Christopher von Deylen (46) is the man behind Schiller. In an interview, the German "electronic fumblers" told us why he lives out of a suitcase - and why he never wants to meet Sharon Stone in person.
Your shows are known and loved for their light shows. What will you surprise us with on your tour this fall?
I want my concerts to be an experience for the senses. Light and sound in 3D, so to speak, with a large backdrop of light and surround sound. I've been trying to develop this further over the last 10 or 15 years.
Do you see this as an overall concept? Is the album the teaser for the overall experience?
There are actually two different worlds at Schiller. One is the purely musical world. The one you can listen to from the CD at home or on the go. Then you're on your own, perhaps with your headphones on, and you can really immerse yourself in the music, close your eyes and immediately have images in your head.
What is spontaneous about the show, what is programmed?
The best things actually always happen when something goes wrong. Both in the studio and on stage, I try to allow as much leeway as possible for what I call human error. This leads to a very special tension. There are always moments in every Schiller concert that were not planned that way. But I won't tell you what those moments are.
Will there be any special guests on stage?
I'm not revealing that yet either! I'll be accompanied by a "global band", musicians from Germany, France and the USA.
You have already worked with many musicians. Which one surprised you the most?
Lang Lang, the pianist, with his openness and curiosity. That was in 2008 - it was the first time he moved out of his classical fortress. He did it with vehemence, strength and ease. That really impressed me.
Sharon Stone wrote the lyrics to a song on your album - how did that come about?
Word must have gotten around in California last year that an electronic musician from Germany had just settled in Los Angeles. Sharon Stone obviously knew Schiller and asked her agent if I would like to set one of her texts to music. I didn't even know that Sharon Stone wrote song lyrics - usually actors want to stand in front of the microphone themselves, but not her. When I was ready, I asked her agent to send me a hidden YouTube link. I was very nervous, but the next day I saw that this link had been accessed several dozen times. At the same time, her agent sent me the message: "Sharon loves it" - very straightforward and straightforward. Then, for me, a wonderful conclusion to this mysterious encounter - which never had an equivalent in real life.
That means Sharon and you have never met in person?
That's right. We've never met! But I don't miss that at all, because that's what makes it so mysterious. This special tension would certainly not get any better if we met over coffee and cake.
How do you remember the Swiss concerts so far?
The Swiss are extremely enthusiastic and react very directly to the music. I can tell immediately which pieces go down well. With the Swiss, you know where you stand.
Is it true that you live out of a suitcase?
I gave up my possessions three years ago. Since then, I've been traveling the world with two suitcases. I stay with friends or look for accommodation on Airbnb. So I don't really have a fixed, permanent home. The gain in freedom is immense. But maybe I will settle down somewhere again.
