German television viewers may already know Olli Schulz as one of the goofy sidekicks of Joko Winterscheidt and Klaas Heufer-Umlauf from shows like Circus HalliGalli and Neo Paradise. Or maybe you’ve listened to his podcast with Jan Böhmermann.
But before his frequent television appearances, it was music that stole Schulz’s heart. And it is in music that he got his start. When he is not making you laugh on television, he is a prolific musician. In two decades, he has released nearly a dozen albums as a solo artist or with his band Olli Schulz & Der Hund Marie.
This month, let’s get to know Olli Schulz and learn German with music!
Get to Know Olli Schulz
Oliver Schulz was born in Hamburg, Germany, on October 15, 1973. He spent his first nine years living with his great-grandparents before moving with his parents to Hamburg. He later attended Hamburg University of Applied Sciences where he pursed media studies.
As a young adult, Schulz worked as a stagehand and security in Hamburg at concert and event venues. It was with that job that he was able to see big-name German and international acts up close and personal. But through it all, he was composing his music.
In addition to his pursuits in music and television, Schulz also cohosts the podcast Fest & Flauschig with late-night television host Jan Böhmermann.
Music of Olli Schulz
Schulz made the jump into music in 2003. It was then that he formed Olli Schulz und der Hund Marie with Max Schröder. Schröder would later play drums in the Hamburg-based band Tomte.
As Olli Schulz und der Hund Marie, the group has released three albums: 2003’s Brichst Du mir das Herz, dann brech’ ich Dir die Beine, 2005’s Das beige Album, and 2006’s Warten auf den Bumerang.
In 2009, he transitioned to being a solo artist with the release of Es brennt so schön. That album was followed by 2012’s SOS – Save Olli Schulz, 2015’s Feelings aus der Asche, 2018’s Scheiß Leben, gut erzählt, and 2024’s Vom Rand der Zeit.
Music audiences seem to be buying what Schulz is selling, both literally and figuratively. With each solo album, his sales have increased. His 2024 album Vom Rand der Zeit entered the German album charts in the top position.
Looking for another Ohrwurm to help you learn German? Check out previously featured musicians and bands!
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