By Ralf Kuhling
Great emotions! Many German poppers have written this on their flags – and then only end up in clichés.
It’s different with Philipp Poisel, 39, who grew up in Baden-Württemberg. When he sings about love, it’s more poetic, more intense. And above all so easy to understand. Women feel in good hands with the singer-songwriter.
Herbert Grönemeyer discovered Poisel’s talent early on and signed him to his Greenland Records label in 2008. On Sunday (November 27th) Philipp Poisel sings in the Max-Schmeling-Halle (tickets from 50 euros, www.koka36.de), along with his current top ten album “Neon.”
BZ spoke to the emotional hero.
BZ: Music fans are holding back when buying tickets.
Philip poison: Some concerts go wild, others don’t. I’m right in the middle of it, realizing that things aren’t going the way they used to. And I ask myself: Is it because of Corona, is it because of the album? Do my fans still exist? (laughs). But then I say to myself again: Hey Philipp, be happy that you can go back on stage at all!
Are almost only women at your concerts?
It used to be that I tended to see girls, they just crowded into the front rows. In the meantime, however, I’ve also heard from 80-year-olds: “Hey, I’m your oldest fan!” And from very young fans: “My mommy heard you – and now I do!”
They say you don’t like giving interviews.
Yes, but I’ve become pragmatic over the years. The alternative would be to be extremely active on Instagram. I’m even less in the mood for it. The good old interview has even grown on me in the meantime. Actually, I would wish that I was only represented in the world with my music. It’s much easier for me to find the right words there.
Would the world be a better place without social media and the internet?
I’m relatively value-free on the road. But I also enjoy my little old school world. Just buy the newspaper I want to read. Or my radio station: press a button and something comes out. In these moments I only want this one thing that I can control so nicely – and not answer a thousand emails in this opaque world.
In connection with the death of Aaron Carter, the brother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, the question was also asked: Is the business too tough for some?
In Germany it is not as extreme as in the USA. And I have a record company that is very artist-oriented. For me it doesn’t say: “Hey Philipp, are you actually doing something on TikTok?” A little pressure is actually quite good, too much will break you.
Has there been any advice from label boss Grönemeyer?
When I talk to him, it’s weird. After that I’m more relaxed on the one hand and much more motivated on the other. When working on my second album, he emphasized that it just had to be finished and that I shouldn’t change everything in any way. Yes, sometimes it’s just simple things that help. But of course it is important WHO is telling you that.
What are you afraid of?
Flying is uncomfortable. Not because of a possible crash, but because of the narrowness. I guess I got over that fear by traveling to the US where I was allowed to record an album. If the dreams are big enough, a lot is apparently possible.
Alone with his guitar, that’s how Philipp Poisel likes it best Photo: picture alliance / Flashpic
Are you in a happy relationship?
Not answering that is my last bit of privacy.
What do you not like about yourself?
That’s an intimate question. Very few people will be able to answer them. It’s also a process, and aspects are constantly changing. I just want to quote an Arctic Monkeys song title: “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.”
Resolutions for 2023?
Ride more, go out more. Being alone with my guitar even more, like before. Sit on the train and look out.