Smudo

Smudo – musician, racing driver and crossover artist between culture and technology

Smudo, real name Michael B. Schmidt, is not only co-founder of the legendary hip-hop band Die Fantastischen Vier, but also a passionate racing driver, environmental activist and tech enthusiast. As an artist with vision and a doer with attitude, he combines creativity, innovation and responsibility – providing plenty of material for exciting talks, panels and discussions.

Smudo’s lecture topics:

• Artificial intelligence and music – How is AI changing the music business? And what can be derived from this for other industries?
• From vinyl to streaming – disruption and digitalization in the music world
• Sustainability in motorsport – How renewable energies are also picking up speed on the racetrack.
• Die Fantastischen Vier: More than music – About cohesion, creativity and 35 years of pop culture history.

Smudo began his musical career in 1986 with the “Terminal Team” and founded Die Fantastischen Vier together with Michael Beck, Thomas D. and And.Ypsilon in 1989. The band is considered a pioneer of German-language hip-hop and influenced generations with hits such as “Die da!?”, “MFG” and “Troy”. At the same time, he took an early interest in technology. He was already programming on the Commodore 64 and published software in the magazine INPUT 64.

In addition to music, Smudo also developed a passion for motorsport. Inspired by the racing simulation “Grand Prix Legends”, he acquired his racing license in 1999. Since 2000, he has been part of the Four Motors team, which he founded together with Tom von Löwis of Menar. Four Motors is the first racing team in Germany to focus on sustainability in motorsport. The team’s vehicles – known as bioconcept cars – use alternative fuels and materials made from renewable raw materials. Smudo and his team have achieved considerable success, including class victories in the VLN races and the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

The musician also feels at home in the air: he has held a flying license since 2005, followed later by aerobatic and instrument flight licenses. His versatility and openness to new ideas make him an exciting conversation partner with in-depth experience in the fields of music, technology, sustainability and mobility.

If you would like to expand your event not only with Smudo as a speaker but also with a performance by the “Fantastischen Vier”, we will be happy to advise you and, if you wish, put you in touch directly with the band’s management.