit techno and the hypnotic, analogue character of underground dance music.

That connection with hardware and vinyl remains at the heart of everything he does today. Through EVIDEON Studio Records, the label he founded in 2021, MAXIMILIAN continues to champion a hands-on approach to electronic music, creating each release from scratch using original hardware and analogue equipment, with no sample packs or digital shortcuts.

Ahead of the release of Mikrokosmos EP. 8, the latest vinyl-only chapter in the EVIDEON story, MAXIMILIAN takes us back through five records that have played a defining role in shaping his musical identity. From Larry Heard’s soulful Chicago minimalism to the futuristic machines of Detroit and the raw, addictive energy of Dance Mania, these are records that remain firmly embedded in his sound and, in some cases, still find their way into his bag today.

Here are five records that helped shape the sound of MAXIMILIAN.

Joe R. Lewis – Dub. My Own (Remix)

1987

(Target Records)

This track means a lot to me. 100% gold in my collection - and now a very expensive piece for serious collectors. You might find a repress, but for me, nothing beats the original first pressing.

For me, it’s easily one of the Top 10 house tracks of all time - raw, dirty, full of movement and pure Chicago underground energy. That unmistakable ’90s machine groove makes it simple magic. 

I still remember receiving a cassette with little promo clips on it. I heard this track and immediately thought: “Oh wow… I really want that record!

Essential Chicago House for serious collectors.

Rythim Is Rythim – The Dance (Living Room Mix)

1987

(Transmat Records)

This track is one of the most beautiful atmospheric pieces of Detroit techno ever made. Deep, hypnotic and incredibly emotional, with those unmistakable ’90s machines and subtle movement that define the Detroit sound.

An absolutely timeless classic. I remember listening to it constantly - the A1 side is almost worn out from being played thousands and thousands of times. 

‍The Gherkin Jerks – Blast Off

1989

(Gherkin Records)

This track is pure, raw underground Detroit energy. It still inspires me today with its incredible groove and crazy analogue machine feel. A timeless piece of Detroit techno - raw, futuristic and absolutely essential, especially when you consider it was released in 1989.

The first time I heard this track, I was already in love with it. And I still am today. 

‍D.J. "Funk" – House The Groove

1993

(Dance Mania Records)

I remember when a simple idea could become something completely addictive. That rolling bassline, the repetitive looped vocal and the stripped-back production create a groove that just refuses to let you go - you simply carry on dancing.

I remember getting this record back in 1993. One of those early releases that already had that unmistakable Dance Mania trademark. Pure Chicago attitude, pure groove - 100% always in my bag. 

‍Fingers Inc. – Mystery Of Love (Dub Version)

1985

(Alleviated Records)

If we have to talk about this record, it’s simply Larry Heard magic. The warm bassline, subtle percussion and deep, hypnotic groove create an atmosphere that still feels completely timeless. I could listen to this until my last day.

For me, this is Chicago House at its most soulful and sophisticated, especially considering that beautiful sound coming from machines like the Juno-60. And at around 114–115 BPM, it sits in that perfect range for the dancefloor.

Original pressing, always in my bag. Absolutely fantastic. 

Buy Mikrokosmos EP. 8 HERE

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