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An Interview with Der Graf of Unheilig
Posted: Sunday, August 17, 2008
By: Vlad McNeally

"Music is my love; I couldn't live without it," confesses Der Graf, when asked what brought him back to music after giving it up for several years in his younger days. Though once daunted by social pressure for him to follow a more conventional path, his Unheilig project has succinctly proven not only his talent but also his ability to be successful and true to himself. Considering every piece is in some way autobiographical, perhaps it was a sign that Unheilig was meant to be when Der Graf and his compatriots miraculously scored a chart-climbing homeland hit with their very first single, "Sage Ja!"

Growing in power from festival to festival, album to album, Unheilig finally broke through to German TV in 2006 with their landmark album, Moderne Zeiten. No longer were they just another crossover act, they were now on of the forefront of the Neue Deutsche Härte scene, a school of Germanic rock defined by acts like Rammstein, Oomph!, and L'ame Immortelle. Despite their success, there was a concept for one album with which Der Graf struggled for years, Puppenspiel. Finally, with some extra time and the help of his live musicians, the idea became not only a reality, but also the first Unheilig opus to be released in North America. With such an undertaking finally accomplished, Der Graf takes a moment to share with ReGen some details regarding Puppenspiel as well as to educate a new audience on his concept of Unheilig.

Puppenspiel marks the very first U.S. release for Unheilig; how do you feel about it also being the 'starting point' for your new audience?

Der Graf: It is exciting! Puppenspiel means a lot to me. It is my baby, and I now 'lay it in their hands.' I know that a lot of people in America already know my music, because they can buy it by using Amazon, etc. Therefore, it is not new for everyone.

How did you come to work with Nilaihah Records as the label in charge of issuing this release in America?

Der Graf: The chemistry was right. Nilaihah Records is a smaller label, but they are dedicated to making Unheilig popular in America. My management made the initial contact and the rest, as they say, is history.

You've stated that you were quite curious to hear the overseas feedback generated from this first North American release. What have those reactions been like so far?

Der Graf: Sometimes, I read the reactions on our Web site or our MySpace site. There are also fans from America in the fan club, and I have met several of them at festivals. The reactions have been very good!

'Puppenspiel' is a reference to a puppet-based play. Could you elaborate on this concept?

Der Graf: The concept has been in my mind for a long time, but I knew that the timing was not quite right, so I decided to wait and create other songs and themes that are on previous albums.

Would you say you are the puppet or the puppeteer?

Der Graf: The songs of Unheilig are always autobiographical. They are orientated towards something that has affected me: something I saw, or something I felt. I think that each and every one are the people pulling on or 'conducting' the strings.

With Puppenspiel, you brought your circle of live musicians into the studio to collaborate during the recording sessions. What impact did this have on the final product? Does this aspect fit into the album's concept as well?

Der Graf: First off, Puppenspiel is an advancement. The songs on Puppenspiel are more to the point than previous releases, as I had more time to develop this album. From the musical aspect, I embraced the live musicians in the production. My keyboardist, Henning Verlage, also produced the album with me. He works for a lot of big name musicians, so his influence was quite good for the overall music production. I also had more time to be creative, which was a new way for me to create. Normally, I do everything myself. The final product is influenced by that, but the concept is not.

Your songs are always autobiographical in nature, and you said that the content and concept of Puppenspiel have been on your mind for quite some time. Was there a specific reason or reasons why this album's ideas took longer than usual to see fruition?

Der Graf: Sometimes you have to be very brave to tell so much about yourself in the songs. I think that the time was not right before.

Considering that these pieces are autobiographical, what song would you say was the most difficult to put into words?

Der Graf: 'An Deiner Seite,' because I wrote the song for a friend who was terminally ill.

Your lyrics are rooted in personal experience, yet the words chosen make these tales and moments more universal than just regarding your own life. Why do you choose to tailor them to be this way, and do you think it has an impact on the audience's comprehension?

Der Graf: You can always interpret my songs in different ways. Therefore, the audience can perceive themselves within the songs. I hope that I can help some people through hard times. This is always an accelerating incentive for me to give more within my music.

As the ringleader of Unheilig, you act under the pseudonym Der Graf, which you have said in previous interviews gives you an air of mystery. Is it a matter of privacy, or do you think that the anonymity has a positive impact on your message?

Der Graf: I don't want to be seen as a mystery man; the name 'Der Graf' is only a shield. I am an open book when I sing my songs or when I perform, but I need to have my privacy when I write the songs. I also need the normality of life. Otherwise, I couldn't make my music. People already know so much about me when they listen to my songs, so it really doesn't matter if my name is 'Der Graf' or something else.

A reoccurring concept in your music over the years has been freedom from censorship. Why is this theme important to you, and does it also have a root in your own experiences?

Der Graf: The name 'Unheilig' means to be free from everything. That was my reason to name my music 'Unheilig.' It's to be free from religion and prejudice. In earlier times, a lot of people told me that it was not a good idea to make music or to sing - I should learn to do something more conventional and so on - but I made my dream come true. I always believed in me. Censorship is only important when you hurt somebody with your music, but I think I give something special to the fans; I give them hope or appreciation.

Since your connection with your audience could be described as quite 'reverent', what would you say would be your most memorable points of fan contact? Conversely, what was the most off-putting?

Der Graf: I've had a lot of special moments. It is fantastic to perform and see that the fans love my music. Often, I talk to my fans after the show. They tell me their stories and sometimes a song of mine that helped them to go through a hard situation. That is a wonderful feeling. I can help because I make what I love. I don't like when people ask about my privacy, or when they wait to see which car I drive after a festival, but most of my fans respect that.

You've stated that religion is an important ingredient in your role as a lyricist and performer, yet from what I understand you have developed your own version of faith as opposed having subscribed to another. Has this had an impact on your audience, and what would you make of others taking on your religion as their own?

Der Graf: I believe in my own religion; I don't need a church to speak to God. The freedom to believe is very important to me, and it is completely private. Nobody knows my religion, and I don't want to be a part of someone else's prayers.

How do you balance these religious themes with the name 'Unheilig' or 'unholy'?

Der Graf: I sing about the themes which affect me. I do not balance anything. To me, it is only important what your heart says, and that is what I write.

You seem to me to be quite the film aficionado, with scores written by such composers an Ennio Morricone being cited as influences in the past. Why do film scores hold such weight with you, and which have moved you the most?

Der Graf: I've always loved to listen to film music. I seem to always see pictures in my mind. I create a film in my head when I make Unheilig's music. I hope that I can convey these pictures through my music to the audience. This is my aim when I take my inspiration from film music. Sadly, I cannot name just one special film which has moved me the most, because I am a film fanatic!

With an album finally gracing the Americas, is there a tour in the works as well?

Der Graf: I really so want to play in America, but I don't know when we can feasibly do that. It all depends on the fans. Unheilig is still a band which is not blessed with a lot of money, so we need some invitations where we can earn enough money to pay for the flights, the hotel, and the crew. However, I would go on stage without myself earning anything, because I hope that the American people would come to love my music when I perform live.

Do you have any parting words for our audience?

Der Graf: I thank everyone for being interested in Unheilig, and I will do my best to perform in America as soon as possible!