Robert Kretzschmar
... has made waves as a live and studio musician in the German pop and indie scene. He was part of the duo IT’S A MUSICAL, which rocked Europe and Asia with their albums and EPs. He has also showcased his skills as a composer and musical director for theater productions at places like Schauspiel Frankfurt, Theater Bonn and Schauspiel Hannover since 2012.
His stunning solo album dropped recently, featuring “Apartment” and other tunes. It displays his talent once more, after “Let it be” and countless other examples. What a fabulous song from an even more remarkable album!
How did your passion for music begin and what are the main influences behind your musical style and identity?
Music played a big role from the beginning thanks to my father. He brought me my first drum at pre-school age and I was very motivated to accompany him on the accordion or piano. His brother, a professional drummer before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, amazed me several times and finally awakened my passion. The musical influences reach far beyond the last 20 years... the first Sufjan Stevens albums after my arrival in Berlin have influenced me just as much as The Police or Air in my teenage years back home in the Thuringian forests.
What was the inspiration behind your latest release, “Apartment”, and what is the story behind it?
Based on a true story „Apartment“ invites you to explore the greatness of love in the confines of a flat. the song describes the first intimate moments of an exciting encounter. How a longing becomes reality. The blanked serves as a shield from the outside world and the air underneath becomes so thin that nosebleeds are to be expected. „Apartment“ celebrates the beauty of the unwritten future. No coincidence, rather magnetism.
The song is also part of your album, “Homecoming”. How would you describe it for our readers?
The album title is a return in different ways, processing and a fresh start after the pandemic. Back to my songwriting skills. I was able to find myself with these songs and took a new place in a changed environment. The song „Homecoming“ is a journey home, a return to one's roots, but not without consequences. It is a song about growing up, growing out, moving away, growing.
What are some of the challenges that you faced while working on the album?
I already had a collection of lyrics. I wanted to capture these memories and emotions in a playful visual language. And I already had the soundtrack in mind. I wanted to leave a lot of air in the music. And only equip the songs with what they need. I didn't orientate myself at all on my immediate musical environment and the biggest challenge was to stay motivated on the songs... Discarding many ideas and leaving only what the songs need.
Do you have any plans to perform live on stage soon?
I have already played two summer festivals before the album came out and am currently in the middle of the release shows. There are 5 more dates at the end of November.
Who is your dream conversation partner for music, especially drumming, regardless of their living status?
Brian Blade
What are you working on right now and what can we expect from you next?
At the moment I've worked out a wonderful live set with my band and I'm looking forward to the coming concerts. But I will also use the winter months to write new songs... I don't want to wait so long with a 2nd album, now that I know how to do it ;)
