Interview with QFish

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• Music, for me, has always been an integral part of my existence. From an early age, the piano was my playground, and my dad, my guide. We would spend countless hours exploring the depth of emotion that can be communicated through the black-and-white keys. As time passed, my penchant for the technical world began to grow, and it seemed only natural to combine these two realms. Thus, I embarked on my journey into music production. It offered a unique blend of technical precision and emotional expression that I found irresistibly alluring.

• On an alternate timeline where music wasn't the driving force in my life, I can see myself delving into the visual arts. With a particular interest in 3D design, I'd be crafting digital landscapes and characters. I am a creator at heart, and if not through music, I would be pouring that drive into another medium. In many ways, the process of designing in 3D space mirrors the structure and creativity involved in music production. It's all about taking individual components and weaving them together into a cohesive and evocative whole.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• When I step away from the music, my time is largely consumed by my second passion, entrepreneurship. Running a business that employs over 30 individuals, I find myself in a leadership role that I thoroughly enjoy. It is an intense commitment, sometimes demanding up to 60 hours per week, but it is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.

  My business practices are firmly rooted in fostering an environment of trust and empowerment. There's something profoundly fulfilling about enabling my team to stretch their potential and to realize their capabilities beyond what they initially perceived. I strongly believe in celebrating individual strengths, encouraging growth, and standing alongside my team as we navigate both the triumphs and challenges that come our way.

  This leadership role is more than just a duty—it is a substantial source of inspiration and creativity for my music. Leading a team and producing music share a common essence: you're orchestrating disparate elements, empowering them to harmonize, and creating a whole that's greater than the sum of its parts. When I step back into the studio, I bring with me the lessons of leadership, the value of individual voices, and the beauty of unity. These influences seep into my music, adding layers of depth and richness that would be absent otherwise.

How long have you been making music?

• My journey into the world of music began when I was just 6 years old, with the piano serving as my first muse. However, my exploration of music production is a relatively recent endeavor. I've been involved in this facet of music for about three years now.

  Despite this relatively short span, I have dedicated myself fully to the craft, bringing my years of musical knowledge and technical acumen to the production table. This experience has enriched my understanding of music and has opened new avenues of creative expression that I continue to navigate with great enthusiasm.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

• My personal journey and the places I've called home have all played integral roles in shaping my sound. I was born and raised in Germany, a country known for its rich and diverse musical traditions. However, the last decade has found me residing in the vibrant and captivating landscape of Ireland.

  Ireland's unique cultural vibrancy and its certain 'easiness', as you may call it, seeped into my music subtly but surely. There's a certain lightness to the rhythm and a touch of warmth in the melodies that can be attributed to this Emerald Isle. Moreover, local Irish bands like Picture This and The Script have significantly influenced my music. Their emotion-packed lyrics, combined with a sound that's authentically theirs, have taught me the importance of creating music that not only sounds good but also resonates on a deeper, emotional level.

  While I also carry with me influences from my father's homeland, it's safe to say that my music is a rich tapestry of diverse cultural influences. The result is a unique sound that encapsulates my global journey and the myriad of experiences that have marked it.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

• Though I haven't had the chance to bring my music to a live stage yet due to the demands of running a business, the concept of a live show is something I've given a considerable amount of thought to.

  In my vision, a live show would be much more than just a musical performance. It would be a comprehensive sensory experience that leaves the audience feeling not just entertained, but also connected on a deeper level. I imagine the ambiance to be immersive, with captivating visuals and lights that complement the music, creating an environment that is both intimate and electric.

  I see myself not only as a performer in these shows but also as a storyteller. Each song would unfold a narrative, inviting the audience to join me on a musical journey. Interacting with the crowd, sharing the stories and inspiration behind the music, and fostering a sense of community are all integral parts of this vision.

  Playing live is something I'm currently exploring and, when the time is right, I look forward to sharing my music and vision with a live audience.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

• For someone just starting out in the world of music production, I would emphasize the importance of establishing a stable foundation first. Music requires a significant investment, both in terms of time and finances. You'll need equipment, and you'll need to learn how to use it effectively. To make this journey a bit smoother, I recommend building a financial cushion before diving in headfirst.

  At its core, music is an art form, a means of expression, and it should not become a source of stress or financial instability. Contributing to society through work and having a secure career first is a sound strategy. Once you have that, you can then explore music as a hobby or a side project. This approach keeps your creativity flowing without the pressure of having to make ends meet through your music. It allows you the freedom to experiment, grow, and ultimately, enjoy the process.

  As for advice to my younger self, I would echo these sentiments. Patience and preparation are key. Cultivate your passion for music, but also make sure to establish a solid professional base. This will give you the freedom to create without the added burden of financial insecurity. Remember, good things take time and your musical journey is not a race, but a lifelong exploration of creativity and self-expression.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• The song that holds a special place for me is "Piece By Piece". This song represents a philosophy I hold dear, the idea of rebuilding oneself, piece by piece, after facing a setback or failure.

  Thomas Watson's saying, "To double your success rate, double your fail rate," resonates strongly with me and serves as a driving force behind this track. It is a recognition of failure not as a terminus, but rather as an integral part of the journey towards success. It's about understanding that failures are not only natural but also essential in our growth and development.

  "Piece By Piece" underscores the importance of resilience, of picking ourselves up after a fall, and moving forward with greater determination and wisdom. It's about the maturity and strength that comes from acknowledging our vulnerabilities, learning from our failures, and persistently marching towards our goals.

  The message in "Piece By Piece" is timeless and universal, and I believe it's an anthem for anyone going through a challenging phase, reminding them that it's not just about falling down but about getting up, dusting off, and rebuilding stronger than before.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

• My personal favorites to play are "Morning Star" and "Safe in My Arms". The sound of these tracks is simply mesmerizing, partly due to the exceptional vocals of Robin Vane. His voice adds a layer of depth and richness that is hard to put into words. But beyond his vocal prowess, what truly resonates with me is the person he is off the stage. His dedication to making a difference in the world, as evidenced by his initiative Anti Child Trafficking, is inspiring. It's his warmth and his commitment to good that shine through in his music, adding an extra dimension to these songs.

  As for which songs get requested the most, that's an interesting question. One of the fascinating aspects of music is its subjectivity. I've found that if you show ten people your songs, and ask them which one is their favorite, you're likely to get ten different answers. It's a testament to the individuality of musical taste, and a reminder that each song can touch people in unique ways. In that sense, I don't have a clear answer about which song gets requested the most—it truly varies depending on the listener. It's this diversity in musical preference that makes creating music such a rewarding experience.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

• My creative process draws inspiration from various elements around me, and I often find myself following in the footsteps of the great Ludwig van Beethoven. Much like him, I too find solace and inspiration in the natural world. The subtle symphony of nature, the rustle of leaves, the babbling of a brook, or the songs of birds - all serve as a canvas upon which I can paint my musical ideas.

  However, my inspirations are not limited to nature. I am a traveler in body and spirit, and different environments feed my creativity. The bustling streets of New York, an old building standing tall amidst the city's rapid pace - such sights can evoke stories in my mind. These imagined narratives often serve as the backbone for my songs, allowing me to tell tales that are as varied as the places that inspire them.

  Yet, there are also times when my music is a mirror reflecting my personal experiences and emotions. These songs often carry a more profound emotional depth and intimacy, drawing listeners into my world.

  All these elements blend together in my creative process. Whether it's a moment captured during a stroll through the woods, the visual spectacle of an urban landscape, or the whispers of my own heart, I strive to convert these experiences and feelings into a melody that can resonate with others. It is a continuous journey of exploration and expression, which makes creating music both an exciting and deeply personal endeavor.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

• Absolutely, one of the primary goals of my music is to communicate and evoke a spectrum of emotions. Words, as powerful as they can be, have their limitations. There are feelings, nuances, and depths of experiences that are sometimes better expressed through the universal language of music.

  Music can give voice to the joys and sorrows, the highs and lows, and the complexities of the human experience that words may fall short of adequately capturing. Whether it's a soulful melody conveying a sense of melancholy or an upbeat rhythm embodying pure joy, each song I create is designed to stir specific emotions within the listener.

  Ultimately, my intention is to reach out to people on an emotional level, to make them feel seen, understood, and connected. I believe that music is a powerful medium of emotional communication, and I strive to make the most of it in my work. So, whether it's happiness, sadness, love, loss, hope, or any other emotion, I aim to encapsulate and share these feelings through my music.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• I'm continually looking to evolve my sound and narrative through my music. My focus is on creating more tracks that resonate with listeners and provide an immersive experience that goes beyond just listening.

  One thing I'm particularly excited about is my upcoming release, "Good Life". This track is slated to release this summer and promises to be a deep dive into my past experiences. It draws heavily from the vibrant, somewhat wild, and often enlightening journey of my twenties. This song encapsulates the way I perceived the world during that time – a perception that, in many ways, continues to color my worldview.

  "Good Life" is not just a song; it's a reflection of a significant period in my life. It's filled with energy, reminiscences, and lessons learned along the way. I'm thrilled about sharing this piece of my personal history with listeners. So stay tuned and keep your eyes and ears open for "Good Life"!

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

• Instagram: @qfishmusic