As an international media company with over 30 years of experience, we know exactly how to create the right sound for every store – tailored to the needs of our customers. But what is behind this sound? Who makes sure that the perfect playlist is created?

The answer: our experienced music editors. They are at the heart of our work and shape every beat that drives our clients’ success. A look behind the scenes of music editing shows what makes Markus Treiber’s job as music editor so special and how he creates the perfect sound for our customers.

A day in the life of Markus Treiber: “Lots of music, lots of research – and a bit of madness”

“The flow has to be right,” says Markus “Treibsi” Treiber, Music Editor at MAXFIVE. For years, he has been part of the multi-member music team that puts together the perfect sound for our customers every day with passion and sensitivity. The job? Quite simple: “Listening to a lot of music, working on the computer and getting the best tracks out for our customers,” explains Markus.

But there’s more to this seemingly simple process than meets the eye. It’s not just about putting together playlists – it’s about developing a music strategy that reaches the target groups, arouses emotions, evokes needs and thus increases sales.

Everyday life at MAXFIVE is just as varied as the sound we create. “We follow all the new releases, look at the social media trends and track down the next big artists,” says Markus. But the key ingredient? The human touch. Even when using AI tools such as Co-Pilot, it remains the task of our music editors to find the sound that is not only professional but also emotionally touching, that triggers desires and satisfies needs.

The secret formula for the perfect sound: tempo, vibe and the “extra mile”

MAXFIVE is about more than just a mindless selection of music – it’s about the art of finding the right rhythm and sound for each store. The music has to make customers feel good, lift their spirits and – crucially – inspire them to buy. The right tempo is the key: in the morning we start energetically, at lunchtime it calms down, and in the afternoon the tempo slowly picks up again to create new energy for the rest of the day. Finally, in the evening, we focus on a fresh, youthful atmosphere.

“Music can put us in a good mood, motivate us or comfort us. But it can also put us in a buying mood,” explains Markus. “The challenge? Finding the sound that suits each brand and the people behind it.” At MAXFIVE, we put together tailor-made playlists for large retail chains such as REWE, PENNY and BILLA as well as smaller stores. Each playlist is specially adapted and optimized to create the right “vibe” for each target group. And don’t worry, it never gets boring – the MAXFIVE team always provides a breath of fresh air.

Star moments that make the job unforgettable

In addition to working on playlists, MAXFIVE also regularly offers the opportunity to experience music stars up close. Tim Bendzko, Mark Forster, Sophie and the Giants, Seiler & Speer – they have all visited the MAXFIVE studios. Mark Forster even read out the current PENNY offers live during his studio visit…

However, it is not just the stars themselves, but also the events that we organize for our customers that make the difference: store concerts, meet & greet events for employees or individually compiled playlists for company parties and events ensure that the brand messages are conveyed authentically and with a special flair. We also offer branded playlists on streaming platforms. In this way, our customers always stay one step ahead of the competition.

AI – The future of music planning or a few notes too many?

Of course, artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a role in music planning. But will AI ever replace the human music editor? Quite clearly: No! For Markus, it is the mixture of innovative technology and the “human touch” that makes the difference. “AI helps us with data processing and tagging tracks, but the right flow, the emotional connection – no machine can deliver that. We humans are needed for that,” explains Markus. “I think very few people will buy an AI presenter’s rave about the last Taylor Swift concert.”

Conclusion: More than just music – the wow factor at MAXFIVE

The work in the music editorial department at MAXFIVE is anything but monotonous. It’s not just about creating playlists, it’s about finding the right sound at the right time to increase the success of our customers. Every day, our team of true music lovers ensures that the flow is right, the mood is right and sales are growing. Music is the key to successful purchases and we are the experts who find the right tone.

MAXFIVE-Fact: Music creates atmosphere and encourages consumers to consume and invest more. A study by the University of Wollongong (2016) shows that classical music, for example, lowers the inhibition threshold to buy high-priced products. In other words: Beethoven not only enjoyed fine wines himself – his music still inspires wine lovers today to choose a more expensive product. Music affects us, often without us realizing it: it influences our mood, activates memories and touches us on a deep emotional level, triggering feelings and needs.