KalleAber Nice.Aber Nice.

Michael met Kalle through Thomas D and the MARS community in Germany. A friendship grew, along with an idea for a song: Aber Nice. The title came from a phrase used by a friend of Kalle’s — a reminder that whatever you do, you can do it with kindness and good humour.

The project took shape in that same spirit: playful, unpretentious and made for the pleasure of making music together. Michael produced and recorded the song at MARS, then completed the mix in Vienna. He also handled mastering and contributed keyboards and additional guitar.

In February 2007, Kalle feat. M.A.R.S. Allstars took the song to the Bundesvision Song Contest at Berlin’s Tempodrom, representing Rheinland-Pfalz. Thomas D appeared on trumpet and backing vocals, while Michael joined the band as well as the production team. It was Michael’s first encounter with Stefan Raab’s television world — and a memorable trip with friends. A few days later, Kalle also appeared on Stefan Raab’s show.