Max Giesinger: The singer wants to go back to the roots

From the casting show “The Voice of Germany” to one of the most famous singer-songwriters in Germany: Max Giesinger (36) made it. In 2016 he celebrated his big breakthrough with his mega hit “80 Million”. “An incredible year,” the 36-year-old looks back in an interview.

With his new single “People” he is now opening the next chapter of his career. The song is also the soundtrack of a collaboration with Aktion Mensch. “We want to work together for diversity and inclusion and focus on social cohesion.” The musician talks about his commitment and his special anniversary this year in an interview.

Max Giesinger: One of the biggest highlights was definitely when “80 Million” went through the roof. Hearing yourself on the radio more and more often, suddenly getting a lot of festival requests and finally achieving the long-awaited breakthrough – that was an enormous feeling of happiness. The next highlight came in the same year. I stood on the biggest stage in my homeland: at “Das Fest” in front of 40,000 people and everyone sang along to my song. I’ll never forget that. In the winter of the same year I also won the “1 Live Krone” for the best song of the year. An incredible year.

Giesinger: I think the absolute will to really want the whole thing – with everything that goes with it. It is also important to have people around you who support you where you are not so fit yourself. But before that happens, it’s just a matter of gaining experience: practice a lot, register for newcomer competitions, get to know people. Most people throw in the towel when the first setbacks arrive, but those are just part of it. I got countless rejections from labels and played in empty clubs. Be patient, take time to find your own voice and story.

Giesinger: With this record I want to go more back to the roots. Everything should sound nice and organic. I want people to hear that there are real musicians at the instruments. Next year the focus will be on getting the new album out into the world. Playing concerts, a big tour at the end of the year and definitely a few TV shows.

Giesinger: I want people to come closer together again. Our society has been drifting further and further apart for years. The divides are deepening and we have forgotten how to speak to each other normally. I know that we can do better and in the end we only get along together here on earth. In the future, we should focus more on what unites us and not on what sets us apart. My song “People” is intended to build a bridge here. And that fits perfectly with the goals of Aktion Mensch: We want to work together for diversity and inclusion and focus on social cohesion.

Giesinger: Aktion Mensch asked me for a smaller campaign back then. And my management guys said, “Oh, while we’re on the phone with you, we’ve got a new song that’s great for you. Would you like to listen to it?” So one thing led to another. We then planned a few more actions – for example, Aktion Mensch supported me in making the video for the song barrier-free. And we shot a wonderful spot in an inclusive sports project.

Giesinger: I had a wonderful day there and met a lot of lovely people and threw a few baskets out of my wheelchair – which turned out to be quite difficult. After the day I can say: inclusive sport is really fun.

Giesinger: I think the topic of inclusion doesn’t necessarily start with the large structures, but with ourselves. It’s often small things that you can change: how you talk, who you invite, how you design rooms. Sure, the music industry could do more, but I’ve noticed in my career that you can make the difference yourself. Just take a look, pay attention and stay open to new things. In the end, it’s about everyone feeling welcome – no matter where you come from or what challenges you have.

Giesinger: I haven’t had any direct contact so far, but that motivated me even more to deal with the topic of inclusion. The current collaboration in particular gives me the opportunity to discover new perspectives and learn how important it is to actively break down barriers. I believe that inclusion is not only enriching for people with disabilities, but strengthens us all as a society – and I look forward to learning more about it and doing my part in the future.

Giesinger: I like Christmas time because it is so cozy. Go to the Christmas market with your friends and finally have time for your loved ones again. Chatting and playing board games late into the night. That’s something special. Afterwards I always think to myself that it’s a shame that I’m so rarely in my homeland.