As the lead singer of the band Revolverheld, Johannes Strate is in the public eye. In an interview, the father revealed why the musician keeps his son away from social media as much as possible.
Facebook WhatsApp Mail TwitterFour guys from Hamburg have been making the pop scene unsafe for almost 20 years: the band Revolverheld has become an integral part of the German music scene. With songs like "Spinner" or "Hold on to me" they stormed the charts and played to packed halls. But putting your feet up after millions of records sold and numerous awards is out of the question for Revolverheld. Quite the contrary: On Friday (October 8th) the sixth studio album "Neu relates" will be released.
For frontman Johannes Strate (41), breaking new ground is not difficult. "I'm not someone who always has to follow in the same footsteps," explains the musician in an interview with the news agency spot on news. The 41-year-old family man also reveals if the band ever thought about quitting, why he doesn't show his son's face on social media and which TV show he could imagine a comeback on.
The new Revolverheld album is titled "New Stories". Is there something you want to tell in a new way?
Johannes Strate: Some things. The song of the same name is the continuation of "Our story is told" from the last album. The song is about a relationship that ends up failing. In recent years, friends have kept coming up to me and saying: "It's really a very nice song, but it's so hopeless. What's the matter with you?" And then I thought, I'll just keep writing the song. I'll give the couple one more chance. Small spoiler: This time they will make it. But there is also a lot of new things to tell. In recent years, our album production and way of working has changed. We never tire of telling ourselves anew.
The song "New Stories" is also about breaking new ground. Is it easy for you to leave things behind and start something new?
Strate: Yes. I'm not someone who always has to follow the same footsteps. I am not afraid of new things, but consciously seek them out and sometimes provoke them. That's how we are as a band. We don't feel like releasing the same single 20 times because the sound works well. That would be too boring for us. We are happy when we can do things differently and reinvent ourselves from time to time. That's what makes music fun. Otherwise it would be piecework and we don't want that at all.
Revolverheld has been around for almost 20 years and not everything is always harmonious in a band. Are there any topics that drive each other up the wall?
Strate: If you work together for a longer period of time, everything becomes more relaxed. We used to be young and wild and put every word on the gold scales. Today we're just happy that we've been making music together for such a long time and people still come to the concerts. We also have the luxury of being able to take breaks. We travel more relaxed and no longer sleep in youth hostels. That's why there's always little reason to fight each other.
Have you ever thought about quitting?
Strate: No, not at all.
You have had a son since 2012. Has he tried his hand at instruments or singing?
Strate: He is musical and really likes music. But he hasn't learned an instrument yet. I think it's good when children are released for as long as possible and have not clocked through the whole week. I didn't start playing the guitar until I was ten. I found that early on. I think it's good when children in elementary school can still play in the garden in the afternoon.
You don't show your son's face on social media. Why?
Strate: I think it's weird when you do it. Many Americans in particular have been presenting their children on social media since birth or create their own accounts for them. In the United States, children have already filed lawsuits against their parents. I think children have no place in social media. Eventually my son will ask for Instagram. When he's old enough, he can decide for himself.
What do you like most about being a father?
Strate: It broadens your horizons. In addition, you have a new sparring partner in life with whom you can discuss topics and who has a completely different view of the world. That makes me very happy.
How do you manage to balance family and career?
Strate: That's not difficult. I'm touring in German-speaking countries and I'm home every few days when I'm on the road for a longer period of time. But most of the time there are only individual appointments. Then I'm only gone for a day or two and that's why it works well.
In your song "Keine Zeit" you describe a major problem in our society. How do you deal with stress? Is there anything you consciously take time for?
Strate: I make time for family and private matters in general. I'm at a point where I can say: I can't be reached today. But in the music industry it's generally stressful. Most people who work for a record company are constantly overwhelmed. It is normal for everyone to have more issues on the table than they can handle. "I don't have time" has therefore become a completely normal sentence - which is sick.
You've been a jury member for "The Voice Kids" twice before. Would you like to sit in the swivel chair again?
Strate: I found "The Voice" to be a beautiful and sweet experience. The children sing at a very high level and enjoy it so much, I thought that was great. That's why I could definitely imagine taking part again.
In a podcast you recently criticized the city of Hamburg for doing very little for pop musicians. For example, you wouldn't have your own rehearsal room and would have to rent a room temporarily. Why don't you move away?
Strate: I don't think it's any better in other German cities. It's a nationwide problem. Pop music is not as important in Germany as it is in Scandinavia, for example. There are many subsidies there, but not in this country. For us, classical music is sacred and is strongly encouraged. Pop music is the unloved stepson.
And what could be done to improve the situation?
Strate: With the Scandinavian model, musicians can apply for tour help, get a bus and can tour Europe. This is how bands like Mando Diao made it across national borders. We never did and never will, because pop music is smiled at.
