Johannes Strate: The singer thinks children are “weird” on social media

Johannes Strate
The singer thinks children are “weird” on social media

For almost 20 years, four guys from Hamburg have been making the pop scene unsafe: The band Revolverheld has become an indispensable part of the German music scene. With songs like “Spinner” or “Hold on to me” they stormed the charts and played in front of full halls. But putting your feet up after millions of records sold and numerous awards is out of the question for Revolverheld. Quite the opposite: on Friday (October 8th), the sixth studio album will be released with “New telling”.

Breaking new ground is not difficult for front man Johannes Strate (41). “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. In addition, the 41-year-old family man reveals whether the band has ever thought of quitting, why he doesn’t show his son’s face on social media and on which TV show he could imagine a comeback.

The new Revolverheld album is titled “Tell Newly”. Is there anything you want to retell?

Johannes Strate: A lot. 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 the last few years friends kept coming to me who said: “It’s a really nice song, but it’s so hopeless. What’s wrong with you?” And then I thought to myself, I’ll just keep writing the song. I’ll give the couple another chance. Small spoiler: this time they’ll make it. But there is also a lot more to tell. In the last few years, our album production and the way we work has changed. We never tire of telling ourselves anew.

The song “Tell Newly” is also about breaking new ground. Do you find it easy to leave things behind and start something new?

Strate: Yeah. I’m not someone who always has to follow in the same footsteps. I am not afraid of something new, but rather consciously seek it and sometimes provoke it. That’s how we are as a band. We don’t feel like putting out the same single 20 times because the sound works well. That would be too boring for us. We are happy when we do things differently and reinvent ourselves every now and then. That’s what makes music fun. Otherwise it would be piece work and we don’t feel like doing it at all.

Revolverheld has been around for almost 20 years and not everything in a band is always harmonious. Are there any topics that annoy each other?

Strate: When you work together for longer, everything becomes more relaxed. We used to be young and wild and weighed every word on the gold scales. Today we’re just happy that we’ve been making music together for such a long time and that 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. Therefore, there is always little reason to get into your hair.

Have you ever thought of quitting?

Strate: No, not at all.

You have been the father of a son since 2012. Has he already tried his hand at instruments or singing?

Strate: He’s musical, and he’s very fond of music. But he’s not yet learning an instrument. I think it’s good when children are released 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 afternoons.

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 they were born or creating their own accounts for them. In the USA there were already the first lawsuits brought by children against their parents. I think children have no place in social media. At some point my son will ask about Instagram. When he is old enough, he can decide for himself.

What do you like most about being a father?

Strate: It broadens the horizon. You also 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 get family and career under one roof?

Strate: It’s not difficult. I tour in German-speaking countries and come back home every few days when I’m on the road for a long time. But mostly there are only single 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 that you consciously take time for?

Strate: I take my time for family and private life in general. I’m at a point where I can say: I’m not available today. But it’s generally stressful in the music industry. Most of the 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 manage. “I have no time” has therefore become a completely normal sentence – which is sick.

You have already been a member of the jury for “The Voice Kids” twice. Would you like to take a seat on the swivel chair again?

Strate: I found “The Voice” a nice and sweet experience. The children sing at a very high level and they enjoy it so much, I thought that was great. So I could well imagine doing it again.

You recently criticized the city of Hamburg in a podcast for the fact that very little is done for pop musicians. For example, you would not 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 better in other German cities. It’s a nationwide problem. Pop music does not have the status in Germany – as for example in Scandinavia. There is a lot of funding there, not in this country. Classic is sacred to us 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 assistance, get a bus and can travel through Europe. Bands like Mando Diao have made it across national borders. We never did that and never will, because pop music is ridiculed.

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