Sebastian Madsen (41) is best known as the singer of the indie rock band Madsen. Now he has started a solo excursion. On his first album, “A Bit of Soul,” he embarks on a journey into the world of soul and “lets his pants down” in his songs, as he says in an interview with the news agency spot on news. Because he sings openly about his lovesickness in winter 2021, which was “the worst of the pandemic” for him. Among other things, he reveals how his music has helped him to get over heartbreak and why he feels “pressed” by trends such as mindfulness, self-discovery and self-love.
Sebastian Madsen: Yes, that’s right. My brothers and I have always recorded a lot of other stuff alongside Madsen. But we never released most of it or just labeled it as a nonsense project and released it. Doing something really serious aside from Madsen is definitely new. In the pandemic, something serious actually emerged. (laughs)
I recorded the album with my brother Johannes here in Wendland. When the idea of actually releasing the whole thing came up, I got a bit scared. Especially since this is a very intimate album that explicitly deals with my lovesickness. I let my pants down and had to decide if I wanted that. But now I’m just looking forward to it, nothing is questioned anymore.
Madsen: My voice is my voice and that’s why there is of course a recognition value. That’s very nice too. So far I have a positive impression. But the Madsen fans are very tolerant anyway. We always notice that when we play concerts and the support acts go on stage. Our fans always listen first and receive them benevolently. But we as a band Madsen also exude harmony and a feeling of togetherness. It pays off when you want to break new ground, that there is such trust not only from the bandmates, but also from the fans.
Madsen: The winter of 2021 was the worst of the pandemic for me. I spent the time in Wendland, my girlfriend, who originally came from Berlin, felt more comfortable in Berlin. There were too many people in Berlin for me, not enough for her in Wendland. All this tension has made us drift apart a bit. I was lonely and started listening to a lot of soul music. This music gives you strength in difficult times, it helped me a lot.
I sat in the Wendland on those snowy winter evenings and listened to a lot of records: Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Amy Winehouse – or Manfred Krug, which isn’t soul music but was an important influence nonetheless. I then intuitively started to be inspired by it and to record something myself. Since my brother Johannes was there the whole time, he helped me. With the new project we had one constant every day. I sang everything from my soul.
Madsen: That definitely helped. It also created a bridge to my girlfriend, because I like making music with her. I sent her the songs and she helped me with the lyrics. Even if things were otherwise difficult between us, it worked. When the album was finished I realized that it did make me feel better. But of course it doesn’t save a relationship.
I also thought for a long time that I could easily get along on a deserted island with just me and a guitar. But of course that’s not enough for me. Music doesn’t get you out of everything. But what I learned through soul music: It’s good to communicate and to listen to the other person. We found each other again.
Madsen: Yes. But that’s okay, because Lisa is almost always on stage. I’ve also left the phase of doubts about whether I really want it behind me. We have played many songs live. It’s the same with Madsen: I never forget the personal ties I have to the songs, but once I get them out, they belong to everyone. Everyone out there has had heartache at some point. I don’t think people hear that and then try to analyze me. They relate the pieces to themselves. And that’s what music is for: I tell my story and hope that it will comfort other people in difficult situations.
Madsen: I wouldn’t necessarily have come up with the topic of mobile phones myself. Max Richard Leßmann, one of my best friends, wrote the lyrics. I talked to him a lot during the pandemic and otherwise. He intuitively checks my emotions and can put them into words. The constant use of my cell phone not only annoys me in my environment, but also for myself. It doesn’t have to be that reality is so difficult for you.
I find it worrying that everyone has their mobile phone in their hand or pocket all the time. For example, when I’m on vacation, I curl up behind a book and only look at my cell phone in the morning and evening. It’s always totally liberating. Far too few songs are written about this addiction that exists all over the world.
Madsen: That concerns me. Above all, many people from the public who are at least outwardly calm, cool and beautiful talk about the topic. I feel pressured there. In a situation where you are not doing well yourself, it is particularly offensive when someone tells you: Just be yourself.
That’s all well and good, but if you really don’t know how to do it or who that is, then it’s almost insulting. I often think to myself: Do this for yourselves, but keep your life wisdom to yourself. This often goes strongly in the direction of the calendar saying. It’s okay if you don’t like each other. Then you just don’t want to be yourself.
The album “A Bit of Soul” will be released on September 30th.
