Interview with Christian Pohl
Christian Pohl, a German vocalist, songwriter, and frontman of Blutengel, Terminal Choice, Miss Construction and some other projects.
— Chris, what were you like as a child? What did your family do and how did it affect your future career?
— I was the little Chris, a very shy and social distancing guy! Looking like a girl with long hair and not so many friends. But, I was not a problem child, or so my parents told me. My parents worked both for an insurance company and so their influence was that I did my training within the insurance company but left the job shortly before graduation. And then I did an apprenticeship in the pharmacy, until I received my graduation.
— Do you have brothers or sisters?
— Do you have a classical music education, or where and how did you learn to sing and write music?
— Nothing like that. I taught myself everything I know and I really can’t play an instrument either (keyboard a little). But I know how a good songs work! And I know how to write good songs and I have an incredible sense for music.
— At what age did you fall in love with gothic culture and how did it happen? Was it against the background of depression or a breakdown perhaps?
— That was when I was 18. I found it fascinating how dark and depressing some of the lyrics were and was surprised that people in the clubs danced to them and had fun. So, I learned that both can fit together. I never liked these superficial texts from the mainstream. I’ve always been slightly melancholy and found my fulfilment within this music.
— For some reason we have heard many times, that you were married to Ulrike and it seems you even have a daughter, is this right?
— Oh, this is my first time hearing this! No! Ulli and I are work colleagues and neither she nor I have children. You have to tell me where you got that from. Ulli is my singer and doesn’t live in Berlin, but her hobby is singing! And it doesn´t matter what kind of music. But like she told me, she is singing the whole day after finishing work.
— Surprise us, tell us about your hobbies and perhaps those which are unrelated to music?
— Music takes up a lot of time so, I have very few hobbies. I am however, a passionate gamer! When I find the time, I play computer games. I also deal a lot with animals. At the moment there are pigeons living with me that I have rescued and who will be allowed out again in the spring.
— Your music is full of passion, do you think that passion has power over the world, and what power does it have over you?
— Passion is strong. I think in every art you need passion! Art, especially music, should never be just a job. So, my passion is the motor that keeps me running. I wish everyone could put some passion into their job. But of course, the results are bigger within art jobs.
— Who would you be if, for some reason, your career as a musician did not work out?
— Maybe I would work in my old job, but I would still be Chris from Blutengel. This is not just a project to me, this is my life and Blutengel has even changed my personality! From a quiet and shy man with lots of self-doubts, to a slightly «cool guy» that can speak in front of thousands of people.
— Attitude to esotericism, magic, astrology? Do you believe in any of this?
— I believe in something but that´s nothing I can tell.
— Do you have a favourite type of women — for example, tall brunettes (I would say blondes, but I’m afraid to make a mistake)?
— It’s just a hair colour. But if you have the option, then red hair or black hair. I go more to the inner values but of course, the aesthetics also count. Wanna hear me describing the girl of my dreams? So, about 1.7m tall, not too thin, light sail ears, (coloured) red or black hair and large feet…
— I know that you don’t consider yourself apart of a certain religion, but still, what do you think, is there a God?
— Or higher powers, like a certain society of enlightened souls who rule this world? There are higher powers, but they come from within yourself! You just have to learn to be able to set them free.
— Is there life besides us in the solar system?
— I think so and I hope so. Hopefully more intelligent than humans!
— What are your favourite bands from childhood that inspired you?
— Sigue Sigue Sputnik
— Your book came out, is it in two parts? Tell me what is it about. About your personal life? Is it like a ‘Long hard road out of Hell’ MM? Is the book in English?
— I think you mean this «Orkus Book» – this is just a book about me from a German Gothic Magazine which is full of interviews and stuff; there will be 3 parts. But, I wrote a book myself! It’s called, Lebedeinen Traum (Live your dream). It was released as a part of my, LEITBILD boxset! But this is still available in German (the Orkus books are German / English).
— Tell us about the new album, concept, idea?
— The new album is ready! The concept is light in all it’s forms. Light as the salvation, but also the meaning of light, that shines on dark places and shows certain things that would otherwise have remained hidden in the dark.
— What are your plans for the year if the pandemic continues and concerts are canceled again?
— Kill myself! No! We will continue to work on solutions like we did last year with the 3 open air concerts. So I hope we can do this this year as well… But maybe there will come a miracle and we go on tour in autumn!
— Favourite colour
— Green
— Your favourite movie actress
— None
— Favourite movie genre
— Horror, Mystery
— Favourite movie, TV series (maybe Game Of Thrones?)
— Hellraiser, Supernatural, Lucifer and of course Game Of Thrones!
— Do you live in the Castle?)
— Sure… not!
— Describe yourself in one word!
— Apprehensive
— Name your three most important qualities that led you to success and well-being.
— Being true to myself, working hard, and I have a thick skin when it comes to social media hostility.
— Favourite quote
— Believe in yourself, be kind and do yourself a favour: keep away from social media, so you can have a better and real life!
— Your quote that you would like to tell us
— Your quote that you would like to tell us