Jack Savoretti is a British singer-songwriter and I’ve heard a lot of good things about his live performance. Like so many I haven’t had the chance to see him live although he’s been around for ages. Lucky me he just released his 6th studio record called “Singing to Strangers” which makes him go on tour through Europe. On May 6th he is in Zurich at Volkshaus thanks to Allblues.
Jack Savoretti’s song “Home” is one of his most famous – at least in my eyes. Such a beautiful ballade and with his raspy voice he is transporting just the right kind of sadness. But that was way back in 2014. Fast forward 5 years and we’ve got “Singing to Strangers” to listen to. And I mean how true is that. Next Monday he will definitely singing to strangers… well at least I’ll be a stranger since it’s gonna be my first time listening to him. However my friends from Loads of Music are no strangers at all as you can see by the beautiful headline picture.
Pete(r) Doherty has been around for ages – luckily, you might say. He’s been known to live the rock’n’roll lifestyle. Ex-girlfriend Kate Moss could attest to that. He’s been buddies with Amy Winehouse as well who died 8 years ago. Now let’s talk about his music: He was part of the legendary Libertines and the lead singer of the Babyshambles.
Peter Doherty & the Puta Madres started out in 2016. After some band changes and a few festival gigs the band is releasing their first self-titled record on April, 26th. Almost a month later the multi-national band are playing X-tra in Zurich. I’m very excited to see Pete Doherty live. First of all he’s super talented and manages to create visionary songs. Second of all I heard he’s a nice chap. So I want to see and hear for myself what is true and what is not.
Let’s listen to the first single called “Who’s been having you over” off the new record:
It does sound a lot like Pete Doherty. I love the distinct guitar sounds. Makes you want to listen to more. The next single which was just released is “Paradise is under your nose” and is a bit slower than “Who’s been having you over”.
So if you are a fan of Indie Rock you should deffo mark your calendar and buy your ticket early because I think you are in for a treat. Songs from the Libertines, Babyshambles and his new project the Puta Madres are promising to be a great night for guitar and indie rock lovers. Get your ticket here: justbecause.ch
Peter Doherty & the Puta Madres are a must see for Indie Rock / guitar lovers. Make sure listen to the debut record in two weeks and make your way down to X-tra on May, 23rd. ๐
We still love college! ๐ 10 years after Asher Roth released his debut album “Asleep in the Bread Aisle” we get to see him live at Mascotte on Friday, May 17th. So I’m expecting a frat party times 10 since it’s the start of the weekend. I hope lots of people show up and are ready to party with Asher Roth. But first things first. Let me introduce you to him:
This is Asher Roth and he must have had a good time in college. His debut record is all about the experience every school kid in America goes through. With his old school hip hop vibe he hit a nerve and went from myspace to the big spotlight – so much that little me in Switzerland heard his song and fell in love with it. I still party to “I love college” in my car haha
That party last night was awfully crazy I wish we taped it I danced my ass off and had this one girl completely naked Drink my beer and smoke my weed But my good friends is all I need Pass out at three wake up at ten Go out to eat then do it again
I love college by Asher Roth
Another one of my favorites is “She don’t wanna man” featuring Keri Hilson. It’s such a cool party tune. Both songs found their way onto my iPod. Since we are already talking about featurings…. This album has a few of them with big names! Cee-Lo Green – the “Crazy” singer and a party of Gnarls Barkley and the legendary Busta Rhymes – who’s the fastest rapper I’ve ever heard. How cool is that to have them on your debut record?
I would deffo recommend you to listen to “Asleep in the bread aisle” and now I’m really excited to see all those songs live at Mascotte on May 17th thanks to Just Because. And maybe just maybe we get to listen to some newer material as well. You will deffo hear about here on my blog. Get your tix here: justbecause.ch
Asher Roth loves College and I love his debut record “Asleep in the bread Aisle”. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since the release but now I finally get to hear it live. So mark your calendar peeps May 17th at Mascotte! Let’s put our drinks up and party like back in 2009 ๐
I was super excited to see Noah Kahan and Dean Lewis on April 7th at Kaufleuten Zรผrich. I’ve only heard good things about both of them and I guess I wasn’t the only one. When we started queuing an hour and half before doors opened we never expected so many people already there. By the time the doors actually opened people queued around the block! I don’t think I’ve ever seen this at this venue before.
Noah Kahan
We managed to get a good spot in front row and now it was time to wait. Luckily when you are in good company time flies. At 8 o’clock Noah Kahan and his band mates came on stage. The wooping and clapping was already unusally loud. Not only did we get to experience very good songs we enjoyed Noah’s funny stories as well. The guys started with “Passenger” and “False Confidence”. I love when artists crack a joke or tell us the stories behind the songs and Noah Kahan did just that. The set continued with “Carlo’s song” and “Mess”.
But here it is. The song that everyone knows and can singalong to. It’s been on the radio for weeks and the Swiss audience surprised Noah by singing loudly along to “Hurt Somebody”. Noah and his band are incredible musicians and I would have loved to hear more of them but he’s “Only” the warm-up so unfortunately after just a few songs they had to leave the stage. They finished the set with “Young Blood” and I hope they are coming back for a headlining show soon!
Dean Lewis
Holy smokes! Wow! The Swiss audience screamed their lungs out when Dean Lewis took the stage at 9pm. I think I’ve never needed my earplugs more haha Dean Lewis started his set with “Hold of me” and the Swiss crowd knew every single lyrics. I was super suprised and so was Dean. I think this was one of the loudest singing crowd’s I’ve experienced. “Need you now” and “Place we knew” were next and the singing never stopped. A very emotional song for everyone was “Stay Awake” and I think this totally overwhelmed Dean Lewis. He said that he’s never heard a crowd sing this song as loudly as we did. You could tell by his smile that he loved this show and he loved the Swiss audience.
“Chemicals” and “lose my mind” followed this lovely moment and when he sat down to play a song by himself on his key board he was literally in front of me. And the funniest thing was he actually asked me and the girls how we were and if we’re good. Of course we were and I did my famous two thumbs up haha. With “Half a man” he enchanted Kaufleuten. His beautiful voice, the thoughtful lyrics and his piano skills was all it took to shut the usually chatty Kaufleuten crowd up. I loved it! What a great night it was ๐
The band came back for “Time to go” and “Don’t hold me”. Back at the piano Dean Lewis performed his biggest hit “Be Alright” and the crowd’s singing got even louder! A magic moment with all the camera lights in the air swaying to the song. Check out my highlights on IG to get a little glimpse of that special moment. A lovely girl in the front row thought of something really cool. She printed out loads of A4 paper with “We won’t stop loving you! <3” on them. During “7 Minutes” we were suppose to hold it up. And our moment came now. A sea of white paper swaying along to the full song and the reaction to this was priceless. First Dean Lewis looked confused and then he read what was written on them and the biggest smile appeared.
Again we were told how cool and awesome of an audience we are and I think he really meant it. Because it really was true. The girls in the first rows were incredibly loud and knew every song. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it now. Now this made me like Dean Lewis even more. He said that this band made him want to be a musician and of course he’s talking about the incredible Oasis! (Last year I got to see Liam Gallagher live, read more here) I loved Dean Lewis’ rendition of “Don’t look back in Anger”. Since the Manchester attack at the Ariana Grande gig this song means even more to me than before.
“For the last time” which reminded me a bit of the Script’s “For the first time” – just because I’m a bit obsessed with them as you know – was the last song before the encore. I think the people weren’t ready to let Dean Lewis go. With a deafening applause the Swiss crowd wanted him back on stage and of course they got their wish. “Straight back down” and his first single which got him known in Australia “Waves” were his last two songs of the night. Just after 10 Dean Lewis was finished and I think everyone in the crowd loved this amazing gig. A few of us stayed a bit longer and we were rewarded with an unplugged rendition of “Be Alright” on the streets of Zurich. I’ve never seen an artist come out and instead of taking pics and giving autographs he gave us a little private concert. I loved it and again it was such a special way to finish the night.
Dean Lewis and Noah Kahan treated us with a special night of great voices, great music and amazing lyrics to singalong to. I hope they both will be back very soon! ๐
KT Tunstall has been in our lives since 2004 but somehow I never managed to see her live! I am so glad that this changed yesterday. A very talented funny lovely scottish musician who puts up the best show for her fans. The last tour date of her tour brought KT Tunstall to Mascotte in Zurich and it really was a brill party to rock out to.
First up I want to say I have the best concert buddies ever! Yesterday morning I got invited to a meet n greet with KT Tunstall. I was over the moon but the best part of this was that we got to see the sound check. Not just 10 mins of it – no – the full sound check. It was sooo impressive seeing the band and KT being super professionall and trying to get the sound and the show just right for the fans. I love every minute of it.
Right after the sound check we were able to meet KT Tunstall and take photos. Two fans brought her a very cool fan shirt. I personally thought it was professional merch but it was actually hand made! Again I was so impressed as was KT. Another cool gift from the fans was a “Rรถsti” and some “Bratwurst”. Obviously this is an insider. KT Tunstall started doing KT’s Kitchen. Before her gigs she would set up a little kitchen in the hallways of the venue’s and cook something. Because you know on tour you usually eat pretty bad food but with the little stove KT is actually able to cook a nice meal for her and the band. So while we were waiting for the support act to come on we were watching her IG live wearing the shirt and cooking her Swiss dinner ๐
Laurel
Laurel is a British musician and I don’t know why but I think I’ve heard her before. She must have been supporting someone before but I can’t quite make out who. Laurel has a beautiful voice and she proved it over the next few minutes with “San Fran”, “LoveSick” and “Violet” which I deffo heard before. I loved the song and so did the audience. Laurel was also impressed how quiet the crowd was and were actually listening. They really were. No-one was chatting and actually respected the artist on stage. So I really love the KT Tunstall Fans! ๐ Laurel finished her set on the last tour date with “Same Mistakes”, “Sun King” and “Adored”.
KT Tunstall
With a new song “In This Body” from her recent album “Wax” – which is the 2nd album in a trilogy – KT Tunstall opened the show. It was clear she means business. The atmosphere was great from the start. She spoke with us a lot and explained songs and told stories. I love this! After the rock mood was set she treated us to an oldie “Other side of the World”. I remember this song so well. It’s amazing how you don’t forget a song you loved and over 10 years later you can still singalong to! What I also love if artists aren’t complaining about people having cell phones but actually using them to create a beautiful atmosphere. A sea of lights and we were only two songs in!
Another new song “Backlash & Vinegar” which I really liked and by then I realized I was fascinated by the crowd, the band and KT Tunstall of course. She mentioned that at every show she tells this story. She wants us to retweet as many cat, elephants dog videos as possible so when she scrolls through Twitter etc. there isn’t as much negativity going on. Living in the US and being British KT Tunstall has definitely her fair share of negative headlines at the moment. I usually don’t like when artists get into politics but the way she did it – in a funny way during her morning coffee – I thought it was amusing and we could all relate to that. The good vibes and the energy kept going strong with “Uummannag song” back from 2010.
Here’s another story KT Tunstall believes that we are all in some sorts connected and imagine if that would visibly be shown with a red thread. So from an airplane red threads would come down to the earth and then from there around the world. All of this she put in the next song called “Little red thread”. “Hard girls” and “The river was next before she launched into another story about people going through a tough time. There might be a sea of Scheisse in front of you. You can’t go around it or dive under it because it’s just too deep. So all you can do is:
You have to go across the sea of Scheisse.
And for that you need to have a good song to get you across the sea of scheisse. So she wrote “Feel it all”. And she did this beautiful song alone on stage with just her voice and her guitar.
After that the band came back and brought Laurel with them. Together they sang “Heal Over” and you could see how much they grew together over the past couple of months touring together. I know I’m kind of gushing now but again I loved how KT Tunstall introduced her amazing band. Every night she would ask them a question and they would have to answer it without any preparation. But because it’s the last night she had a proper tough question and gave them a bit of time. So let me introduce to you:
Clare Uchima aka The Medicine Woman – Healing people
Mandy Clarke aka Anti-Dick – Calling out Dicks
Cat Myers aka Catapult – Teleportation
Hattie Moran aka Nosy Bastard – Invisibility
After getting to know them a bit more they performed “Ashes”. Poor Clare who had a little mouth piano got bunny glasses put on while she was playing. Just hilarious! It was time for them to leave the stage again because KT showed us her loop station skills and sang one of her smash hits “Black horse and a cherry tree”. You guys know how much I looove loop stations so I enjoyed this part of the show a lot. The band did too as they were jumping up and down on the sofa in the backstage room which is situated on the right side of the stage and usually covered with a curtain. In what felt like a second the girls ran down and were back on stage for the next song. A song which KT and Nick from Franz Ferdinand wrote after David Bowie died. A nice vanguard song dedicated to a legend: “The Night that Bowie died”.
“Dark side of me”, “The Mountain” and “Saving my face” were next. KT Tunstall tries to combine her cooking / Mind Body & Soul side with her rock’n’roll side. “The Healer” on paper sounds like the first side but you can pretty well just trash a hotel room with it too ๐ Her words not mine but she’s right! The time just flew by and it was time to do the Encore game.
With the crowd bouncing and the energy reaching another level KT Tunstall and her band performed “Push that Know away”. She then asked us: “Do you have any good cover bands?” And everyone was just like “Meh”. And I guess that was what she was looking for because she and band are actually the best cover band in the world! ๐ They performed a classic Bon Jovi song “Livin on a Prayer” which they are using as KT’s Kitchen jingle and with that they smoothly turned it into Belinda Carlisle’s hit “Heaven is a place on Earth”. They got us singing and clapping again. This made me wonder if I really should buy a ticket to see Bon Jovi this summer??
KT Tunstall thanked each and everyone helping her put this tour together and of course us fans coming to see the show and spending our hard earned money on it. Live music can never be replaced by videos on phones. Never ever. And she is hoping that this is our happy place here with her.
Yes, KT my happy place is deffo live music and if it is as brilliant as yours it’s even a happier place ๐
With this she started the first chords of her Uber hit “Suddenly I see” and now literally everyone was singing along to. All I could see were smiling faces and happy people dancing along to “Girls just wanna have fun”. We do, especially with those girls!
KT Tunstall is still a super talented and funny musician who puts up a pretty incredible rock show. I’ll be back the next time!
Bevor wir unser Interview beginnen, erzรคhlt mir Wincent was er heute รผber die Schweiz gelernt hat. Meine Vorgรคnger, diverse Radiostationen, brachten ihm den Kanton Graubรผnden nรคher, das Frauenwahlrecht und wie viel Kilo Schokolade ein Schweizer im Jahr isst. Kekoas Korner ist das letzte Interview an seinem Schweizer Promo-Tag fรผr seine neue CD โIrgendwie Andersโ, die nรคchste Woche am Freitag erscheint.ย
Als kleine Stรคrkung habe ich ein Tรผte Haribos dabei und los gehts:
Meine Mom hat dich damals als Support Act bei Andreas Bourani gesehen und mir geschrieben, dass du endlich mal wieder ein guter Support warst ๐ Siehst du Andreas Bourani so ein bisschen als Fรถrderer deiner Karriere?
Als Fรถrderer? Leider habe ich mit ihm nur das eine Konzert in Zรผrich zusammen gespielt.
Echt?
Ja. Sein Support Act mit dem er die ganze Tour gemacht hat, ist ausgefallen und dann hat mich Universal gefragt, ob ich das machen mรถchte. Ich hab mich noch gar nicht bereit gefรผhlt. Es war mein aller aller erstes Live-Konzert. Mein erstes Konzert mit einer eigenen Band war in Zรผrich im Hallenstadion.
Sehr cool! Leider konnte ich damals wegen der Schule nicht hin, aber schon dein erstes Konzert hat meiner Mom gefallen ๐ย
Das freut mich! ๐
Deine Band war ja schon damals die gleiche wie heute. Lea – ein Fan – und ich wรผrden gerne wissen wie ihr euch gefunden habt?
Im Studio in dem ich meine ganzen Songs geschrieben und aufgenommen hab, gab es einen Nebenraum, in dem ganz frisch ein Pianist eingezogen ist. Ich musste damals fรผr die Kindernothilfe, fรผr die ich Botschafter bin, eine kleine Gala spielen – nur auf Klavier. Ich kannte ja noch gar keinen und da hab ich ihn einfach gefragt, ob wir dies zusammen machen kรถnnen. Und er meinte, ja klar kรถnnen wir machen. So habe ich meine Band kennen gelernt.
Benni Freibott (Gitarre), Manuel Weber (Keyboard), Manfred Sauer (Bass) und Florian Kettler (Schlagzeug)
Er und seine Jungs haben am Wochenende auf Gigs, Hochzeiten usw. zusammen gespielt und dann hab ich sie gefragt, ob wir nicht zusammen Deutschpop machen wollen. Sie waren natรผrlich zuerst skeptisch, weil mich kannte ja noch niemand und ich hatte noch keine Songs verรถffentlicht. Als ich dann gesagt habe unser erstes Konzert ist im Hallenstadion in Zรผrich, meinten sie nur so: โJa, ja verarsch uns nichtโ. Aber als wir dann in Zรผrich standen, passte es fรผr alle und wir sagten uns, lass es uns probieren.ย Und jetzt kรถnnen wir selber so viele Konzerte spielen mit der gleichen Band!
Ich hab euch letzten November gesehen. Man merkt total, dass ihr euch so gut versteht!ย
Meine Plattenfirma wollte zuerst eine gleichaltrige Band, aber ich wollte es einfach so haben, wie es natรผrlich entstanden ist. Meine Band ist zehn Jahre รคlter als ich, aber trotzdem ist es mega. Es ist geil, dass wir so zusammen gewachsen sind. Wie eine kleine Familie.
So soll’s sein! ๐
Jetzt gehst du wieder auf Headline-Tour im Rahmen deines neuen Albums. Planst du auch mal Tourdaten im Ausland – also nicht Deutsch-sprachiges Ausland? Ein Fan lebt in Tschechien und hat gefragt, ob du mal dahin kommst?
Geplant ist es im Moment nicht. Aber wenn da deutsche Musik lรคuft und man da irgendwie ein Konzert stattfinden lassen kann, wรคr’s natรผrlich mรถglich. Ich dachte eh, dass ich niemals den deutschen Raum verlassen werde. Aber ich hatte ja im Dezember auch eine Tour in Kanada, Mexiko und Amerika. Das war auch schon total absurd.ย Bis jetzt ist nur Deutschland, รsterreich Schweiz geplant fรผr diese Tour. Mal schauen woโs noch hingeht dieses Jahr.ย Kommt ja auch drauf an wie erfolgreich dieses Album wird. Ich weiss es ja noch nicht.
*ich schau ihn unglรคubig an* Ja gut, also die ersten zwei Singles waren ja schon super erfolgreich.
Ja, stimmt. Die waren schon ein zwei gute Vorreiter.
29. Mรคrz 2019
Da wir schon รผber โIrgendwie Andersโ reden. Wer hat dich musikalisch beeinflusst auf diesem Album?
Ich glaub am meisten mein Produzent (Kevin Zaremba) mit dem ich seit fรผnf Jahren arbeite. Mit ihm habe ich auch meine allerersten Songwriting-Sessions gemacht. Wir haben das erste Album zusammen gemacht und haben uns beide musikalisch weiterentwickelt und ganz viel Neues ausprobiert. Gesanglich hab ich mich weiterentwickelt. Ich traue mich viel viel mehr. Auch produktionsmรคssig: Ich bin viel persรถnlicher geworden. Ich glaube, das sollten auch alle hรถren, die das Album ganz durchhรถren.
Hab ich. Man hรถrtโs wirklich!
Ist schon anders wie das erste Album. Viele Facetten und sehr persรถnlich.
Jetzt warst du ja bereits in Sรผdafrika und bekamst weitere musikalische Anregungen von deinen Sing-meinen-Song-Kollegen. Darfst du uns irgendetwas verraten?
Zu den Songs einzeln darf ich natรผrlich nichts sagen. Man kennt ja, dass Leute auf YouTube deine Songs covern und nachsingen. Aber dort war’s so, dass die Kรผnstler die Songs genommen haben und komplett zum eigenen gemacht haben. Sie haben sie umarrangiert, umgeschrieben, in andere Sprachen รผbersetzt. Es war richtig krass zu sehen, was aus meinen Songs entstehen kann. Auch umgekehrt: Was aus den Songs, der anderen Kรผnstler entsteht. Es war eine richtig spannende Erfahrung fรผr mich. Auch eine Riesenehre. Die Kรผnstler, die da mitmachen, da war ich 12/13 Jahre und die liefen dann im Radio und waren Stars fรผr mich. Und auf einmal darf ich mit denen Musik machen! Es war ein ehrenvolles Erlebnis!
Wann wird das eigentlich ausgestrahlt?
Am 7.5 fรคngt das an und wir starten auch gleich mit meiner Sendung – also mit meinen Songs. Ich bin der Start der Serie.
Gut zu wissen. Leute markiert den 7. Mai DICK in eurem Kalender ๐
Das ist meine letzte Frage. Deine Fans sind echt unglaublich. Ich hab noch nie so viele Fan-Fragen fรผr den zweiten Teil meines Interviews bekommen. Die ersten zwei Fragen kommen von den zwei Fans, die letzten November die Feuerzeug-Aktion in der Halle 622 organisiert haben. Das war echt ein Gรคnsehaut-Moment. (Seht euch meine Highlights auf Instagram an). Wie speziell war es fรผr dich?
Ich find sowas immer unbeschreiblich, dass sich Fans wie Daniela und Vanessa (Winnis_Schweizer_Crew) so Gedanken machen und dann die ganze Masse an Leuten auch animiert, an einem Strick zu reissen, um mir eine Freude zu bereiten. Sonst kenn ich’s bei Konzerten so, dass alle das Handy hochholen und ich sag dann so: โAlle, die noch old-school sind, kรถnnen auch die Feuerzeuge hochhaltenโ. Dann machen das so vier Leute. Auf einmal waren es 800 Feuerzeuge in der Luft. Vor allem das Klicken die ganze Zeit, weil man ja das Feuer immer wieder anzรผnden muss. Ich hรถrte 800 Mal das โKlick-Klick-Klick! ๐ Das war schon geil. Ich liebe solche Aktionen.
Es ist auch schรถn zu sehen, dass das ohne meine Absprache lรคuft. Die Fans รผberlegen sich das, um mir eine Freude zu machen. Ein Fan hat in einer Halle auch mal so kleine durchsichtige Papierschnipsel in verschiedenen Farben verteilt – so reihenmรคssig. Die erste Reihe hatte Rot, dann Gelb usw. Dann mussten das alle vor die Handylichter halten und dann entstand ein riesengrosser Regenbogen aus all den Handys. Andere halten alle die gleichen Plakate hoch. Sie รผberlegen sich ganz ganz viel. Wie du schon sagtest, meine Fans sind echt krass. Die stellen auch bei Votings alle anderen in den Schatten. Es ist so schรถn zu sehen, dass man auch so viel zurรผckbekommt. Man gibt auf der Bรผhne immer so viel und man versucht, die beste Show zu liefern und die Fans liefern sich mittlerweile fast eine eigene Show! So machtโs Spass! ๐
Wie schon angetรถnt. Jetzt kommen die Fan Questions:
Daniela hat eine mega schwierige Frage.
Oh, Oh!
Wenn du dich entscheiden mรผsstest zwischen: Alle bis heute gesammelten Erinnerungen werden gelรถscht oder du kannst keine neuen Erinnerungen mehr sammeln. Wie wรผrdest du dich entscheiden?
*รberlegt* Puh. Das ist wirklich schwierig. Ich finde die Erinnerungen, die man im Jugendalter/ in den 20er macht, die sind lebensentscheidend und wichtig fรผr die ganze Entwicklung. Aber da ich 26 bin, hab ich hoffentlich noch so viele Jahre vor mir. Grade ich als Familienfan, ich will unbedingt Vater werden, ich glaub, das mรถchte ich alles miterleben. Das sind so meine Lebensziele, von da her wรผrde ich alles hinter mir lassen und jetzt neu beginnen.
Das war jetzt tiefgrรผndig!
Vanessa hat eine Frage: Was wรผrdest du รคndern, wenn du im Musikbusiness das Sagen hรคttest?
*รberlegt nochmals* Mann, die beiden stellen wirklich schwere Fragen! Es ist wirklich schwierig. Mir sagen viele Musikerkollegen, die schon seit lรคngerem dabei sind: โOh, ich wรผnsch mir die alten Zeiten zurรผck mit Plattenkรคufen und ohne Streaming. Da war noch alles viel cooler. Da hat man noch mehr Geld verdientโ. Was ja gar nicht im Vordergrund stehen sollte, finde ich, bei dem ganzen Musik-kram. Ich finde heutzutage durch das ganze Streaming hat sich geรคndert, dass viel mehr Leute Zugang zu deiner Musik haben. Jeder auf der Welt kann meine Musik hรถren und nicht nur die Leute, die meine Platte kaufen. Was ich an sich gut finde. Ich glaube, ich wรผrde mir wรผnschen, dass die einzelnen Gernes bisschen mehr Einsicht in die anderen haben. Dass es nicht mehr so heisst: Das ist Deutschrap, das ist Deutschpop, Rock. Die Rocker finden die Deutschpoper scheisse. Deutschrap findet Pop kacke etc. Wir sollten uns mehr als Gemeinschaft sehen. Wir sind alle Musiker. Wir ziehen alle am gleichen Strang. Zwar aus verschiedenen Genres, aber wir sind Musiker und machen Mucke und spielen Konzerte, um den Leuten da draussen eine schรถne Zeit zu bieten. Wir geben ihnen Songs fรผrs Leben mit denen sie Erinnerungen verbinden und das sollten einige ein bisschen als โGemeinsamen-Strangโ sehen und nicht als โBusiness-Geld-Verdien-Strangโ. Viele machen ja das, um zu schauen, mit was sie am meisten Geld verdienen. Es sollte so ein bisschen der Musik-Gemeinschaftsgedanke im Vordergrund stehen ๐ Sonst bin ich eigentlich mit allem was kommt und sich verรคndert mega happy.ย
Das finde ich echt gut. Ich konnte noch nie etwas mit Genres anfangen.
Ich ja auch nicht weil ich so viel durcheinander hรถre. Ich komm ja aus der Metalschiene.
*รberrascht* Echt jetzt?!
Ja, ich hรถr 80% nur Metal und liebe das. Hรถr mittlerweile auch Deutschrap. Auch wenn ich das eigentlich kacke finde, dass die deutsche Jugend Texte รผber Koksen, Nutten und so was hรถrt. Ich hรถr jetzt nicht den Deutschrap, aber so Hip Hop und Pop, den ich vorher nicht gehรถrt hรคtte. Ich bin einfach Musik-neugierig und bin interessiert, was wer macht und wie alles arrangiert ist. Deswegen sollte dieser Genre-Gedanke so ein bisschen verfliegen.ย
Viele sagen: โAh das ist Schlager oder das ist nicht Schlagerโ. Mein Gott, es sollte doch einfach schรถne Musik sein. Ist die Musik jetzt schlecht nur weil sie Schlager oder Deutschrap ist nur weil man sie so betitelt? Ist doch eigentlich vรถllig egal!
Bin ich total bei dir. So doofe Genre-Gedanken hat ich nie. Fรผr mich wars immer: Entweder mag ich den Song oder eben nicht – egal was fรผr ein Genre, der jetzt ist!
Bei Festivals z.B. Da wird ein Hip-Hop-Festival gemacht, da hat ein Pop-Act nichts verloren. Grade bei Festivals, finde ich, sollten die so bunt wie mรถglich sein und fรผr alle was da sein.ย
Sophia: Wรผnschst du dir ein normales Leben ohne gleich erkannt zu werden?
Das ich ein unnormales Leben habe, wรผrde ich jetzt nicht sagen. Ich fรผhre glaube ich trotzdem ein ganz normales Leben, in dem ich einfach erkannt werde.
Ich glaube, es gibt Situationen, in denen ich mir wรผnschen wรผrde, nicht erkannt zu werden. Mir fehlt mittlerweile so der Respekt fรผr die Privatsphรคre und die Distanz, die man hat. Ich glaube, das ist so ein bisschen durch Social Media kaputt gegangen. Da ist man so nahbar und immer bei den Fans, was ich ja eigentlich super finde. Aber wenn ich mit meiner kleinen Schwester in den Freizeitpark gehe, kann ich es nicht mehr machen, weil ich alle 5 Minuten Fotos machen muss. Da sagt meine Schwester: โHey Wincent, schรถn mit dir Zeit zu verbringen, aber ich habe nicht so viel Spass und wir kรถnnen nicht zusammen fahren, weil alle immer Fotos von dir mรถchten.โ Da fรคngt man dann an, nur noch Zuhause zu bleiben. Ich gehe mittlerweile nicht mehr in Restaurants oder bestelle Essen aufs Hotelzimmer, weil ich nicht runtergehen mรถchte weil ich mir denke, muss ich dann schon wieder Bilder machen? Da fehlt mir so ein bisschen der Respekt vor der Distanz. Ansprechen immer gerne, Fotos machen auch, aber vielleicht mal verstehen, wann man gerade privat unterwegs ist – vor allem mit der Familie – und wann es OK ist. Da wรผnsche ich mir ein bisschen mehr Feingefรผhl.ย
Das versteh ich.
Fรผr mich ist es manchmal noch ein bisschen schwierig zu verstehen.
Ist es echt so krass? Da kennen die nix?
Z.B. beim Essen. Wenn das Essen kommt, stehe ich fรผr ein Foto auf. Dann kommen drei andere und meinen, wenn du grade dabei bist, machen wir doch auch gleich Fotos. 20 Minuten spรคter setzt du dich hin und das Essen ist kalt und die Familie ist dabei. Das ist dann schon schwierig.ย
Oh nee. Das ist nicht schรถn.
Ja, ich glaube das sind so die Schattenseiten fรผr die รถffentliche Arbeit, die man macht. Ich glaube, da muss man irgendwie noch versuchen, beides zusammen zu bekommen. Privat- und Berufsleben. Kommt noch.
Alex hat schon ein Ticket fรผr Stuttgart. Ist es schwer, persรถnliche Lieder wie Plรคne oder 1993 vor Publikum zu singen? Wirst duโs รผberhaupt machen?
Ja. Ich hab die Tour im November noch nicht geplant – was wir da genau spielen. Um so etwas zu erzรคhlen, sucht man sich ja eigentlich Freunde und Familie. Wir Musiker schreiben halt Songs drรผber, damit wir es verarbeiten kรถnnen. Da hat mich letztens ein Fan gefragt, ist es nicht blรถd wenn du Plรคne singst und du wirst jeden Abend, an dem du dieses Lied singst an deine Ex-Freundin erinnert? Und ich so, ja stimmt, eigentlich ist das nicht so klug. So weit habe ich nicht gedacht. Dann habe ich mir gedacht, dass ist eigentlich die gleiche Form, ob ich das runterschreibe oder mit Freunden spreche. Da rede ich eigentlich auch vor Freunden – meinen ganzen Fans. Die sind alle wie kleine Mini-Therapeuten, die da unten stehen und ich spreche mich halt vor meinen Fans aus und verarbeite das. Ich glaube, das ist ein guter Weg, um das zu verarbeiten. So viel es geht, darรผber zu sprechen. Wo spricht man mehr drรผber als bei einem Konzert? Da spreche ich immer ganz ganz viel drรผber. Erzรคhl die Story, sind den Song, Fans heulen, ich heul. Ist schรถn ๐
Noemi fragt: Bist du glรคubig?
Religiรถs bin ich glaube ich nicht. In meiner Familie war das auch nie ein Thema. Frรผher sind wir Sonntags in die Kirche und mein Opa war eher der, der aus den Liedzetteln Papierflieger gebastelt hat und durch die Kirche geworfen hat. Das war mir und meiner Oma dann ein bisschen unangenehm und wir sind dann frรผher raus.ย
Ich glaube, dass ich so ein bisschen unreligiรถs geworden bin, weil man oft die ganzen Extrem-Seiten der Religionen mitbekommt. Alles was in den Nachrichten รผber Religion steht, steht immer nur im Extremfall da. Die Extremisten von der Religion haben das getan usw.
Religion definiert sich ja nicht durch deren Extremisten, sondern einfach durch den Glauben an sich. Ich glaube, ich bin viel zu krasser Realist, dass ich so einen Glauben entwicklen kann.
Ich hab schwere Fragen, gell?
Ich dachte, das letzte Interview, muss ich jetzt nochmals die ganzen Fragen von vorher beantworten. Und es sind alles Fragen, die hab ich noch nie vorher gehรถrt. Das ist sehr gut.
Das freut mich sehr!!
Daline mรถchte gerne wissen, ob du dir eine wohlverdiente Auszeit nimmst nรคchstes Jahr?
Ich glaube nicht. Ich hab das immer geplant, dass ich รผber den Winter mal eine Auszeit nehme, aber dann hab ich eine Tour gemacht, mein Album gemacht. So ein Jahr Auszeit – ich glaube – ich bin dafรผr viel zu Workaholic und muss immer arbeiten. Wenn ich mal zwei Tage meine E-Mails nicht mache, dann denk ich so โScheisse, du hast zwei Tage nicht gearbeitet! Du musst jetzt unbedingt wieder arbeiten. Das kann doch nicht wahr sein!โ Ich liebe ja das was ich mache und will arbeiten. Deswegen glaube ich nicht, dass ich eine Auszeit nehmen werde. Gerne mal รผber Winter Urlaub machen, aber so ein Jahr Auszeit kรถnnte ich mir nicht vorstellen.ย
Wincentโs Wunder und ganz viele andere Fans fragten, ob es eine Akustik-Tour geben wird?
Mhhhโฆ Mhhโฆ Mรผsst ich mal รผberlegen. Ich habs noch nicht geplant. Aber ich mach auf jeden Fall ein Akustik-Album zum zweiten Album – wie beim ersten Album. Es hat mir mega gut gefallen, weil ich mit den Akustik-Songs gross geworden bin. Diese Akustik-Tour, die wir mit dem ersten Album gemacht haben, war schon schรถn. Wir haben ein kleines Wohnzimmer gebaut, nur sitzendes Publikum – was fรผr mich auf der Bรผhne ganz ein komisches Gefรผhl war. Es war natรผrlich nicht die Energie, die ich sonst gewohnt bin. War eine ganz ungewohnte Situation! Wenn ich im Nachhinein so darรผber nachdenke, war es eine mega schรถne Erfahrung. Vielleicht machen wir das einfach nochmal. Dieses Jahr passt es nicht mehr rein, aber man kรถnnte 2020 auf jeden Fall noch eine Akustik-Tour machen.
Wรคr `ne Idee.
Wรคr `ne Idee. Ich denk drรผber nach.
Anna hat eine lustige Frage. Ich weiss nicht, wie sie darauf kommt. Aber here it is: Wie sieht es mit deinem Bartwuchs aus?
*Lacht und fasst sich ans Kinn* รhm, nicht so dolle. Ich hab einfach keinen grossen Bartwuchs. Hatte immer ein Babyface und jetzt bin ich 26 und habโs immer noch. So viel Hoffnung, dass ich noch einen Vollbart bekomme, hab ich nicht. Der Drops ist gelutscht.
Wincent Weiss und Kekoas Korner
So jetzt kommen die Fast questions:
Strand oder Berge?
Strand
Kleine Location oder Stadion?
Oh das ist schwierig!
Du kannst es als eigener Kรผnstler oder auch als Fan sagen.
Beides schwierig! Ich finde, es hat beides seinen Charme. Kleine Locations sind intim und schรถn. Man kann mit den ganzen Fans gut interagieren.
Grosse Locations sind atemberaubend und beeindruckend. Vor allem sieht man mal wie viel Support man bekommt. Der meiste Support entsteht dadurch, dass die Leute zum Konzert gehen. Ein Album kaufen und runterladen ist schnell gemacht. Wenn Leute wirklich sagen, ich geh mit der ganzen Familie am Samstagabend auf ein Konzert und investier meine private Zeit, um deine Musik zu hรถren, das ist fรผr mich das ultimative Commitment. Je mehr Leute, die du davon hast und den Abend mit dir verbringen, desto mehr Support fรผhlt man in dem Moment.
Du kannst auch beides nehmen ๐
Es ist wirklich beides wunderschรถn. Ich will beides auch machen. Ich will neben den Arenen auch wieder kleine Konzerte spielen.
Schokolade oder Salzstangen?
Schokolade
Ruhiger Abend oder Partynacht?
Ruhiger Abend. Boah mittlerweile jeder ruhige Abend ist echt โGott sei Dankโ! ๐
Ich gehe so oft an Konzerte fรผr meinen Blog. Ich kann das total verstehen!
Letzte Fast Question: Schweiz oder Deutschland?
*Lacht* Toll!! Ist jetzt eigentlich unfair. Ich liebe den Ort an dem ich wohne im Norden Deutschlands. Deshalb wรผrde ich meine Heimat wรคhlen.ย
Das war klar. ๐
*und fรผgt lachend an* Aber Schweiz ist auch schรถn!
Mit dem Satz beenden wir das Interview. Danke vielmals Wincent
Wincent Weiss ist ein sehr sympathischer talentierter Musiker. Nรคchste Woche 29. Mรคrz kommt sein zweites Album “Irgendwie Anders” auf den Markt. Nach dem Interview verstehe ich den Titel seines Werks noch viel besser. Ausserdem kรถnnt ihr ihn live ab November auf der “Irgendwie Anders”-Tour in Deutschland, รsterreich und der Schweiz sehen. Genau wie Wincent seine Konzerte beendet, beende ich diesen Blogpost: Danke!
On Sunday night Goodnews Productions made it possible for Kekoas Korner to watch Alien Ant Farm and P.O.D. in Zurich at Dynamo. It was a major throwback to when MTV still played videos like Dryden Mitchell said.
I really didn’t know what to expect from this night because – obviouslyย – it isn’t the kind of music I usually listen to. However, I was super excited to cross some more “teen years” bands of my bucket list. The 68’s were up first, so early that we didn’t manage to catch them because our belly needed fuel for the night ๐
Alien Ant Farm – back when MTV still played videos
Three huge Alien Ant Farm logos were put on stage. The third one was printed on a backdrop with a beautiful earth – Obviously the view of an alien. Colour, neon lights made the stage perfect! Who needs more? ๐ The four lads from California took the stage with “Bad Morning”, “What I feel” and “Movies”. I loved the atmosphere already. People were really enjoying themselves and when Dryden announced the following it was time to freak out:
Back when MTV still played videos and not Jersey Shore etc. we had the pleasure of shooting this amazing video on top of the Masonic Temple. Who remembers it?
And with that “These days” started. I felt like 12 again and I knew exactly what they were talking about. What an iconic video and that song was one of my favs back then.
Dedication to our Mom’s and Chester Bennington
“Rubber Mallet”, “Wish”, “Neverment” followed this early highlight. Dryden Mitchell surprised me with his next dedication. He said that the next song is his Mom’s favourite and he literally just got off the phone with her. So let’s dedicate the next song to all the Moms because who doesn’t love their Mom’s. “Attitude” was another person’s favourite: Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. Alien Ant Farm dedicated “Attitude” to all the Moms and Chester Bennington. What a lovely unexpected touch.
“Courage”, “Lord Knows” and a cover by Bad Brains were next. Someone shouted “Smooth Criminal” and Dryden replied not yet first we do this cover is that OK? ๐ I’m really glad that this person shouted it because it meant that I wasn’t the only one waiting for that song either. “Sticks and “Stones” came on before Alien Ant Farm had to say “Goodbye” already. The hour-long set was over sooo quickly. But then finally the lights went red and the telltale chords started. Everyone whooped and started singing:
Annie are you OK? Are you OK, Annie?
I loved it! ๐ And with that I knew I had to get an Alien Ant Farm shirt. I thought that a black shirt with a white logo would be amazing but unfortunately, they didn’t have it. However, they had a preeeetty sick shirt instead which was just as nice – reasonably priced as well. Happy camper over here!
P. O. D – Rockin’ with the Best
At around 9.30 the four guys from P.O.D took the stage and the atmosphere was amazing from the start. The energy was rad and the moshpits started to form already with “BOOM”, “Rock the Party” and “Will you”. When Sonny asked us to put our hands up and bounce everyone – seriously everyone – did it. What an atmosphere. I love those Nu Metal, Punk, Rock gigs. Honestly, their gigs usually have one of the best atmospheres. And with that Sonny already jumped into the crowd and said hi.
“Panic Attack”, “Rocking with the Best” and “Soundboy Killa” was next. After thanking both the 68’s and Alien Ant Farm for opening the show and warming up the crowd, P.O.D as well dedicated a song to Chester Bennington – their buddy who will be missed. Sometimes you forget that Linkin Park was actually a Metal band because their songs became so mainstream. I thought the dedication was a nice touch. One band that will forever be on my bucket list to watch – May he rest in peace.
So-Cali in my Head
I really loved the variety in P.O.D’s set as well. From the really hard metal to rap to reggae – they had everything! The new spring weather we experience already made my day and if you are looking for your next summer hit, don’t go too far: “Always Southern California” is the perfect song! Another new song “Circles” followed but the crowd was in full voice again! Big thumbs up for the Swiss crowd and even P.O.D saw that! They said:
You guys go crazy on a Sunday Night!
“Satellite”, “Southtown” and “Murdered Love” were up next. I felt like the crowd got even louder! The sold-out Dynamo definitely peaked when the next song started. The phones went up, the moshpits opened up and we were ready to sing “Youth of the Nation”. Check out my story highlights on IG to get a feel of what I mean. Another song I never expected to hear at a punk gig: A very beautiful ballad called “Beautiful”. I was swaying from side to side and enjoyed it very much.
“On the Radio” got us back on the expected track. With “Aliiiiiiiiiive” the audience was in full voice again and after 90mins we were “Listening for the Silence”. The lights came on and the music started but I think P.O.D had such a great time that they just decided to come back and play 3 more songs! They said we will play until they kick us out! ๐ They really did play until 11 o’clock when they had to stop because of the curfew. Everyone walked out with a smile on their face.
Alien Ant Farm and P.O.D rocked the sold-out Dynamo crowd and more than once we had a throwback feeling back to the good old days when MTV still played music videos. What a fantastic Metal, Punk, Rock evening and another very early highlight of 2019!
I got know Hunter Hayes in 2011 when he released “Storm Warning”. Little did I know that 8 years later I would be able to interview Hunter Hayes for my own blog and that I will be seeing twice this year!
Slowly Europe is getting its country on and finally we get to enjoy some real country music ๐ So for all my readers who love good music from a talented musician you gotta check out Hunter Hayes at Plaza on March 3rd. Get your tix here: Ticketcorner.com And remember March 3rd is only 2 weeks away so get your hands on those tix or you might miss out on a really cool night! But before that I spoke with Hunter Hayes on the phone and here it is:
Interview with Hunter Hayes
Kekoas Korner: So are you ready?
Hunter: Yeah, absolutely.
On the Insta live last week you talked about your tour being named โCloser to youโ. So youโre sharing lots of personal stuff in your new songs. Now my question: Whatโs your biggest fear?
I think the biggest fear is sharing too much! ๐ Oversharing and feeling like okay we could have probably done it without that. But I’ve learned that this is the beautiful part about writing this album. Bringing one song to the show and introducing it slowly to the world taught me that the more you share the closer you are to the people around you. That’s friends, family or fans – that’s just music. My favourite music is so direct and so unfiltered. So I think the journey to get there in the process of writing music has been one of my favourite parts. The biggest area for growth for me is being more honest and putting more of myself in music.
Speaking of your new songs Heartbreak and One Shot. Will there be a new record coming soon?
There will be an album. I can’t say when. I’m glad you asked. They are all part of an album that we can talk about probably later this year!
Well that sounds good at least we got a little teaser. Who would you say is your musical influenceย forย thisย albumย orย theย pastย ones?
It’s all over the map. It’s been everything from U2 to Punch Brothers. I like studying other artists and albums for long periods of time and really getting to know the albums. Not just the words but getting the heart and soul behind it. It’s a fun study for me. The more you start to pick the things that you love out of the music and internalize them versus I want to make a record that sounds like a twenty-one pilots record. Number one that’s not okay and number two and the most important part is that you have to be you. The process of music and finding out what I love about it and what that means to me and my writing process and how I can interpret that. If I hear more of their stories I will tell more of mine. Basically it’s trying and failing until finding out what’s right for me. The list of influences is long. There’s a lot of music that was coming my way the last 18 months that have totally changed the way I approach making music.
So can you tell me a few names off that list. You said Punch Brothers?
Yeah! That was a big one early on. I also went through a BIIIG U2 phase last year. Not phases in like “I’m over it” but a phase like I studied sections of their career for several months and really got to know the albums. Of course some albums more than others. The study of a four piece band with a very limited production making such a big impact that was something I wanted to get better at and know a bit more about. It’s all a lesson in restraint. It’s very intentional and very emotional. It’s hard to get those two things in the same place.
Sounds really interesting. Youโve got a busy year: Playing the Opry, going overseas with the C2C festival which I will be going to as well….
Oh that’s awesome. Have you been before?
No I haven’t.ย It’sย theย firstย time!
Ahh you are gonna love it!!
Yes and I am really much looking forward to it but before that I’ll be seeing you in Zurich on your European tour plus the tour through America. What can we expect from the โCloser to youโ tour? Can you tell me a little secret? ๐
*laughs* Sure. The thing about the “Closer to you” tour is, it’s not like any other tour we’ve done even tough it shares a lot with tours that we’ve done before. It’s nothing like anything we’ve done before because of the fact that it comes from this new music. For a while we’ve been touring with kinda the same collection of songs adding one or two. With the release of new songs it injects new energy. This is like a fresh reboot almost like a renovation of a house. It’s not unrecognizable but for me it feels brand new. Some of the places are places we’ve played before and some aren’t. It all feels like I’ve just woken up from a dream and it’s a whole new chapter.
So we can expect a lot?
The fun thing about this tour is the new take on some of the older music. Everybody is new on this tour except for me. ๐ The songs I’ve been playing for a long time will be now re-imagined as if they would have been recored for this album. That’s gonna be really fun to do.
That sounds exciting. In like 2 or 3 weeks I’ll be seeing what this show’s about.
God that’s three weeks away? Good Lord. I’m excited!
Me too! Now Europe is slowly starting to listen to country music too. What do you want to tell your European fans who are coming to the shows?
Country covers a lot of ground. There is so much in country. I don’t think you could sum up the genre. If you pick three names doing completely different things I think you still leave a lot out. I’m exited for people to get know country as I know country. It’s a very vast genre full of brilliant storytellers with musically brilliant ideas. There’s a lot of people bringing new ideas from other genres into country music in such a way that goes along what we were talking about: The studying and internalization of things they grew up listening to. There is so much to discover in country music. I think you couldn’t properly dive into country music and don’t find anything that feels like home.
At age 27 youโve played so many amazing venues already. Do you still have a bucket list venues to go?ย
I’ve got a few for sure. Pick the arena in every city around the world and the theatres too. I love theatres. I’ve learned that it’s such a special place to experience music and play it. That’s history. That’s historically where people would go to listen to music. On that list would also be Red Rocks. I’ve never played Red Rocks in Colorado. I’d love to do that. I wanna play as many places as I possibly can put my name on the wall! ๐
Red Rocks is also on my bucket list but to watch!
You know what I’ll let you know when we play it so we can both cross it off at the same time!
Sounds like we have a deal! ๐ And what was your favourite venue you’ve already played in?
Can I pick 3? The Fox Theatre in Detroit was one of my all time favourite venues to play in. That leads into the Ryman will always have my heart. That will alway be my favourite venue – probably. Even though Nashville is not necessarily my home town it feels like home town the more that I live here. It embraces the people that come here to make music. The Ryman is just a spectacular place. I think I’m just gonna stick with that. The Ryman has my heart.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Ryman. And finally you are playing like a million instruments what would be the instrument youโd like to try to learn next? Maybe the Alphorn here in Switzerland?
Honestly I would just like to play the violin half decent. I’m not good at playing any instruments if I’m totally honest but I’d like to be decent enough in some sort of string instruments like the violin. I’d love to arrange string parts. I’ve never gotten along with that instrument for some reason but I’d like to.
Now I have some fan questions for you. I asked my followers to send in some questions.
Rachel whoโs a huge fan from New Zealand was wondering if you do some more international gigs down under since the tour is called closer to you? ๐
I would love that!
But nothing’s been planned yet?
Not officially. The good news for me – at least – once you start touring like we do this year hopefully the right people hear about it or you come in contact with right people and things happen. It’s momentum. Once you get back on the road… I’m hoping at least that that’s the result of it.
She also did a lyrics video to your song Heart break and it looks amazing. Do you check out fan-made videos and art?
Absolutely! Yes! 100%! In fact we had a really fun idea that I can’t say much about. Not too long ago I actually made a playlist of my favourite cover videos. That’s one of the biggest compliments you can get as an artist – just watch someone else cover your song. It makes me feel really cool. It’s a really good feeling! It’s awesome because they come up with these new versions of your songs. They give it a totally different live and that’s also the beauty of collaborations. Somebody else puts their creativity to work and really makes a song to their own. I love it and I love watching it. It’s awesome!! It’s so inspiring too. It gives you so many ideas and so much energy!
Taylor would like to know whatโs your favourite part about meeting fans?
My favourite part is when they share their story. When I get to hear how they found a song or why a song means something to them – just getting to know them. I feel like music is such a great way to connect with people and that’s why we do what we do and we love what we do. It’s the best part the connection. That’s the destination for all music.
Nathan enjoyed your USO show in Wiesbaden. How much do shows like this mean to you?
That’s one of the most important parts about touring. I’ve always made it known to our team that that’s a big priority and that I feel very passionate about. We all have an appreciation for our men and women but to be there with them on base is a completely different experience. Being there in person and show them gratitude through music. The spirit in those rooms is incredible. They are incredible people. Hopefully our appreciation and gratitude comes across. It’s a privilege and a massive opportunity to bring home to them.
That’s sounds so lovely! Now we already have our last fan question from Sandra: Whatโs your favourite food?
I waver on this. It changes daily but I’m an Italian food fan.
So you’ll gonna be really close to Italy when you are over here.
Well you know I eat way better on the road than when I’m at home.
Funny! Well that was it. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me!
Thank you for your time as well ๐
Hunter Hayes loves music and that’s what makes him such a talented musician. In addition to that he’s also super friendly. So make sure to check him out and go see him on his “Closer to you” tour.
JPson is a really cool dude but not only that he’s also a very talented musician from South Africa. On Wednesday Night we got to enjoy a summery set in the midst of winter including his new music.
Argyle Singh
But before the main act came on stage we got to enjoy a short set by the Scottish musician Argyle Singh. What I love about these intimate shows is that we get to see the artist up close. If he’s joking or really feeling the song either way the emotions are right there and that’s what music makes so special. So Argyle had both! Depressing songs sung by a wow voice and jokes in between… That’s how you do it. Are you watching Dermot Kennedy? So if you haven’t heard of Argyle Singh, go check him out!
JPson
Just a few minutes later JPson took the stage with his drums player and a little while later they were joined by a bass player. I was super happy sitting on a pillow on the floor, chillin’ with my good friend from Loads of Music and listening to a great musician play various songs. Want to see some videos? Go check out the highlights on my IG by clicking here.
JPson
I already mentioned I love when artists tell stories to their song and JP deffo did that. Dedicating songs to his Mom, to various people in the room and to his support act Argyle was just the beginning. He sang a song about boys not needing drinks to speak to a girl. Having lived here he put this girl/boy story in Grรคbli bar. A bar that is literally open 24/7 and you can imagine…
As a South African musician he is of course supporting his fellow countryman Matthew Mole with a cover. Unfortunately I missed out on this guy’s gig last year so thank you JPson for giving me a little sneak peek into his music. I will deffo try to catch his next show.
JPson embraced his Swiss side with one of his last songs where he actually sang in German. It was really very cute and deffo a highlight of the evening. And of course he sang his newest song “Hope for change” and he dedicated it to all the people who are in need of a change because they’re stuck in rut. It totally resonated with us so it was even more special to me. The easy breezy vibe reached its peek when he mixed Jason Mraz’ “I’m yours” into his song. What a lovely way to finish a brilliant evening!
JPson’s easy breezy songs put the spring on the map on the first sunny winter day we had in weeks. Thank you for a chill night with awesome music and great friends. It was just perfect!
Last year in June at Amboss Rampe I got to see Declan Greene, Saarloos and Gavin James. Fast forward 8 months and Gavin James is back at Dynamo selling out an even bigger venue after playing at Energy Air and getting some major airplay time. What changed? He’s brought a whole band with him on stage.
Declan Greene
Declan Greene is Gavin James’ first support act and what a start it was. Standing alone on stage without any music he sings a very powerful song. What a voice. He then grabs his guitar and we got to experience half a comedy show and half a very brill musical performance. Declan Greene also covered Lady Gaga’s and Bradley Coopers “Shallow” midway through his set and many of the people in the crowd sang along. “River” a song dedicated to his fellow mate and part of Saarloos was next. His unfortunately short set ended with “Stay”. The whole crowd helped him out singing along and we experienced already a great atmosphere! Declan Greene really warmed up the crowd.
Saarloos
From last year’s gig I knew I loved the harmonies Craig and Brian create together and I wasn’t disappointed this year. The three lads came on stage and now the stage was big enough for Andy not to be hiding in the back ground ๐ “Feisty” being a cool uptempo song which got the crowd going and I think many of us must have seen them before. The lads were overwhelmed by the crowd’s cheers and singalong support! I loved to see their surprised and happy faces when they earned themselves our support. Unfortunately it was time for a sad song although they weren’t feeling too sad right now.
For the next song “Trust in Me” the crowd again was their backing choir singing “Don’t loose faith” while they sang over it. Such a great atmosphere I have to say it again. No-one wanted the set to end but with “Changes” it did. However the song was another highlight from the Saarloos set. If you don’t know them you really should check out their music! They are freaking awesome! ๐
Gavin James
At 9 pm it was time for the main act Gavin James to come on stage. I was expecting another one man show which I adored the last time but I got surprised. Gavin James brought a bass player, a drum player and Jeff his piano player along. I wasn’t sure what to make of that and when they started with “Til the sun comes up” I was still processing. “Coming home” and “Faces” followed quickly and I missed Gavin James short stories between songs. If I hadn’t been to his last gig I think I would have loved it! The songs are still great and Gavin James’ voice is still angelic but it kinda felt like it got commercialised.
“Tired”, “Glow” and “Start again” where next. Everyone around me seemed to be singing along and enjoying it while I spent the songs looking around processing. I remembered “The Middle” from last time and I slowly was getting used to this new Gavin James. For “22” it was just him and Jeff at keys playing and I was loving it! But my favourite song of the night and my highlight yesterday was “Nervous”. Gavin James with his guitar and his voice only. Such a beautiful song and I remembered closing my eyes during the last gig and swaying to the tunes.
After this highlight Gavin James was looking to come closer to his audience in the back. He stepped down and parted the crowds like Moses until he was in the middle of the room where he covered a Ray Charles song. Everyone was quiet! In general the people were very quiet tonight which is a stark contrast to last year’s gig. Either the music got louder which it deffo did but the audience got quieter and listened more as well. “Easy” and “Bitter Pill” were next and both songs I liked in the full band version. Am I getting used to the band? ๐
Gavin James’ uber hit “Always” was followed. He sat at the piano and performed the very beautiful ballade while the audience filmed it and sang along to it. I love the fact that he chose to sing this song somewhere in the middle of the set. It just proves that he thinks that this is not his biggest songs and all of his songs are equal. The set continued with “Cigarette Break” and “Two hearts”. And finally my absolute favourite song by Gavin James “Hearts on fire” came on. How different this version was with the full band. It still got the crowd going and of course we had to all kneel down in the middle of the song only to jump up for the chorus while confetti rained down on us! I love confetti and I loved that moment. You can check it out in my stories on Instagram.
Gavin James quickly left the stage only to come back out of his hiding for the encore. I remember it so vividly back at Amboss Rampe he hid behind the curtain ๐ “Book of Love” and “Only ticket home” finished the set. The latter is supposed to be played at 4 am in Dublin Pub because everyone can sing along to no matter how drunk they are. It goes “Hey La La La” ๐ and another set of confetti finished the night! ๐
Gavin James evolved into an artist with a band. I am still not sure how I feel about this. However I do loved his show including the support acts Declan Greene and Saarloos.
