Jan-Marten Block: How he overcame his computer gambling addiction

At the beginning of April Jan-Marten Block (25) won this year’s final of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” with his title “Never Not Try”. The north German singer now lives in Berlin and will release his new single “Break Out” on Friday (April 30th), in which he sings about the breakout of old behavior patterns.

This ballast also includes a past computer gambling addiction from which Block suffered. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the 25-year-old tells how he was able to free himself from it and what his next plans are with the “love of his life” Yasmin. He also reveals what has become of the “DSDS” victory bonus.

In your new single “Break Out” you sing about breaking out. What do you want to break out of?

Jan-Marten Block: It’s about my past and all the ballast that I have freed myself from. Now I can concentrate on everything I always wanted to do – the music!

With the single you also make public that you have suffered from computer gambling addiction. How did that start with you?

Block: It started back then in kindergarten. My big brother got a PS1 back then and that’s when I realized that video games are something great. They were so exciting that I wanted to stay home and play PS1 rather than go to kindergarten. It was even the case at school and during training that this thought came up too often. Stay at home and gamble. And even if that is far in the past, “Break Out” is also about it. The song reflects what I’ve experienced and that you have to finish with some things. The contaminated site should not determine my now and here.

Why do you want to go public with it now?

Block: I would like to encourage people not to dwell in the past, but to focus on going your own way, looking forward and fulfilling your wishes.

What is your message for people who have also become addicted to computer games?

Block: The world of video games is a beautiful but devouring world. When you find that the important things are no longer relevant to you and you prefer to play video games, you should look deep inside yourself and ask yourself what you really want. You should also ask yourself whether you are neglecting someone or something. There is always someone there for you that you can always count on. For people who can’t do it alone: ​​You should never be ashamed of looking for a therapist.

Your addiction has even turned into depression. How did you get rid of your mental health problems?

Block: In fact, it was the music that set me free. In the beginning I combined my addiction with music and made music while gambling. But when I started to learn that music can be a great outlet for emotions, I was able to cope with my problem. But talking to friends and family also helped me to have a normal everyday life again.

You recently moved to Berlin. How have you been in the capital since then?

Block: I love Berlin. The diversity in the capital knows no bounds. Every religion, every culture and every person is simply welcome here and that corresponds to what my parents taught me.

You moved in with your friend Yasmin. What do you like about her?

Block: Yasmin is the most beautiful person I have ever met. What I appreciate most about her is that she accepts me for who I am. No matter what my path will look like in the future … I can always know that you are by my side!

You are a romantic. What was the most romantic thing you did for Yasmin in your eyes?

Block: During the time of the live shows, I wrote her a letter for every single day that I couldn’t be with her. I wrote a total of 14 letters for her, full of thoughts, songs and poems that I wrote for her.

What are your next plans as a couple?

Block: We are currently looking for a bigger apartment and then we will see what the time will bring. In any case, we have found happiness together.

What has changed in your life as a result of your “DSDS” victory?

Block: I am in a very nice phase in my life right now. I live with the love of my life, have come a lot closer to my dream job and live in a city full of possibilities. “Break Out” also contributes a lot to this. With this I want to make a statement and let go of the ballast that I carried on my shoulders.

Are you proud to have experienced the last season with Dieter Bohlen?

Block: Of course I’m proud to have been part of Dieter’s last season, but I’m generally proud to have been on “DSDS”.

What tips do you have for the candidates for the new season?

Block: I think the new season will focus more on singers than performers. So I can recommend every singer who needs a stepping stone to join in and try their luck. I keep my fingers crossed for everyone. I am very excited about the new season!

What happened to your prize money of 100,000 euros?

Block: I bought my very first car so I can drive to visit my family more often. In order to be able to record and produce music myself, I bought new instruments and a computer.

You received your first Covid-19 vaccination in June. Did you have any side effects? If yes, which?

Block: The only thing I noticed after the vaccination was my arm, which was heavy as lead. But otherwise I couldn’t complain. I’m looking forward to my second vaccination in August.

What are your plans for this year?

Block: My general goal is to be able to make a living from music alone. I want to be heard and make people happy with my music. My current focus is on my upcoming single “Break Out”. I put so much love and work into this single and that’s why it’s important to me that my fans and the other listeners notice that the song is very important to me.