|
|
|
The world as we know it today has taken a liking to Marvel comic book superheroes but there is nothing like a fairytale Princess that melts your heart. These women take you on a journey to faraway lands and mythical creatures that hold a story very dear to our hearts. We remember them in song, for the sounds of “So this is love” (Cinderella) and “Colors of the Wind” (Pocahontas) will flow through our hearts for a lifetime. Now, here comes I am Harlequin’s, Anne Freier, whose voice just takes my breath away. She is the ultimate, real-life princess that reminds us how music really touches all our senses that goes back to basics. This band will cast their spell on your curious mind and enchant your ears for a lifetime.
I love the mystical creature, transfixed with boho-chic princess look you got going on. What does your wardrobe say about you?
I have to be honest…it’s pretty messy and all over the place. I make a strong distinction between what I wear during the day and what I wear for performances. Most of my performance outfits are home-made. But generally I just wear what I like. I’m not fixated on trends.
When was the moment you looked at a piece of clothing that made you say, "I can make that into something much better."?
I recently wore an expensive designer dress in a shoot for a friend. And I found it to be fairly easy to replicate the elements I liked in it. I guess it’s all about the enjoyment of making it yourself and improving on the ideas you’ve seen, i.e. making it your own. I don’t think my creation is better than the original (who’s to say), but it certainly is more me.
Growing up, whose style did you admire the most? Why?
Well, I wasn’t very interested in clothing when I was young. And I still happily will spend more money on music equipment and instruments than I do on clothes. It’s only been in recent years, since having turned 20, that I’ve become more aware of fashion. There isn’t so much a single person I admire for his/her style. It’s rather certain looks/single pieces I am interested in.
Moving onto music. What album changed your life?
Kate Bush ‘The Dreaming’- It is such an interesting album, extremely varied and unexpected.
How does life in Germany differ from the UK? What makes it the same?
Oh, Germany is so comfortable. Everything is just so well organized. Properties are of high standard. It all seems pretty steady over there. London is chaotic, overpriced, harsh and uncomfortable at times, but I’ve come to love it. You can get used to anything. And in defense for London, it does make you work harder.
How does the music scene differ between Germany and the UK? Which is harder to break into?
On the classical side, Germany has to offer many of the old masters. When it comes to modern music, electronic sounds seem to be predominant. But recently German pop has started to flourish more. The UK, in comparison, is big on indie music. The amount of male fronted indie rock bands I have seen in my time here I can’t even count.
Which genre was the hardest between opera and ballet? Is there a particular opera or ballet production that was your favorite?
Operas and ballets are both just as challenging to write and of course to perform. I personally haven’t written any yet. I have written musicals, which I guess are the modern spin on opera and ballet. But I am planning on writing a ballet at some point in my life (already have some ideas). I loved the performance of Kurt Weill’s ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ at the ROH in London. It’s an opera-ballet, so combines the best of both. When I saw it, Martha Wainwright was singing the part of Anna and it was just a wonderful performance. ‘Carmen’ is fantastic as well and one short ballet I’ll never forget is ‘The Lesson’. ‘Black Swan’ certainly seems to have given rise to ballet again. I’ve heard so many people say they would want to learn to dance ballet now.
How did "I am Harlequin" come to be?
I started out in pop music by playing quirky anti-folk pop live. By 2008, I wanted to incorporate larger arrangements, broaden what I was working it. This would ultimately mean playing with a band. I started writing the songs for I am Harlequin in 2009 and mixed them together with a friend. The latter was a very lengthy and sporadic process during which I just kept writing songs. It prolonged everything into 2010, but was well worth it. By the end of the year I picked the best songs out of the almost 100 I had written and finally launched. I then started looking for my band members. And I was very lucky. I found excellent players almost immediately.
You have a wide-range of instruments you play. Can you remember the first song you learned how to play?
My first instrument, besides voice, was the recorder and I played German folk songs. The first pop song I learned to play successfully must have been Tori Amos’ “Winter” on piano. But I got bored of playing other people’s music fast, so swapped to composition instead. I would love to remember which pop song I learned to sing first…perhaps Cindy Lauper?
From musicians like Kate Bush, Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell and others- who would you love collaborate with?
Either of them would be wonderful and beyond my wildest dreams, but I reckon Kate Bush and I have the most in common, musically and hence might work well together.
There are many essentials one would need to become a musical act. Is there any advice you could share for those trying to make it into the business?
I find that without drive and self-motivation you could be the greatest musician in the world but it won’t get you anywhere. You need to be willing to put in the work, particularly nowadays when it’s become so much harder to have a successful career in music.
Favorite venue or place that you performed? The worst venue or place you performed?
Tough question! I don’t really have a favorite venue, but rather a favorite performance. That, so far, has been Proud Galleries in Camden for Music Week’s Breakout Night mainly because the room was full of A&R and yet I managed to stay surprisingly calm during the set. It was a highly enjoyable experience and I’d do it again any time. IAH has also performed some badly organized events, but hey, in hindsight they are all valuable experiences.
Are there any songs for you that just take your breath away when you hear them time and time again?
Different songs evoke different emotions or better memories in me. I find it very hard to limit my choice to just one…The Last Unicorn by America sends me down nostalgia lane, partially because I cried my eyes out watching The Last Unicorn when I was little. It is also a very beautiful song. Alexandre Desplat’s ‘Birth’ and ‘Painted Veil’ soundtracks are both beautifully haunting and stir up some mixed emotion in me. ELO’s ‘Livin’ Thing’ reminds me of being on holiday with my parents as a child and Kate’s ‘Hounds of Love’ makes me want to dance.
No comments yet.
