Doing intimate soul searching without falling into self-pitying muddles is an impossible feat for many singer-songwriters. The Kirschlager Clemens Bäre alias doppelfinger succeeds in doing this magnificently on his debut album “by design”. The bear, who lives in Vienna, turns out to be a virtuoso of caution with his delicate mixture of melancholic acoustic guitars, sad harmonica, strings and profound lyrics.
A speaker isn’t bear. Neither in his songs, nor in private. The step of publishing the songs, some of which were still written in the children’s room in Kirchschlag, was incredibly difficult for him. “I would never have dared to say my songs are so great that they have to be on an album,” says the 24-year-old. Only after gentle pressure from his fellow musicians did he dare to take the step.
Not light fare
The graduate of the Linz Pop-BORG does not serve light fare in the twelve songs of “by design”. Song titles like “How To Hide”, “Trouble”, “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or “Fold My Fears” clearly indicate the direction of attack, it’s about suffering, loneliness, depression, addiction and insecurity. Openness at all costs, even if it hurts. According to the admirer of Bob Dylan, Conor Oberst and Elliot Smith, the songwriting is like “lifting feelings”. Because: “As an artist you make yourself vulnerable. And that’s good and important. Music is communication. Only when feelings become visible can a real connection to the audience develop.”
In spite of all the tragedy in his lyrics, the 24-year-old hasn’t sold himself to agony. With the charming catchy tune “Quite Alright” the album is preceded by a positive number, which was also released as a single. Bäre: “I didn’t want to make a totally depressing ‘pucker’ record. I wanted to show that there are people and things that really make my life beautiful.”
By the way, his mother gave him the name “doppelfinger”. The reason: “On my right hand, two fingers have grown together.” Laughing postscript: “For my international career, I might just have to get a new name.”
CD tip: doppelfingers “by design” was released by Ink Music. Live at the Röda in Steyr on May 21st.
Source: Nachrichten
