This time, we get to know Musik.Poet AKA Frank Schmitz, a singer-songwriter based in Germany with diverse influences ranging from Springsteen to Clapton, with songs on many topics that concern or touch us all in both German and also in English.
The track "Our Souls at night" is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
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1. Tell us a little about where you are from and what you are currently doing.
I am from Germany, precisely from Duisburg near Düsseldorf close to the river Rhine. Besides being a Singer- Songwriter I am a private citizen, after almost 40 years of working for a bank in various capacities.
2. What inspired you to start playing and making music?
A union of things, I have always been interested in music. It was not until 2016 that I had the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument. So then the first guitar found its way to me. Quite quickly I began to sing along while learning and practicing. And so more and more songs were created in different ways, because I also like to write lyrics.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
It's hard to say. I grew up with groups like the Beatles, Hollies, Bee Gees, Rolling Stones and so on. For me, it's important that it sounds melodic or rhythmic with lyrics that are as good as possible. I especially like Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Pink, but also other singers like Bob Dylon, Leonhard Cohen, Neil Diamond etc.
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
It is primarily important to me to inspire people with my texts (in German or English) and appropriate music, to give food for thought, to give courage, to cheer them up, to give joy and also to show that there is always a way in difficult situations. If my music can make someone feel good, I have achieved a lot. My own experiences and observations as well as some books play an important role. In addition, I would like to help with social projects also people who are not doing so well.
5. Tell us about your creative process when you make new music.
There is no particular process to how my songs are created. However, I have to admit that I get most of the ideas for lyrics when I'm out alone in nature, whether walking, biking, or on horseback (I take care of my foster perd once a week). Sometimes, however, a song idea comes to me spontaneously after watching a movie. That's what happened to me with the movie "Our Souls at night" with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Directly after watching, I wrote the song roughly shortly before midnight.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
That's a difficult question that I can't really answer because there are so many great songs. Personally, I have something in common with the song "Love is in the air" by John Paul Young, because that's how I met my wife. And we also chose this song for our wedding ceremony.
7. What is the best advice you have either given or received in terms of music?
Unfortunately there is nothing, because I don't know anyone in my environment who makes music. But what I have learned is how important it is to get on as many playlists as possible. From my former professional life, I have already brought properties such as stamina, self-motivation and resilience. And you certainly need that here. Figuratively speaking, I would say that it's best to be a marathon runner and not a sprinter.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
This is not a simple question either. How do we measure success? I think I'm successful when I can reach and inspire as many people as possible with my music. On Spotify, I'm noticing a growing audience at the moment, which makes me very happy. Also, with the help of a former classmate, I've managed to finish my own website.
9. Just for fun! What's been your most embarrassing moment so far?
My most embarrassing moment happened to me during my training. I was supposed to add interest to the savings account for a customer. Meanwhile, a colleague came with the lunch she had bought for all of us and we went into the break room together to eat. A few minutes later, my boss came and asked me if it was possible that my customer was still waiting for me in the counter room.
𝟭0. Tell us about your lowest and highest points in music so far.
At first it was difficult for me to record my first songs at all, because no one around me was into that kind of thing. Therefore, I informed myself on the Internet and then bought the necessary equipment to record my vocals and guitar. My attempts to mix, master and produce it myself were not so successful, so I had to look for a producer. With the first published songs I had hardly any listeners and little response. Also my families and friends were not so really enthusiastic. I just kept going and improved my singing with the help of vocal lessons. In the meantime, a Californian musician asked me if we wanted to do something together. A great song came out of that.
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