In the new ZDF entertainment series “Music Impossible – My Song, Your Sound”, well-known music artists venture into unfamiliar territory.
Frankfurt – One word first: with immediate effect, all puns and attempts at puns with the title of the 1960s cult series “Mission: Impossible” should be categorically banned. Once and for all. In case of punishment.
The stupid title is pretty much the worst thing about the new ZDF entertainment series “Music Impossible – My Song, Your Sound”. In addition to the miserable slot on Friday at 11:30 p.m. Because even linear viewers could feel very well entertained with this offer.
The principle is not entirely new: two musicians from different, possibly opposite genres interpret their own piece of music in the style of the other. It’s not just about adapting the arrangements and singing style, but also keeping your own text or reformulating it appropriately.
“Music Impossible – My Song, Your Sound” on ZDF: In the beginning there is doubt
It is precisely with this that the protagonists of the premiere show have some difficulties. The rapper Eko Fresh, who chose the song himself, is supposed to interpret his folklore instrumented hit “Quotentürke” in the style of Marianne Rosenberg. What is meant is the style with which she became known, because the singer, composer and producer has always been open to other styles over the course of her fifty-year career, and has recorded pop, chanson and jazz albums. So Eko Fresh gets Rosenberg’s hit “He belongs to me” from host Tom Neuwirth, who many probably remember better than ESC winner Conchita Wurst.
Conversely, Rosenberg has to make friends with Fresh’s “King of Germany”. Her first reaction is skepticism: “Rap is not my shoe size.” She expresses her respect: “This type of chanting, you shouldn’t underestimate it, is an art.”
Useful information from the recording studio
She will later admit that at times she considered giving up. This shows that those involved take their tasks seriously. In this point there is a serious difference to the distantly related Dutch format “Beste Zangers”, which was adapted in Germany by Vox under the title “Sing mein Song – Das Tauschkonzert”. “Music Impossible” documents in detail how the candidates cope with their task. The audience learns a lot about the personality and the work attitude of the musicians, but also about the music itself.
Both approach the work in the recording studio seriously, analytically and reflectively. Fresh, for example, refers to the high-quality production of Rosenberg’s “He belongs to me”, in which she was accompanied by an orchestra with an accentuated string section – German hit with a Philly sound and a portion of disco groove. A mix that helped her develop a loyal following in the queer community. This is also discussed in the show.
Some clever DJs came up with the idea of playing Rosenberg’s singles at 33 rpm long-playing records instead of 45 rpm. Result: Rosenberg’s high-pitched voice now sounded like an effeminate male organ. And brisk dance rhythms became cuddle songs.
“Music Impossible – My Song, Your Sound” on ZDF: Live singing in front of an audience
Marianne Rosenberg, who is supposed to adapt her title “Hello, my friend” to Fresh’s “König von Deutschland”, initially has difficulties with the topic of rap, but then finds access to the text. She hears Eko rapping the word “chabo” (also “chawo”), Romanes for “boy”. It becomes the basis for your own text.
The moderator Tom Neuwirth accompanies the two in the preparations, tries himself – unsuccessfully – as a rapper, gives Eko Fresh – much more successful – singing lessons. Fresh knows about his weaknesses and also gets a musician from the Cologne dialect band Brings to support him in the studio.
“Music Impossible – My Song, Your Sound”
From September 2, 2022, 11:30 p.m., ZDF, and in the ZDF media library.
Tom Neuwirth opens the finale with his electropop song “Paris”. Then the two candidates sing and rap live in front of an audience. Exciting moments not only for the audience. Both sympathetically admit their stage fright. No cheap pandering. You can tell by looking at them.
The series will continue on September 9th. Then metal icon Doro Pesch and pop colleague Mike Singer rise to the challenge. That too could be very entertaining. (Harold Keller)
