In conversation with Public Possession
Public Possession exists in a constant state of motion, across music, design, language, and the many ways we move through the world. Founded by long-time friends Marvin and Valentino, the Munich-based label and DJ collective has spent the past decade building an ever-evolving ecosystem of sound, style, and energy.
At the heart of Public Possession is a simple idea: sharing. “Ideas, messages, situations, signs & symbols. All day, every day,” they explain. “Ideally with a wide audience, all that are interested. This should at no point feel exclusive. If you dig it, join in.” It’s an ethos that runs through everything they do, from design and DJing to education and community-building. It also explains the name: it’s Public Possession because it’s never been just theirs.
With a MAAP + Public Possession collaboration release dropping August 26th, we caught up with the duo to explore their creative approach, their take on cycling culture, and the philosophy that drives it all.
For those that don’t know, how was P.P. born? What were your inspirations when starting out?
Circling back to the first moments, a shared sense of humour. Exchange of ideas first and foremost through words & drawings. Later on increasingly through DJing and music. A big mix.
Audio, Visual, Energy—how has your artistic approach developed over the years? How does each artistic endeavor inform the next?
It really is a continuous stream. We are both not really good at sticking to one thing—some may call it “unfocused.” This has its ups and downs, but for sure it means things don’t get boring. We like to get surprised, and that requires openness and flexibility. That’s been key to everything we do.
Where do you each converge and diverge on art? What makes P.P. work?
Maybe best to mention all things that appear in daily life and are not necessarily filed under “art.” Things like nature, commercial and infrastructural signage, historical information. We are “confused” archivists. We pick things up, reassemble, forget, reencounter. Always with one idea underneath: provide some kind of positive message. We like to cheer people up, including ourselves.
Based in München, how does your home base influence your lives and P.P.?
It’s the perfect mix of access to things we love: nature, travel, Italy, and above all, our families.
Who or what have been your biggest influences over the years?
Munich and its culture have been our biggest guidelines. GOMMA, Benny Röder, Bar Charlie, Erste Liga, SmalPaze, etc…
If you could collaborate with any artist—alive or past—who would it be and why?
Difficult. Too many. Bob Marley! Mozart (Valentino says he has a direct line to heaven), Rosalia, Leonardo Da Vinci, Laurie Anderson…
Who are your favourite musicians?
Again, too many to mention! We love all artists on P.P. We recommend diving into our catalogue. A good place to start: the Chill Pill compilation series.
Travelling for work, where has been your favourite destination so far and why?
Italy is a place we always come back to. It’s close and easy. But honestly, everywhere we go we find something to pick up. It’s a mental recharge.
Travelling back in time—where are you heading?
Probably Greece, for a chat with Aristoteles. Peripatos!
What’s your relationship with cycling? What first drew you to the scene?
We have a very casual relationship with cycling. It’s the number one way we get around. From A to B, C and further.
What are you riding right now?
A Christiania Cargo Bike, a Muli Cargo Bike, and a self-assembled racing bike (no brand).
Dream bike setup?
We’re considering buying a tandem for the team. Maybe go bigger! Fun train!
Favourite bike routes?
Anywhere up or down the river Isar.
How do you connect with MAAP as cyclists? How did this collaboration come about?
We first connected following the MAAP x PAM collaboration—another brand we admire. We like the idea of performance-driven brands that are open to breaking habits and perceptions by bringing in new ideas. We really appreciate being involved.
If you had the power to change anything in the world with just one wish, what would it be?
World peace.
What’s on the horizon for Public Possession?
If we knew, it wouldn’t be P.P. Recently we’ve started working in education, bringing fun and arts to kids and non-grown-ups. That’s something we want to build on.
Word Association
München: Home
Melbourne: Great parties, great food, lots of friends
Cycling: Freedom
Music: Language
Art: Everything (hope!)
Sound: Nature
Silence: Priceless
City: People
Nature: Grass & water
Future: Mystery
Past: History (dig it)
Present: Maintain a child’s mind
I Am… Learning
Snails: Are cool
Spaghetti: Pomodoro
MAAP & Public Possession: 🔜
Shop the MAAP + Public Possession collaboration in-store and online from 26 August 2025.
