Santiano musician Timsen with solo album: Low German is his language of the soul

With the band Santiano, the North German singer Timsen (59), who is actually called Hans-Vunge Hinrichsen, celebrated huge success. On April 25, he launched his solo album “Vun here”, which he will present in a release concert on April 30th in the Gruenspan in Hamburg. The special thing: he sings Low German in his home language. Colleagues such as Wolfgang Niedecken (74) and Stefanie Heinzmann (36) can also be heard on some songs, who also present their dialect. In an interview with the news agency Spot on News, Timsen reveals why this is not the end of Santiano, which Low German expression he likes and why he does not want to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Timsen: I used to do solo plates in Low German. Then santiano came in between, and I had no time for over twelve years. But I always had in my head to do such a thing again at some point. And I also wanted to record an album with guests to bring different dialects together. Munds enrich the whole variety of languages. However, there is no competition with Santiano. On the contrary, my colleagues totally support me.

Timsen: So basically you always have the thing with such an album that you are totally deepened in every song and try to get the most possible out. And then, after a while, you have songs where you think: ‘Oh yes, it’s best to find it.’ So I have a title, I’m very happy about it. “Wi Holt Tosom” is a comparison for a partnership. I compare a relationship with a tree. It begins as a small plant that grows more and more.

Timsen: So we are married 27 years old, and together we have been together since 1991. Yes, for a long time for nowadays. But compared to previous generations, that’s nothing.

Timsen: My wife can do Low German, but rarely speaks. And so unfortunately I didn’t pull it through at home. And my three daughters are still throwing this up today. You can express yourself a bit and understand the language too. But unfortunately they don’t use them in everyday life.

Timsen: I live and think in Low German. I dream in Low German and some even say that I make the tax return in Low German. I really got stuck in my mother tongue with which I grew up in the village. It is simply my language of the soul, as Wolfgang Niedecken put it so beautifully.

Timsen: So if it encourages one or the other here and there to speak a little Low German, then I am very happy. I don’t know exactly whether that really helps or whether the Low German language brings forward, but it would be cool if I hear at some point: “Man, because of your record I will stroll flat again.” But I don’t have the claim that I am the one who brings the Low German back to society. But I would like to encourage you to just try it and have no inhibitions. There is not the perfect Low German at all.

Timsen: Yes, and “Mien Leevste”, my loved one. There is really the whole heart in it. I think there is simply no better word.

Timsen: That was totally warm and open every time. You have to say that I didn’t know them all privately beforehand. We thought about who you could ask for this album. We only got to know each other through the collaboration. And I also think that’s good because the music and the songs bring you together. It brings a certain distance, but also brings you very close, at least in the matter. We are back with my wife: I also got to know them at work. And I still think that’s great because work is not about showing the chocolate side, but make up for the matter. You get to know each other very differently.

Timsen: I was really zero reference to this social media story. Fortunately at Santiano, my colleagues mostly take on this, and I just have to make a nice face every now and then. But then my management encouraged me to try that. And so I accompanied the Wacken Festival in Low German last year. And that was really fun. I wonder how many people jump on it and find it good. Even in the neighborhood or at the baker, I am addressed. So I don’t regret starting and will continue Instagram.

Timsen: Very simple. I get on the bike and drive around a bit. I am a walk, I have my black bread and coffee with me and take a break in between. Or I just put my feet up at home. I don’t necessarily have to go somewhere to switch off.

Timsen: Exactly. It is the best holiday country ever. So if you want to go home relaxed from vacation, you will come to Schleswig-Holstein.

Timsen: Not at all. And I’ve done that quite, for many years. It has been like that since we had children. It was always clear to me: no visit to the birthday, but we take a family trip. And to be honest, I don’t like to host either. I like to be with friends, but I don’t necessarily have to be the host.

Timsen: I’m now looking at how things are going with my solo history. And of course, it will continue with Santiano. I don’t make new plans, no more music project and I don’t buy an old mill to restore anywhere. I will try to keep my level and in a few years I will see how I am doing.

Timsen: No, no, no, no. I don’t plan to do that. The music is just too fun for me. My solo project, for example, is now totally exciting again because I also have a completely new environment. I have a new record company, another management, another live band and so on. Now I’m looking forward to my release concert on April 30th in the Gruenspan in Hamburg.