OLIVER HARTMANN
Official website: www.oliverhartmann.com
Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/HartmannBand
*interview was done in April 2014
Plans.
"I just finished a tour with Rock meets Classic and it was an amazing experience again to be on stage with musicians as Midge Ure, Kim Wilde, Joe Lynn Turner, Uriah Heep and Alice Cooper. Being back home now I started again to work on a new album for HARTMANN which is either gonna be released in late 2014 or early 2015 depending on how we will proceed with the songwriting. Besides that I’m constantly touring in Germany with my Pink Floyd Tribute ECHOES throughout the rest of the year. But playing just around 25 to 30 gigs a year there’s still enough space for other projects. So let's see what comes next".
Composing music.
"The feeling to compose music is really difficult to describe and it can vary from song to song and from session to session. As being a musician from the heart the most important thing is always to be really a hundred percent into what I’m doing, no matter if it’ writing a song or being on stage with band. The feeling can be different every time but I always have the need to dive into that special world where you can express your feelings with words, chords and notes. I think that’s what it’s about to make honest music.
I really love what I’m doing and that is what keeps the motor running. Of course it’s sometimes hard to combine your private life with all the plans I have and all the touring but I know that I couldn’t live a satisfied and happy life without doing that. And it’s really important to have good friends, a family and a good relationship. Although music is an important part of my life it’s not everything that counts".
Fans.
"Of course ever musician loves to hear that people really like what you’re doing and gets a good feeling to be admired. On the other hand we all know that being seen as a “rockstar” – although I don’t really think I am ;-) – always leads to the fact that people and fans think that you are something special although we are normal people too. On the other hand I don’t get upset if somebody doesn’t like what I’m doing or doesn’t like me - even if this person doesn’t really know me. I know which opinions and statements are important for me and my life and which aren’t. Especially when looking at the internet. It’s easy to write something negative about someone when you’re in the hidden world of a pseudonym without standing right in front of you".
The beginning.
"I was 10 years old, had the first guitar in my hand and knew that this will be probably be part of my whole life. Although you go through different phases of your life I always knew what I want and that I don’t exchange that to something else.
We all know that the music business is pretty hard and that it’s not the most honest business, haha ;-) So besides loving to make music you have to learn a lot of things to safe yourself. There are many people out there who don’t really care about you and just want your most precious: Your success and your money! That’s something you have to learn so you can deal with in a healthy way".
Dreams.
" I think I’m a dreamer who has learned to deal with reality, haha ;-) I think it’s important to have dreams because that’s what gives you power for the goals you want to achieve. But you have to take care not to lose yourself in a dream world that is maybe to far away from your own reality. This can be dangerous".
The most important thing in life.
"Health. I’ve seen many people worrying about life, job, money, safety and other things. Me, too. But as long as you’re healthy you always have the chance to change things. Once you’re sick or having a deadly disease you maybe can’t change that anymore".
Friendship & loneliness.
"Friendship means a lot to me. If it’s a real and honest one. Of course I can forgive people but it depends on what they’ve done to me. If somebody is regrets things, yes, If not, no. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to find a way curing things that can’t be cured or changed so the only solution then is to ban people out of your life and stay away from them.
Of course there are situations where I feel lonely, too. Everybody has these moments. On the other hand a certain loneliness – or better saying to be all by myself – is an important part for me to concentrate on music and to be creative".
Meaning of music.
"Music is an international language – same as love. It helps people to express their feelings and – normally - brings them into a good mood. No matter if you’re playing the notes and singing the words or if you’re just listening to them. Music is an important part of our lives and in every culture. That’s why we should take care of it and keep it precious. And not selling it out".
Creating new world.
"I’m not a very godful person although I believe that there’s something we all name different. My main rule would be: Stick to the ten commandments and the new world will be a much better place".
First thought in the morning.
"No thoughts at all before the first coffee, haha ;-)"
Credo.
"Don’t look back too much, plan for tomorrow but live your life today!"
Last words.
"First of all I want to say HI to all fans out there of HARTMANN, AVANTASIA, ROCK MEETS CLASSIC and all other of my current projects. I’m looking forward that we’ll be on tour with HARTMANN soon again and hopefully outside Germany and in Russia, too. And thanks for the interesting interview!"