Leslie Mandoki criticizes the handling of the music industry in the corona crisis. Cultural diversity is systemically relevant, he says in an interview.
The partial lockdown from November 2nd ensures that the music and event industry is almost at a standstill again. Event rooms such as theaters, operas and concert halls are expected to be closed for four weeks. Shortly before the new decision, trumpeter Till Brönner (49) left out in a rage video about the situation in the event and music industry. Leslie Mandoki (67), who most recently published the music video for his song "Wake Up" with his Mandoki Soulmates and Till Brönner, carries "every single syllable" of the musician "100 percent". "Till Brönner not only speaks from my heart, after long and intensive discussions we are also absolutely and consistently of one opinion", he says in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
"Art is always a thorn in the flesh of society and a corrective, which is indispensable in times like these. That is why we, established artists in particular, now have to raise our voices and work loudly to preserve this diversity," explains Mandoki. The crisis hits him in two ways: "On the one hand, my wife fights as a doctor on the front line for the health of her patients and thus exposes herself to a risk to her own health that should not be underestimated every day. On the other hand, this crisis hits me as a Musician, as a music producer and as a band leader. For us musicians and artists, life has changed radically since the beginning of this year, we are practically banned from working. "
"A disaster for the soul of our country"
Cultural life will now be shut down even further in November. "Art and cultural diversity are existential for our democracy and our colorful republic, as my soulmate Udo Lindenberg calls our country", warns Mandoki. In addition, he is not concerned about the established artists, but "about the existence of the young and innovative artists who are dependent on the smaller stages and festivals and who have already been unable to build up reserves due to the paradigm shift in the recording industry".
"I also worry about all the technicians, organizers, caterers, drivers who enable us artists to be on stage," he explains. "A complex value chain of service providers is on the verge of collapse and it would be a catastrophe for the soul of our country if the abundance and diversity of our culture were to be drastically thinned out as a result." Politicians see the music and events industry "apparently as irrelevant to the system". Mandoki therefore wishes for the live industry "that this pandemic does not result in structural industry death". "The pandemic will be behind us at some point, but if we don't take care of the live industry now, this industry will simply no longer exist even after the crisis has been overcome," says the 67-year-old.
"It is time to reassess who and what is really systemically relevant and to ask the question of who creates social added value, cohesion and who creates solidarity", the musician demands. "Cultural diversity is definitely system-relevant. A healthy and active art and culture scene is one of the most effective profiles against the penetration of radical ideas into the middle of society." His wish for politics? "That they completely rethink and redefine the terminology 'systemic relevance'."
"Our mental health must also withstand this enormous challenge"
In his video, Till Brönner said in his video that he observed "how conspicuously behaved and almost overcautious stage artists express themselves about this misery even after eight months, although their very existence is at stake". "We are probably the only industry that has no real interest representation," says Mandoki. "Up to now, art and culture have always taken care of themselves. There is no lobby and no trade union here, but an audience." Only the audience gives the musicians and musicians their voice.
"As artists, we are responsible for emotions and if we want to get through this terrible winter that is approaching us like a dark tunnel, then we must all be aware of the essential importance of art and culture. Not just our physical health, Our mental health also has to overcome this enormous challenge and this requires art and culture, just as doctors, nurses and all medical staff need for our physical health. "
With his music, Mandoki wants to "overcome the division in society". The new song "Wake Up" was therefore created in virtual collaboration with his soulmates and his audience. Fans could send in videos, some of which made it into the music video. "'Wake Up' is a common call that is intended to shake us up as a society. We have to rethink to face the current challenges of this time and this includes the pandemic-induced crisis in the art and culture industry."