Zeitgeist | Interview with Thomas Halbgewachs, Founder

This year at High End Munich, Thomas Halbgewachs introduced something truly unique: Zeitgeist Germany. In this interview, the creator of Zeitgeist Germany shares the inspiring story behind this innovative project and its mission to infuse personal audio with soul and storytelling. Discover how Zeitgeist Germany challenges conventions in the industry:

Your presence with Headphone Shop at High End Munich has always been notable, but this year you brought something new: Zeitgeist Germany. What’s the story behind this new project?

Thomas: I’ve always felt this drive to challenge the norm and create products that resonate on a deeper level. For too long, I’ve felt a lack of inspiration in the industry, with many brands focusing solely on complicated technicalities and cold facts, especially in the world of in-ear monitors. I wanted to change that.

This idea has been brewing in my mind for some time, but it wasn’t until I found like-minded individuals who shared my crazy vision that it truly came to fruition.

Zeitgeist Germany goes beyond functionality. This project is our way of bringing life and soul back into personal audio, of capturing stories and emotions of the most extraordinary materials. We look for pieces that inspire us, and we let their organic nature guide us to the final product. It’s a completely crazy, unpredictable, always surprising process, but the results speak for themselves.

Who is Zeitgeist made for?

Thomas: Zeitgeist is for the daring, the adventurous, for the ones who love to be surprised. It’s for those who value individuality, craftsmanship, and the joy of discovery. Whether you’re a music lover, an audiophile, a design connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, Zeitgeist is for you.

Tell us more about your product collections. I understand you’re going above and beyond using some unusual materials.

Thomas: Our collections are stories waiting to be told. From the rugged beauty of wood to fragments of asteroids or vintage whisky barrels, each material has its own tale to tell.

Artisan is our crown jewel – made of sustainably preserved curly birch, it captures the beautiful harmony between nature’s artistry and human ingenuity in vibrant colors and patterns. As for Whisky, it’s made for the discerning connoisseurs among us. Crafted from aged oak barrels that once housed famous Islay scotch, this in-ear monitor collection reflects the sophistication of whisky-making. Hi-fi in cask strength.

My favorite thing about working with these materials is that no two products are ever the same – because of their natural irregularities, each IEM is as unique as the person wearing it.

But our exploration doesn’t end there. We went even further and started experimenting with meteorites and fragments of the Berlin Wall. Zeitgeist knows no bounds – it’s everywhere, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to open their minds.

As you craft these products, what steers your creative direction?

Thomas: Our creative direction is guided by our desire to explore. We’re not afraid to push the boundaries and try new things. Whether it’s discovering new materials or reimagining traditional techniques, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to innovate and create products that stand out from the crowd.

Where are Zeitgeist Germany products manufactured?

Thomas: We source raw materials from many parts of Europe, but all our products are hand-crafted in Germany, in a workshop near Heidelberg.

For those eager to get their hands on Zeitgeist Germany products, where can they find them?

Thomas: The first collections will become available very soon on zeitgeistgermany.com. 

Looking forward, what does the remainder of 2024 hold for Zeitgeist Germany?

Thomas: The rest of 2024 holds endless possibilities. New ideas bloom every day, and it’s just a matter of time before they all come to life. For now, we hope that people resonate with our vision and will walk alongside with us on this beautiful journey.