What was your first reaction to ’24’ having 60k of views in the first 4 days?
Absolutely stoked. It’s been such a journey to get from the first chord written to producing a music video. I’m just hyped that people engage with the song, and the story behind it.
Have you always wanted to be a musician and actor?
I have always wanted to tell stories. When I was younger I didn’t know how that would pan out. Initially I started studying biology, but the arts have always lured me in. Today I’m incredibly happy I decided to go for it. Working in both fields fulfils me
When you are songwriting, what is your process?
I tend to start with the lyrics. Without a story there is no song and every song can later be dressed nicely. SO my wiring core is the story and emotional connection that can later be dressed in composition.
What is a typical studio day like for you?
Since the pandemic it’s mainly sitting by my piano, figuring out producing techniques myself and zooming with the producers and songwriting colleagues whoa re spread all over the world. I miss jamming !!!!
How are you inspired to write a song?
I can be inspired by literally anything – a smile someone gives me on the street down to a deep routing feeling of anxiety. As long as soothing touches my heart it has the opportunity to become a song.
What other artists and songwriters inspire you?
Mac Miller – May he rest in Peace, Frank Ocean, Labrynth, Childish Gambino, but I also love to get some Inspo of Justin Bieber, James Bay, Tom Odell, Jessie Reyez and FKA Twigs.
Where have been some of your favourite venue’s you have performed at? Where are you looking forward to performing at when live music is back?
One of my first solo performances was at the Gamescom in Cologne, I was supporting Tom Odell and played to a crowd of 120000 People – A feeling I will NEVER forget.
And then of course the fist concert of my first headline tour in Hamburg. Thinking about it now still gives me goosebumps.
What is the story behind your current single Bring Back My Smile?
It was written about a serious in my life where I honestly couldn’t get myself to smile in the mornings… A pretty grim feeling…I’m lucky that time is over for me. But we also live in a time when the trying circumstances truly depress us as a society, and it’s a gentle reminder to never loose the smile – even if it’s underneath a mask.
Are you currently working on releasing an album or EP?
I’ve been working on my debut album of quite some time. Really hoping to get it ready for late 2021.
Do you write for other artists as well as your self?
Pre pandemic I started with co-writing sessions in Berlin and London for other artists – hopefully we’ll all be vaccinated soon enough and get travel and write together again.
What would be your music and Netflix/Disney recommendations be?
High Fidelity, Ramy and The Great 🙂
What music are you currently streaming?
Music wise I’m in the middle of re-listening to Kofi Stones “It’s OK to cry sometimes” for the 20th time and series wise I’m in the middle of Netflix’ SPY with Sasha Baron Cohen
You started in The Crown and Victoria what was both of those like to film?
It is alway extra exciting to play real life characters – specifically people who’re part of shaping our perception of present time. Both those shows have been significant for my development as an actor. I was particularly proud to be playing a British character in The Crown as I spent quite some time perfecting my accent 🙂
Do you have any more TV or film projects coming up that you can talk about?
I am starting to shoot two Series back to back – one of them a German one about the effects of the pandemic on a young couple and the other one is a Big series for global distribution, but I’m not allowed to say what it is just yet.
Final Messages?
I hope we don’t forget how to be empathic towards one another when this pandemic is over. Everyone is so focused on their personal suffering that its ease to lose connection to a universal feeling of togetherness. So people please smile even under your masks – be kind to one another and try to spread joy instead of hatred.
Hope to see you all on tour when I’m back on the road 2022
