Credit: Timo Jäger
Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to zip on while they listen to your new music?
The drink doesn’t matter, whatever you prefer. If you insist on getting drunk to this album though, play the following game: Drink every time I sing “tonight”, “yeah” or repeat a verse. Just don’t blame me for the consequences.
Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
The album’s pretty versatile and each double-single represents a different side of it.
“Breathe / Different” is melodic and melancholy.
“Hold On Me / Seizure” is rawer and rockier.
“The Wall / All My Dreams” (out July 25th) is the most pop-leaning release with classic songwriting and singalong choruses.
August 15th brings “No-One But Your Own / Come Back”. The former is one of my personal favourites and a treat for any 90’s/2000’s alt-rock and post-grunge enthusiasts.
Two more songs drop on August 29th: “Riding On The Waves / Lost In You”. Then the full 21-track album “Dysthymia” on September 5th.
I’m playing Wandsbeker Stadtteilfest in Hamburg on August 30th/31st. It’s not an official release show but I’ll be bringing most of the singles to the stage there.
We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which, harmless, theory would you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)
That cigarette smoke isn’t bad for your health. That would be amazing.
What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
Second-hand double denim. Converse, ripped jeans and flanell shirts. I got stuck in the past and can’t find my way out.
Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
The state of global affairs triggered a recurring thought pattern in me: Whenever I was out with friends having a good time, I’d be wondering: How much longer? Will we still be laughing next year? This might be one of our last carefree nights. “Breathe” deals with the feeling that the world is falling apart, and no intervention will steer us away from this path anymore.
“The Wall” was written for my first crush. I gave her flowers and surprised her with a private performance of the song for her birthday, but none of it worked. Luckily, the song outlived the heartbreak.
“No-One But Your Own” throws me right back into middle and high school.
I hated the social pressure, the hierarchies, the trends.
Girls weren’t into me. My brain kept spinning dark inner monologues.
I felt lonely and pissed off most of the time — and the song carries all that.
Beside music, do you have any special talents?
I believe I’m a good listener. Don’t always choose the best words but I know how to shut my mouth and listen to what people have to say.
I’m very good at consistently being 15 minutes late. Still haven’t figured out why that is a thing.
I’m best at being funny when I’m not trying. I would love to be good at making jokes but I only make people laugh when I do not try to
Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!
(1) Dysthymia is my debut album, recorded entirely in one-takes from my bedroom and produced independently.
(2) I practiced and sung my songs an hour every day for the past year prior to recording. It’s been quite a painful process.
(3) I love playing live and performing my music in front of people. It’s the biggest joy.
(4) I don’t care if you do not like my music. If you have to tell me that, you’re probably just a pitiful person.
(5) I’m starting a rock project in Hamburg. If you know any drummers, please let me know.
The road so far…. who or what was your biggest support??
My biggest support is my wife, undoubtedly. Without her I wouldn’t be capable of any of this. She gives me the strength, stability and focus I need to keep striving for my dreams.
A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
Q: What’s your biggest goal as an artist?
A: Other artist’s music has always been the soundtrack to my life. I saw myself in their songs. They gave me strength when I was down and partied with me when I was flying.
If my music can do that for someone else and it means something to them, then that’s my job done in the best way I ever could and it’s the greatest compliment anyone could ever give me.
Your Instagram: @whathagendoes