Helene Fischer in an interview: "I'm still the same"
15/05/2017
written by Dominik Hug
She is the most successful singer in Europe and was the music sensation par excellence in 2013 with her mega-hit "Atemlos durch die Nacht". After almost four years, Helene Fischer (32) is finally releasing her new album. She will perform it live five times at the end of October in Zurich's Hallenstadion. And in summer 2018 at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. Fischer only wears light make-up for the interview. She smiles often and answers thoughtfully. She repeatedly brushes a strand of hair out of her face. It's hard to imagine that this petite person, who is extremely charming in conversation, will soon be filling the biggest stadiums.
Helene Fischer live
Ms. Fischer, how are you? Helene Fischer: Absolutely wonderful. I'm delighted that it's finally starting. The last few months have been very exhausting. But now everything is sung and in the can.
The expectations for the new CD are huge. How do you deal with the pressure?
Oh, I don't let it drive me crazy. That wouldn't be in keeping with my character. I've always been pretty relaxed when it comes to my external perception. I prefer to concentrate on finding out where my personal journey is going. I listened to around a thousand songs to find the best ones for the new CD. Songs that reflect my innermost feelings and inspire me. I succeeded in doing that.
You've broken all records in recent years. Is success addictive?
Of course it is. Especially when you have nothing else to hold on to. Then you cling to fame like crazy. But luckily I don't have that kind of doggedness. I just try to enjoy every moment. I love the challenge, I always like to take a new step. But I know very well that all the hype could come to an end at some point. And I can also well imagine what it's like when suddenly no one is calling for you anymore.
What would happen then?
Then I would take a moment to reflect and take a deep breath. Later, I would reorient myself. Fortunately, I have a great family and a private life that fulfills me. That's where my foundation lies. My career is more like an add-on. It doesn't determine my entire existence.
Helene Fischer
But would you miss not being able to perform in front of 50,000 fans?
Of course I would. And how! I love entertaining the audience. Being on stage is my destiny, which I am more than happy to accept. I want to make people happy and give them something good.
What actually goes through your mind when you perform in front of so many people?
When the song is combined with choreography, there's hardly any time to look around. But when I sing alone, I notice a lot. Then I see the people at the back holding lighters in the air. Or the woman in front smiling at me nicely. Or the man with the cool leather jacket... I notice all of that. And I really love these direct connections.
Do you still go to concerts yourself?
Oh yes. The last one was Bon Jovi in London. Before that, I went to see Britney Spears and Céline Dion in Las Vegas. And lots of Cirque du Soleil shows. That's where I got the idea for the collaboration for my own new show.
You once said that you probably wouldn't make any new friends because of your success...
That's true. Because you become more cautious when everyone thinks they know you. But don't worry, I have enough friends and a very large and delightful family. I don't know if I would have time and space for more people in my life.
Do your friends react differently to you since you became famous?
Not my close friends. But at family celebrations, when you haven't seen each other for a while, they sometimes perceive me differently. They see me as the artist Helene Fischer, no longer as their Helene, who grew up in front of their eyes. I always say straight away: Hello, I'm still the same old Helene!
Helene Fischer in a golden dress on the beach
The dark side of fame?
It's a bit like living in a gilded cage. Many people don't understand that. They think: Hey, it's great to be recognized everywhere. Of course it is. But it can also be exhausting if you're constantly exposed to the public. There's an insane energy exchange, which is great, but at the end of the day you come home and you're often just empty. You have to recharge the batteries.
How do you do that?
I try very consciously to create a balance. In recent years, I've learned better and better how to create little oases for myself. I go for walks. Or drive to an appointment instead of taking the plane. I'm alone in the car, I can listen to music, think, be with myself. I also do a lot of yoga. And: I love to cook.
You are credited with making pop music sexy. Are you proud of that?
Well, when I discovered pop music for myself, it was already different. Maybe it was still a bit dusty back then. In any case, the shoes soon became too small for me. I developed and wanted to include all the other things I love in my shows: dance, entertainment, pop and rock. I don't want to set myself any boundaries and no longer differentiate between pop and pop. I just want to put on a good show.
What makes you happy?
I love it when someone tells me that they had a great time at a party thanks to a song. Or that another song gave them strength during a difficult time. It makes me happy when I manage to strike a chord with my songs and touch people.
And in my private life?
When I can be with my loved ones. That means an incredible amount to me. I used to subordinate everything to my job, I was on fire for it 24 hours a day. Today I have a better balance.
What's the craziest thing you've done in recent years?
I'm not particularly materialistic. Of course I'm happy that I can now live in a nice little house and treat myself to the occasional long-distance trip. But I don't own anything really crazy. At most: the red "Breathless" suit with the glittering stones that was made especially for me, which I thought was pretty "hot" back then (laughs).
What makes you sad?
I'm a very optimistic person by nature, but I also have a tendency towards melancholy. That's why I love ballads so much. The many tragedies that are happening in the world at the moment make me sad. These terrorist attacks, for example, are like a contagious disease. Sometimes I'm almost unwilling to read about them anymore. Perhaps you also become more sensitive over the years.
Do you have a life motto?
It may sound a bit trite, but I've always tried to get the maximum amount of happiness out of every moment. That's what life is all about. It's hard for me to understand when I see other people mired in their grumpiness. Life is far too short and far too beautiful for that.
Where will you be at 60?
I hope that by then I'll have done everything I can. When I see how fit my father still is, I'll probably still be on the trapeze at that age too (laughs). I hope that the wheel will still be turning for me when I'm 60. I firmly believe that everyone has a job to do. Nobody is in this world for nothing. When I look at everything that has happened to me over the last few years, I'm really looking forward to getting older. Life feels better and better. You become more relaxed, more complex and more in touch with yourself. You only get this clarity with age.
