He made his big breakthrough together with his older brother Paul and the song "Sky and Sand". Now Fritz Kalkbrenner (38) is releasing his sixth album "True Colors". In addition to electronic songs with attention to detail, it contains some numbers on which Kalkbrenner sings himself. From March 14th, it should have been on tour for the Berliner – but nothing will come of it because of the Corona crisis. The tour was postponed to October. Before that, Kalkbrenner will be able to warm up at some summer festivals. In this tight program, the thirties must of course take care of their health. In the meantime, he does not use alcohol during his performances. "I don't drink a lot at the table anymore," he reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news and explains what his album title is all about.
Her new, now sixth album is called "True Colors". What does the album title refer to?
Fritz Kalkbrenner: In English this means "to show one's true face". As an artist – even if you are not an artificial figure and tend to be more accessible – you are still different in different situations. You cannot avoid being an artificial figure. But that's natural. People switch smoothly between formal and informal situations. But especially as an artist you deal with the question: "How honest are you?" "True Colors" formulates the wish to be closer and more honest to yourself and your partner.
Let's stay with "be honest with yourself": Have you ever noticed something in yourself that you didn't like at all?
Kalkbrenner: Sort out freshly washed laundry: I'm not good at that. It piles up on me and I get trouble from the cleaning staff. I have to work on that and someday I can do it!
How long does it take for you to be satisfied with your work?
Kalkbrenner: That is different. I work on some songs for a few days, on others for a week. I have to put it away for two months and only take care of it again when it comes to rest. The way I do it.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Kalkbrenner: It comes from life. Non-musicians suspect that musicians do this based on a significant or singular experience. Because, for example, the bus ran over their feet and they feel the pain. It is not that easy. Past years and experiences – good and bad – are collected and rearranged in a package in the pit of the stomach. This is probably called life experience. As a musician, you translate that. There is not this one big one.
What about songs in German? Could that be something for the future?
Kalkbrenner: Not with me! That's what Max Giesinger and his colleagues are supposed to do. I come from a time when English was the language of pop – and I didn't change this ferry. It's such a developmental question and I can't imagine that I'll change horses after the sixth album.
How does the album reflect a personal development?
Kalkbrenner: I've been doing this for 15 to 20 years and have mastered the craft of production. But you can only see the world through your own pair of eyes. With the album it was clear early on that a new, fresher sound would be a good update. When I was still in the sketching stage, I dealt with well-known and well-known young producers such as Ben Böhmer, Felix Lehmann, Henrik Müller or Conrad Hensel and asked them "Guys, what would your draft be? In which direction?" it go? " And then you start playing ping pong. The work together complements each other very well and the result is a very nice, modern update.
In addition to music, your great passion is wine. They even brought their own wine to the market with a winemaker. On Instagram, one of your pictures shows a bottle of wine standing next to the DJ desk. How much wine do you treat yourself to when you perform?
Kalkbrenner: I got away from it at shows. I don't drink a lot at the table anymore. I have become more solid. In the heat and hectic you sip a lot of things so unconsciously, it doesn't have to be. I prefer to drink off the show.
A party of celebrations is surely a confirmation for a musician. But have you had any negative stage experiences?
Kalkbrenner: At a concert show in Leipzig, a young lady who probably wanted to express her joy threw her high heel shoe on me. But with a rugby arm! The shoe hit my forehead with the heel. That was sitting. I was even briefly under the table. It was a bloody affair for the rest of the show.
What are you interested in besides music and good wine?
Kalkbrenner: I am a big fan of automatic and mechanical wristwatches from the 1960s. I have some small, old wristwatches, about twelve. But I also had wilder times. I'm not an octopus and can't wear them all at the same time, but I can always change them easily. And backpacks! Men cannot have enough backpacks. That is probably the equivalent of handbags. I have more than ten pieces.
Is there a hobby you would like to try out?
Lime burner: make apple juice yourself. That would be something. For that I would have to go to the country. Let's see if I can do that in a few years. After your own wine comes your own apple juice – that would be nice.