Interview with Antje Schomaker
When musician Antje Schomaker is walking through her favorite corners of Hamburg, she never forgets the rest of the city. In a long talk she tells us about her other highlights in the city.
All roads lead to Hamburg. Tell us about yours!
"I already came in touch with Hamburg in the course of an internship before I started university. I was always on the go and discovered the city while falling in love with it. After I graduated I knew I wanted to go to Hamburg to start my career as a musician."
What's the general atmosphere of the city like?
"I like the term „Schulterklopf-Romantik“. In Hamburg you always meet people who know someone you know and that gives you the feeling that you’re home and everything is just fine."
Describe the city in one sentence.
"Hamburg is a network of love!"
What does Hamburg have that other cities don’t have?
"The city understands itself as a network and not as separated districts. You can meet each other way faster than in other big cities like berlin for example."
Do you have a secret favorite spot in Hamburg that you wanna share with us?
"After a long time of woozy WG life I finally found a home in Altona, where I am very happy. At the moment that is the space where I can be comfortable and relax."
Do you have a favorite spot at the waterfront?
"The first part of the Elbe beach is more like a party beach but when you walk a little further you reach a very beautiful spot that I really enjoy."
Ironic whiner or secret sunshine – what’s the typical local like?
"The stereotype of the grim Hamburg people is not true I guess. So many different people are coming together in Hamburg that you don’t even meet the original Hamburg people. Here, everyone immediately feels like a local."
Which alleged touristic tip is being totally underestimated?
"You should definitely climb up the stairs of the Church St. Petri. Up there you have a tremendous panorama view over Hamburg, inclusive the Michel."
If you’d have to leave the city for an indefinite period of time, what would you take with you to avoid getting homesick?
"10 Kilos of Franzbrötchen! At least!"
Elbe River or Alster? (And why?)
"Alster. When I came here I first lived in St. Georg and always had to go to University at Dammtor. At the bridge between Binnen- and Außenalster I always appreciate the beauty of the city."
Is there any place or activity in Hamburg that you haven’t seen/done yet but that you’ve always wanted to see/do?
"Unfortunately, I’ve never been to the Dove-Elbe."
Is there a popular person in Hamburg with whom you’ve always wanted to have a „Fischbrötchen“?
"With Aale-Dieter, cause it’s a Fischbrötchen..."
You and Hamburg – a love story. Which song would make your soundtrack?
"Why Does It Always Rain On Me? by Travis."
Where do you go first when you have friends visiting from other places? And why?
"I like to take the HVV fairy from Landungsbrücken in the direction of Teufelsbrück and walk back to Altona."
Do you already live in your favorite street?
"Yes, but I would also love to live at Marktstraße in the Karoviertel."
Are you also interested in living in another neighborhood of Hamburg?
"Yes I can picture myself in Ottensen. But not in the near Future."
Is your workplace different from the place where you live?
"As musician I can work everywhere. Hamburg is my workplace and I really like that."
Hamburg is perfect – almost perfect. What would you change in Hamburg, if you could?
"I miss a good bakery in my neighborhood – a place where they make the bread themselves, like the Springer Bio-Backwerk."
