Frontmann Johannes Strate (41) is not difficult to take new ground."I am no one who always has to go into the same footsteps," the musician explains in an interview with the news agency Spot on News.In addition, the 41-year-old father reveals whether the band has ever thought of quitting, why he does not show his son's face on social media and in which TV show he could imagine a comeback.
The new Revolverheld album is entitled "New to tell".Is there anything you want to tell again?
Johannes Strate: some.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 fails in the end.Friends have come to me again and again in recent years: "It's really a very nice song, but it's so hopeless.What's going on with you? "And then I thought to myself, I just continue to write the song.I give the couple another chance.Little spoiler: This time you will make it.But there is also a lot of new things to tell.Our album production and working methods have changed in recent years.We won't get tired of telling ourselves.
The song "tell new" is also about breaking new ground.Is it easy for you to leave things behind and start something new?
Strate: Yes.I am no one who always has to go into the same footsteps.I am not afraid of the new, but look consciously and sometimes provoke it.So we are as a band.We don't feel like bringing out the same single 20 times because the sound works well.That would be too boring for us.We are happy if we do things differently and can reinvent ourselves from time to time.That is what the music is fun.Otherwise it would be a chord work and we don't feel like it at all.
Revolverheld has been around for almost 20 years and in one band not always everything is harmonious.Are there topics that bring each other to the palm?
Strate: If you work with each other longer, everything will be more relaxed.We used to be young and wild and put every word on the gold scales.Today we are simply happy that we have been making music together for such a long time and still people 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.Therefore there are always few reasons to get into your hair.
Have you ever thought of quitting?
Strate: No, not at all.
They have been the father of a son since 2012.Has he already tried instruments or singing?
Strate: He is musical and likes music very much.But he doesn't learn an instrument yet.I think it's good when children are released as long as possible and have not clocked through the whole week.I also only started playing guitar at the age of ten.I found that early.I think it's good when children in primary 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 creating their own accounts for them.In the USA there were already children's first complaints against their parents.I think children have lost nothing on social media.At some point my son will ask for Instagram.If he is old enough, he can decide for himself.
What do you like the most about your father role?
Strate: It extends the horizon.You also have a new sparring partner in life with which you can discuss topics and who has a completely different view of the world.That makes me very happy.
How do you manage to get family and career under one roof?
Strate: This is not difficult.I tour in German -speaking countries and I am back home every few days when I'm on the road for longer.But mostly 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 "No time" you describe a big problem of our society.How do you deal with stress?Is there anything you consciously take?
Strate: I take time for family and generally private things.I am at a point where I can say: I am not available today.But it is generally stressful in the music industry.Most of the people who work on a record company are permanently overwhelmed.It is normal that everyone has more topics on the table than they can do."I don't have time" has therefore become a completely normal sentence - what is sick.
You have already been a jury of "The Voice Kids" twice.Would you like to take a seat again on the swivel chair?
Strate: I found "The Voice" a nice and sweet experience.The children sing at a very high level and enjoy it so much, I thought that was great.So I could imagine participating again.
You recently criticized the city of Hamburg in a podcast for pop musicians very little.For example, they would not have their own rehearsal room and would have to rent temporarily.Why don't they move away?
Strate: I don't think it is better in other German cities.It's a nationwide problem.Pop music is not important in Germany - such as in Scandinavia.There are many funding there, not in this country.With us, classical music is sacred and is strongly promoted.Pop music is the unloved stepson.
And what could you do to improve the situation?
Strate: With the Scandinavian model, musicians can apply for tour aids, get a bus and can move through Europe.So bands like Mando Diao have gone beyond the national borders.We never existed and will never exist because pop music is smiled at.
