Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson form the British pop duo Hurts. In the interview, the musicians tell what they appreciate about Germany.
With their fifth album "Faith", Hurts will be back on September 4th, 2020 – and darker than ever. The British pop duo has released eleven songs from electronic and melodic to claustrophobic. Singer Theo Hutchcraft (34) and instrumentalist Adam Anderson (36) say of themselves that they would harmonize as well as ever. Why the two have been developing as a duo in the same direction for around 15 years, what the new, eerie sounds are all about and why Germany is "like a second home" for them, the two tell in an interview with the news agency spot on news .
Her new album is called "Faith", in German "Glaube". What's it all about? What does belief mean to you?
Theo Hutchcraft: The album "Faith" refers to the fact that we first had to learn to believe in ourselves again. When we started working on the new album we had to figure out which way to go. "Faith" also refers to the fact that there are people who have always believed in us – over the years. These people gave us the chance to make this album.
Adam Anderson: Faith means different things to everyone. For me personally, the word stands for having faith in yourself. Every day is a challenge: sometimes you believe in yourself, sometimes you don't.
Were there phases in your life when you no longer believed in yourself?
Anderson: Yes, there was. I've been looking for ways to feel good all my life: alcohol, drugs, sex. But if none of that works, you have to deal with yourself and ask yourself why you feel this way. You have to learn to understand yourself. And that's exactly what it was all about when Theo and I recorded the album. This is exactly why this album has become so honest and personal. Music helps me cope with mental problems. I feel better when I make music and can bring in my feelings. I identify with our music.
Hutchcraft: There were many moments in the past, and there are still moments today when I didn't believe in myself. But as a musician you have to overcome this point and just keep going. I think we all – musicians or not – get to the point where we no longer believe in ourselves. We all feel insecure at times. But I think we all have the power to achieve something.
Do you feel the pressure to succeed? Songs like "Wonderful Life" and "Stay" ended up being huge hits.
Anderson: We haven't thought about whether we can celebrate further successes with our music for a long time. No pressure. People either like them or they just don't like them.
Hutchcraft: Of course we are very proud of the success of "Wonderful Life". But our goal has always been to write good music. Commercial success was never a priority. Still, it's great that people approach me about the song on the street and tell me how great they think it is. The song also plays on the radio every now and then.
How is it that the two of you have worked so well as a duo for about 15 years? It almost seems as if you have a symbiosis when you tell, your music reflects your inner being.
Hutchcraft: We just like to work together and have the same ideas. The secret is to communicate well and have fun together. We always look what is best for us as a band and our music.
Anderson: When we recorded this album, we were both in the same shape, had the same mindset. Our relationship with one another is now stronger than ever. We are really connected. We've both been through a lot in the past few years and we process that in our songs. We have never thought about going our separate ways. We both think we have something special. We share this great life as artists.
This great life as an artist includes tours and numerous appearances. You have also traveled a lot in Germany. What do you think of Germany and the German fans?
Anderson: Before we even performed in London, we were in Berlin. We feel very connected to Germany. Our first album in particular was a complete success in Germany. I think our songs "Wonderful Life" and "Stay" came in Germany at exactly the right moment at the right time.
Hutchcraft: The Germans are very hospitable. We have a great connection with our German fans. You were among the first to appreciate our music. That is why Germany is like a second home for us.