I can't estimate whether or if so how important it is what I'm doing, but to give up something that made life worth living for you or me - maybe just for an evening, maybe more often - I simply just can't do. If us on stage don't muster the courage to be there for you, in front of it, it'll be irrevocably, finally over.
Read MoreAs they were and still are songs I do like a lot to play I decided to record them in addition to the new album. Particularly as they are protest songs, labour songs and traditionals. All material in my opinion that needs to be sung and performed. Especially these days.
Read MoreAfter eight hours of driving here from Basel my interest and enthusiasm in exploring yet another town has completely disappeared. My first evening in France on this leg of the tour, trying to make my way down to JL’s Celtic Pub in Tarbes, doesn’t feel special or particular or anything even near. Empty the closest. Just driven here by the urge to perform. From Germany, to Poland, to Slovakia, to Czech Republic, back to Germany, to Switzerland and now — finally — France.
Read MoreSee, it’s an interesting thing. I suppose psychologically. You live your life as an independent, self-employed touring musician/songwriter and over the years you realize it’s possible. You can do it. You don’t ever have to ask your government for any whatsoever support. That’s because you know there won’t be any.
Read More… the whole atmosphere was eerie. I recall it being a difficult one to perform or even start the concert. How to find the right songs and words for a crowd of people having just lost both a very good friend and one of the key figures of local/regional social and cultural activities? Most of them about to leave for the funeral in Nice, five o'clock in the morning.
Read MoreAfter two days in Burgundy's finest, being fed and watered, being treated like the long-lost son or brother, this feels more than ever like some place I could imagine calling home some day. Even more so knowing I'll be without a flat in eight months time in Germany. Opening up a punk festival at Les Tanneries was a wild ride last night. No safety net.
Read MoreAny time I played here since the early 2000s something special, out of the ordinary is connected with those shows. Including one song on my first solo album. This might sound funny for you but for me this town has got an air of strangely fertile creativity whilst at the same time being a bit sloppy and laid back. Especially for a Swiss town. What adds to it is its a river town. In my experience a different quality of energy in such places.
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