Radio show "Cross-Funk" has been a fixture in Karlsruhe's airwaves for three decades.
Dial Up a Decade of Nostalgia with Toby Frei: The 30th Anniversary of Querfunk's "Back to 95" Bash
Join Toby Frei as he chats with Martin Guß and Sebastian Schäfer about three epic decades of Querfunk radio.
Our Definitive Guides: 30 Years of Querfunk - Pure Gold, Splendid, Simply Exceptional?
Martin Guß: Of course, bloomin' marvellous that we're still here, still reigning (laughs). Who thought that possible back in 1995? I joined the team around 1998, pushing 45 now. Somebody taught me the ropes back then, explained the essential steps.
Always Bullish and Resolute Against the Far-Right!
Sebastian Schäfer: Swear to it, we've stood firm against the far-right since the beginning. Against racism, sexism, and fixed mindsets. That's also in our constitution. It's our mission to provide a counterbalance to public and private broadcasters, providing space for crucial voices.
State Support? A Rare Commodity for This Karlsruhe Station.
Martin: The city of Karlsruhe doesn't fork out pennies, perhaps some project-based handouts once in a while. But the LfK (Landesanstalt für Kommunikation) chips in around 100,000 euros for operating costs, technology, IT, GEMA, and licenses. That keeps the lights on.
They also cover our four part-time positions and some operational expenses. We also finance ourselves through our members, radio fees not inherently bad (laughs). But: We've got to reapply annually!
Sebastian: In addition to that, Martin is our radio educator. Students and schoolchildren can apply for internships here. Free spirits without prior knowledge can just drop by and try their hand at it.
Big Names Behind the Decks? Oh Aye!
Martin: Absolutely, for instance Trettmann (singer/MC), a star of the hip-hop/dancehall scene now bulldozing the German charts. We hosted him in 2009—he's a colossus now! We had a jangle of Querfunk tunes with him back then (grins).
A Scoop on Mid-June's Event? Here's the Lowdown...
Sebastian: Most certainly, we've done this two times before. We're arranging a stage in the courtyard, offering seating and stands, hawking drinks, and of course, hosting bands. The headliner is the Nomaden Clique (hip-hop), and the second slot belongs to Kantine (alternative/post-punk). The closing act is Watching Buildings Grow (indie-pop).
One Last Question: What's the Real Deal with "Schnuppersendung"?
Martin: We created that to encourage newbies to host shows. The "workshop" was a hurdle before. We're not constantly on the hunt for new show-runners. We use the "Schnuppersendung" to discover eager participants, allowing them to choose their own topics and spin tracks. We guide the "Schnuppersendung," but always with one novice behind the decks. Radio is all about people, after all! A great idea might be enough sometimes.
Martin and Sebastian, a Million Thanks for the Interview!
What: Querfunk-Fest "Back to 95"When: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from midday, free admission!Where: Steinstraße 23, Trade Yard, Karlsruhe
A Brief Look at Querfunk Radio
Querfunk Radio is a community-driven, advertisement-free station focusing on diverse musical genres and promoting cultural fusions. It largely operates through donations and funding from concerned citizens, supplemented by some public support.
Three Decades of Querfunk - The Highlights
- Serving as an essential platform for local artists since the early 1990s
- Unwavering stance against extremist ideologies and prejudice
- Nurturing and empowering community members via workshops, internships, and programming opportunities
- Hosting a variety of talented DJs covering numerous genres, from electronic and hip-hop to punk and indie rock
- Commemorating its milestones with community-focused events featuring live music, workshops, and interactive activities.
Toby Frei will discuss the impact of music on Querfunk's entertainment during the 30th Anniversary of Querfunk's "Back to 95" Bash. Notable artists such as Trettmann, a hip-hop/dancehall sensation, have graced Querfunk's airwaves in the past, showcasing the station's commitment to promoting diverse musical genres.
