In the interview, Sasha looks back on his music career to date and reveals his family plans.
Sasha, 51, will release his new album “This Is My Time. This Is My Life” on September 8th. On the new work, the singer looks back on his exciting life and his greatest musical milestones. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the musician talks about the very personal songs on the album, the highs and lows of his career and his revue tour “This Is My Time! – The Show”, which continues in December. Sasha also reveals how he balances family with his tour life and what plans he has with his wife and son Otto, 4.
The album contains new interpretations of your most successful hits. Why did you want to re-record songs like “If You Believe”?
Sasha: Actually, this is about the trinity of autobiography, album and the big live show. All of this stimulated one another and always had a bit of the spirit of Las Vegas as a common denominator. So it was clear that the old Sasha songs had to be re-recorded, apart from the fact that it was also a lot of fun.
Can you still hear all of your old songs well or are there any that you would rather put in the drawer?
Sasha: Somehow everyone had their place in their time, but of course there are reasons why some candidates are no longer played live (laughs). Others, like “I feel lonely” or “if you believe”, “this is my time” or “lucky day” have become timeless classics, which makes me very happy.
The album includes an opulently arranged revue sound, and the styling naturally includes a show suit. On the album cover you are wearing a tuxedo, how comfortable do you feel in one and how does the look influence the music?
Sasha: You move completely differently in a tuxedo or suit. Much more upright, but at the same time more casual. I believe one causes the other and vice versa. The look dictates what it should sound like and the music dictates what you wear. Win win.
Greatest hits albums look back on artists’ careers. Why was now a good opportunity for you to do this?
Sasha: I had my first greatest hits about ten years into my career, maybe a little early or ambitious, but I’m still here, so it’s all good (laughs). This album is, if anything, a best of or greatest hits of my life, i.e. of many pieces that have played a role in my life. Not just my own. There are also cover versions and new songs, such as “Radio”, which is about my deceased musical heroes.
How did you choose the covers on the album and were you concerned about doing the songs justice?
Sasha: Well, first of all, I think they’re all great and beyond that, almost all of them have a special meaning for me. For example, “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News was the first song I ever sang in a rehearsal room. With “Alive” by Pearl Jam, the band that really influenced my grunge/crossover, I had a lot of respect for the original. This is not a song that you just cover. But since I did it with a lot of love and as a fan from the very beginning, I thought it was ok.
Among the songs is, for example, Harry Styles’ “As It Was”. What do you like about his music and how do you experience his current successful career?
Sasha: I just think Harry Styles is good. Anyway, I have respect for all musicians who have managed to successfully grow out of their boy band days. If that happens with brilliant songs and top productions, a new global star is born.
You made “Just Give Me A Reason” by Pink into a duet with Barbara Schöneberger. Why was she the perfect choice for the duet?
Sasha: We have known each other for a very long time. I was even a guest on her show “Blondes Gift”. I appreciate her spontaneous wit and fearlessness. Once it was clear what the song should sound like, it was clear that it had to be Barbara. Luckily she agreed immediately. It was just very challenging to find a suitable date for both of us to sing in. I think Barbara is one of the few who can do the big glitter stage and is therefore perfect for our Showtime version of the song.
When recomposing the album, you dedicated “Lighthouse” to your son Otto. How does he influence your music and how does he experience his dad’s career?
Sasha: When he was younger, he didn’t quite understand what it was like to be on stage with dad in front of so many people and found it rather strange. He’s been attending concerts and celebrating for some time now, which of course I think is great. He also enjoys making music himself and can, for example, do a very impressive beatbox. My music and my life become even more honest and authentic through him. You can’t fool children!
“Radio” is about loss and the feeling of remembering loved ones. How do you deal with loss in your life?
Sasha: There was a year or two a while ago, I think in 2016, when some of my musical heroes like Prince, David Bowie, George Michael suddenly died, and in our private lives we had to mourn an incredible number of people who had a lot left early. I mostly grieve within myself and alone, but sometimes you also cry with your loved ones. But every person grieves differently. In a figurative sense, “Radio” is about the fact that the deceased live on as long as we keep telling their stories.
They emphasize that the album is only an interim assessment. Do you still sometimes think about how much longer you want to be on stage?
Sasha: The question is more like how much longer CAN I be on stage (laughs). Just kidding, I can imagine a time without a stage, but if so, it would be voluntary. A life without a stage, however, is unimaginable. What I’m doing right now is very fulfilling and I could very well imagine just continuing with it. Plus, of course, the children’s music. That’s really fun too.
Looking back, what have been the biggest highs and low points in your career so far?
Sasha: Luckily I had more highlights than low points. When “if you believe” suddenly became internationally successful and I was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award as best international artist. Even though I had no chance next to Robbie Williams, George Michael and Will Smith, it was an accolade. The absolute lowest point, which also led to a kind of liberation, was my burnout at the end of 2002.
You can see your fans on stage again in December. What do you have planned for the tour, what can the audience expect?
Sasha: A big show! Actually a kind of revue with a big band, dancers and above all: the show stairs! As an emcee, I modestly lead you through my own life chronologically and underline it with music. The first single I bought, the song that played on the first standing blues, songs from my career and that I wrote for my wife or my son. Everything is very personal, but presented with a lot of humor and fun.
How do you balance touring life with your family?
Sasha: Difficult, I don’t like being without my family, but in order to give my son a fairly regular daycare life, I can’t take him everywhere. So far we’ve found a good balance and I’m always happy when he can be there every now and then.
What plans are you making with your family outside of music?
Sasha: In the foreseeable future, Otto will be going to school. Until then, we’ll use any free time to travel around the world a bit.