"Pictures of you": Many people will certainly remember the catchy tune from 2000. Even 20 years after his mega hit, Laith Al-Deen (48, "Everything about you") is still doing well. On Friday (May 22nd) he released his new studio album "No Tag Free", which is now the tenth of his career. The half-Iraqi then calls for a step backwards, to learn to appreciate one's own life again and to reflect on what matters – a fitting message in the limited era of the corona pandemic.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Al-Deen reveals why he wants a rescue fund for the music industry, what changes he expects after the pandemic and why he is currently "milling through the wild in the garden and a mountain post" got to.
You have been in business for almost 20 years. How do you think the music industry has changed during this time?
Laith Al-Deen: Streaming portals now dictate the musical trend and classic music media such as record companies or the radio have become dependent on it. Newcomers have (however) a platform that did not exist 20 years ago. An individual music career has become possible via the Internet through one's own efforts, even without a record label. It's great, if not as mystical as it used to be. If, for example, we could now get better economic returns for musicians on the Internet by changing consumer behavior, we would have restored some of the old, good values.
In "Believe in yourself" you express criticism of the self-optimization urge that shapes society today. People increasingly define themselves through the opinions of others. What is the basis of this development?
Al-Deen: In my opinion, we humans tend to be herd animals and often define ourselves by comparing ourselves to others. For example, if 80 percent of my social environment "works" on itself and I don't, I can quickly get the idea that I have to change something in my life.
They were stuck in Switzerland for eight weeks after the outbreak of the corona pandemic and spent the quarantine there. How did it come about and how did you use this time?
Al-Deen: My partner's children usually go to Switzerland on weekends. The night before the border was closed, we decided that we wanted to ensure this. Therefore, the planned one and a half days ended up being eight weeks. We quickly developed routines during this time and there was enough time for me to do creative things like cooking and music between home office and homeschooling.
Are you happy to be back in Germany?
Al-Deen: It is nice to be at home – even if we are currently mainly milling through the wild in the garden and a mountain post.
How does the Corona pandemic continue to affect your work – especially since your album release is pending?
Al-Deen: Most of the promotional work around the album happens online and apart from two drive-in concerts, all of my previous events have been canceled until October. Economically 2020 will be a tightrope walk for many (in the music business).
The title "Not a day for free" is about constantly experiencing new beginnings. Many people face this after the Corona crisis. What changes do you expect after the pandemic?
Al-Deen: Many people will surely have to "reinvent" themselves, even rebuild their lives. A new beginning dwells in each end is certainly the most sensible knowledge that I can apply to myself. Maybe some will keep the home office because it works better for the family and the employer has only now come to the point of view. Maybe someone changes jobs for which they previously lacked the courage.
How do you keep in touch with your fans despite the restrictions?
Al-Deen: "Laith Night Show" was suggested to me as the name of a series during my first live stream (on Facebook and Instagram). Since then, the 30-minute online campaign has become an integral part of my week and will definitely be expanded in the future.
The restrictions are associated with financial losses. Should politics take action and provide a umbrella for artists, clubs and organizers?
Al-Deen: A rescue fund for the industry is certainly desirable, since a large part of my business survives solely through events. Smaller organizers and, for example, technology companies in particular have no alternative source of income – apart from car cinema concerts, whose half-life will certainly not last forever.
Do you feel let down by politics?
Al-Deen: No, I do not want to swap with our state leadership at the moment and think that the measures for containment have been implemented quite properly.