After a life-threatening accident and a personal defeat, German musician Adel Tawil is living more consciously. In Hawaii, without radio or cell phone reception, Adel wrote new songs.
event: Why do you sing in German?
Adel Tawil: I wrote my first songs when I was eleven or twelve. In English, because I had American role models as a teenager. After my first band Boys, where I only sang songs in German, I realized that German lyrics were better for me. It was also the first time I really liked my voice. Because it came from inside me, from my soul. Before, I was always very skeptical. Everything became real in German.
Do you miss Ich + Ich?
I miss Annette Humpe. I haven't seen her for a long time. And of course the moments we had together. I'm also happy that I'm on the road now and have my own thing. But Annette and I still have something very special in common - a deep friendship.
How do you live your life differently after the accident?
I live much more consciously and have also shifted down a gear. I no longer have to try everything, and I'm more aware of my own life and my family. I've also sold my motocross bike, I don't have to indulge in that anymore.
What do you do specifically to live more consciously?
You live more consciously by being more aware of your body. Not always this fast food or processed food. You get up in the morning and exercise. Yoga. Pure deceleration.
You wrote songs in Hawaii, in a place without radio or cell phone reception. Where exactly were you?
On Big Island, the largest island in Hawaii. There's simply nothing there anymore, and the people who live there don't want that either. They live very consciously and are connected to nature. They want to be one with the sea and the volcano. Of course, there are also a few freaks, which is also really nice and fun. The absolute contrast to Berlin.
What is the main message you would like to pass on to your audience?
I'm happy that I'm healthy and that I can go on tour again. I would love to see people at the concerts again. That's what makes me happy. I've become much more aware of that: being alone on stage and having the privilege of making music. Living that with the people is what is simply awesome.
"I'm happy that I'm healthy and can go on tour again."
How did you overcome your divorce?
I'm very loyal and someone who doesn't do things for fun. Conservative as far as that goes. That's a personal defeat. But life goes on. And then you put that into songs - at least that's what I do. I believe that things don't happen for no reason.
How do you see the topic of music streaming: opportunity or ruin?
Definitely an opportunity. You can see it for yourself in your own behavior: You can get hold of the song I want to listen to at any time and in any place. That's an absolute luxury that was unimaginable a few years ago. We still have to keep up the fight about artists' remuneration and ensure that everyone is paid a reasonable wage. I still own dozens of CDs and records. I won't give them away either. There's a lot of nostalgia and romance involved.
Was it difficult for you to gain a foothold in the German music market?
It was a completely different time. The market has changed. It used to be that you had to approach a record company yourself. The bosses were the powerful ones - you tried everything as a young artist. I'm grateful that it worked out that way. I think it's great now that there are these other ways to become known - be it via Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. The internet has its downsides as well as good sites to build something up. You can also see that in the many YouTube stars.
You're coming to Switzerland soon. How do you like our country?
I like the people and the way of life. Especially in Zurich. Of course, Lucerne is also very beautiful. There are also a few nice places in Berlin, but there are far fewer bad places in Switzerland. I really like being there. In the meantime, I've even toyed with the idea of staying in Zurich for a year.
ADEL TAWIL
Fri 10.8.18, Stars in Town Schaffhausen
Fri 20.7.18, Moon&Stars Locarno
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