Peter Heppner
There aren't many voices in this world that are as unique and immediately identifiable. Especially not among German singers. The two-time Echo Award winner Peter Heppner undoubtedly possesses one of these absolutely distinctive voices. On May 18, 2012, he released the long-awaited second solo work "My Heart Of Stone," which skyrocketed to number 6 in the charts, buoyed by the released single "Meine Welt."
Before Heppner made his solo debut in 2008 with the Top 10 album "Solo," he was known as the frontman of one of the most successful and influential acts in recent local music history. With the electro-pop and dark-wave band Wolfsheim, he achieved numerous hit singles (including "Kein Zurück," "Once In A Lifetime") as well as top placements in the album charts. Live, Wolfsheim headlined major festivals and toured sold-out shows in Europe and the USA.
In addition to his work with the band and as a solo artist, Peter Heppner is also a regular feature on the playlists of radio stations and TV music channels thanks to various collaborations with diverse colleagues. The impressive series began in 1998 with "Die Flut," an immensely popular song with Joachim Witt. This was followed by the hits "Dream Of You" (2001) and "Leben I Feel You" (2004) with the ambient-pop project Schiller. Together with star DJ Paul Van Dyk, Heppner recorded the highly acclaimed "Wir sind wir" in 2004. The singer also achieved chart success in collaboration with the dark-wavers Goethes Erben ("Glasgarten," 2001) and as a trio with Milu and Kim Sanders ("Aus Gold," 2004). The most recent of these productions is the newly reworked duet of the classic "Haus der drei Sonnen" alongside Nena.
With "My Heart Of Stone," Heppner has now embarked on an exciting new chapter in his career. 'Solo' was, even though I did not intend it, a sort of transitional work for me, he explains. Wolfsheim was not really put to rest, and still lingered in the back of my mind. Thus, the album became an unconscious attempt at musical reckoning and at the same time an effort to distance myself from my past to a certain extent.
It also took a while for me to realize all of this, he continues. 'Solo' is by no means a bad album. I am very proud of many of the pieces on it. However, with the successor, I wanted to determine the direction myself again, rather than largely react to external circumstances, changing situations, and old relationships. I have created a new artistic and musical foundation here that I am extremely happy with.
"My Heart Of Stone" was intended to be less introverted again. From the moment of publication, music and lyrics are simply no longer a private matter, laughs Heppner. I wanted to present pieces that open a door. Songs that allow for quicker access again. With the dreamy, catchy single "Meine Welt," the somewhat 80s-feeling yet absolutely modern "God Smoked," or the energetic "I Won't Give Up," the self-assigned task was brilliantly accomplished.
The album impresses, despite its clear roots in Heppner's long-standing influences from the electronic pop sector, with breathtaking stylistic and emotional diversity. The mood spectrum ranges from melancholic to hopeful, to rebellious and exuberantly cheerful, illustrated through the consistent integration of elements from rock and new wave to current dancefloor and ambient sounds.
Entry: 18.30