BIMM at Reeperbahn Festival 2025: Eveline interview
Every year, Hamburg’s St Pauli neighbourhood transforms into a hub of creativity as Reeperbahn Festival takes over the area. As Europe’s largest club festival, Reeperbahn brings together established names and emerging talent from across the world, alongside a packed conference programme that connects the international music industry.
This year, BIMM students were right at the heart of it, performing, networking, and gaining first-hand experience of one of the most exciting festivals on the calendar. We caught up with some of them to hear about their highlights, what they learned, and how being part of BIMM prepared them for the opportunity.
We spoke with Eveline, a Songwriting graduate from BIMM Berlin, who performed at Reeperbahn on a FlixTrain from Berlin to Hamburg. Fresh off the train, she shared what it felt like to play an unexpected gig on the festival train, how her music has changed since studying at BIMM, and a dream collaboration.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about who you are as an artist?
Hi, I’m Lisa. My artist project is called Eveline. I’m a songwriter and co-producer, working in the music industry in Berlin.
We met you on the FlixTrain, and you ended up performing there unexpectedly. How did that happen?
Honestly, it felt like a movie. Last week, I randomly bumped into Robert Witoschek from BIMM, and he told me you were running the festival train again. I remembered how, when I was studying at BIMM, everyone wanted to play on that train.
I didn’t think much of it, but I booked a cheap €11 ticket to Hamburg. When I got to the platform, Tom Beck spotted me and told me the train I booked was actually the performance FlixTrain this year. One band had cancelled, so there was a slot. I was with my guitarist and producer Nick, and we jumped in. Totally unplanned, but the universe aligned – it was such a sweet reunion moment.
Luckily, we were able to borrow a guitar from another artist, Bernie, who also jumped in last minute. Between us, we pieced together a set. You just have to know your songs, right?
Tell us about your journey with BIMM. What was your time there like, and how did it shape you as an artist?
I was 17 when I started at BIMM Berlin. I was a total baby artist. I’d always wanted to sing, but I wasn’t sure what kind of artist I wanted to be. I was actually scouted at Berlin Music Days while busking with my band. BIMM was just opening their Berlin campus in 2015, and it felt like perfect timing. I was lucky to get a full scholarship for the Vocals course, which made it possible for me to study for three years.
For me, studying in English was huge; it gave me industry language, helped me communicate internationally, and prepared me for more than just the creative side. The classes, showcases, and one-to-one career guidance gave me confidence. And the performance classes were a game changer – they pushed us to find our own voice and interpret songs in our own way.
How would you describe your music today?
I draw inspiration from life, and I like to see things from an outer perspective, as if I’m just the vessel for something that already exists. My early work leaned electronic and cinematic, influenced by Berlin’s club culture, but now I’m back to analogue roots and playing with a band.
Let’s do some quick-fire questions. First up –What was the first concert you ever went to?
A German pop band called Pur. My mum took me when I was five, and I loved the atmosphere in the big arena.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Probably ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse. Last time I did karaoke, I sang Rihanna’s ‘Only Girl’.
Do you have a dream festival you’d like to play?
Glastonbury, 100%. It still feels like a festival with real magic.
Which artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Lola Young. I’ve actually already crossed paths with Clemence, a BIMM London alum who plays keys in her band, and we’ve been in the studio together. So maybe that connection will come back around.
Do you have a signature move on stage?
I love to kick my legs up, kind of like kickboxing to the beat. It’s my little soccer-inspired move.
And finally, what’s Reeperbahn Festival 2025 been like for you?
Rainy –but full of good people. Hopefully, next year I’ll be back here performing properly.
