You might recognize her voice from the Warhaus project, and in March she will come to Poland for 3 solo concerts. Sylvie Kreusch, whom we are talking about, will visit our country in the spring as part of the promotion of her latest album “Comic Trip”. On this occasion, we talked to her about the behind-the-scenes of the album's creation and her emotions before the concerts.
Wiktor Fejkiel: In November of last year, you released your second studio album - “Comic Trip”. What kind of reception did this album receive?
Sylvie Kreusch: When I was creating my debut, I had absolutely no expectations for myself. However, this time I was terrified of how people would perceive “Comic Trip”. I couldn’t imagine what the audience would think of it. This album is somewhat unique - I have always written songs about breakups that easily resonate with people, but here we have a lot of optimism. In the end, I was very calmed by the numerous positive reactions I received after the premiere.
Did the idea of using the comic motif to transport the entire album back several decades take a long time to develop?
No, this idea came quite quickly. In fact, right at the beginning when I was looking for vocal lines. That’s when all those funny sounds and words began to emerge. It quickly became clear that my subconscious was trying to tell me something. So, I went back in my thoughts to my childhood and saw myself daydreaming in the corner of my grandmother's attic, immersed in comics. That was such an impulse that significantly pushed the whole project forward.
As you already mentioned, “Comic Trip” is much lighter and more optimistic in sound than “Montbray” - where does this change come from?
Finishing “Montbray”, I felt that I was ready to abandon the sadness in my work. I wanted to create something full of hope and optimism - although I don’t hide that it was a huge challenge for me. Still, I liked it, though it’s clear that you can’t maintain euphoria from beginning to end. There were also darker moments, but in the form of a joyful waltz. All while maintaining balance.
One of the standout tracks is “Daddy’s Selling Wine in a Burning House” due to its somewhat slower tempo and more serious lyrics. Where does your courage to open up to such themes come from?
When writing, I don't focus on the fact that someone will be listening to it (laughs). It is precisely because of that that I can shed all the pressure regarding the lyrics. However, a few moments before the song was about to be released, I called my dad (laughs). But he was really proud of me.
A lot of this album revolves around the theme of aging - are you trying to confront it with this album?
If I'm honest, aging is my biggest fear, which I have been struggling with for three years now. Especially in the music industry - I have always lived day by day and didn’t worry about the future. But paradoxically, ever since I have some stability as an artist, I fear that I have an expiration date. I try to remind myself that this is complete nonsense, but the fear remains. Going back to your question, I think it is less about confronting it directly and more about subconsciously sneaking in those small signs that something is up.
In interviews, you often mention that to gain inspiration you need to go to France - what attracts you the most there?
I think it’s not about France itself. It’s about the calmness and contact with animals and nature that it can offer me. The city overwhelms me very quickly and drains all my energy.
The album combines many diverse styles - from country to disco. Did you have any difficulties merging these elements into a cohesive whole, or did it come naturally?
I'm surprised that it all really fits together (laughs). When starting the album, I had no idea what it would ultimately become. Only when everything is finished do I start to understand my own imagination. When creating, I wasn’t thinking about this at all; it all came to me naturally.
I really like little touches like “Interlude” that tie the album together - was the coherence of the material a crucial element for you when creating “Comic Trip”?
I have always thought that I am one big chaos with many disorders. Especially during the creation of this album. I’m gaining distance to it and realizing that some of those moves were really interesting. When each of those crazy decisions comes from deep within me, in the end, everything makes sense. However, it took me a long time to understand that.
In an interview with the British TicketMaster, you mentioned that this album is much more “organic” - does it translate to a better concert experience?
There are definitely many more elements played live - fiery guitars or funny piano parts now form the core of the concerts, where previously I primarily focused on synthesizers. This definitely works in our favor. When you add in that organic quality you mentioned, it gives the whole thing incredible charm. I cannot overlook that a large part of this is due to Jasper Sergers, with whom I wrote this album from scratch.
Do you see any differences in performing this material compared to a few years ago?
Of course. The initial EPs were very experimental, at the cost of melody. Now we are trying to maintain pop structures, especially during live performances.
What are your expectations regarding the Polish audience?
I have already had the opportunity to perform in Poland as a support act, and you have an incredibly grateful audience. Interestingly, I even adopted a dog from Poland! He is incredibly loving and cuddly; it’s just crazy (laughs). So yes, when I think of Poland, I think of the gratitude that I receive from you.
This theatrical aspect remains an inseparable part of your concerts?
The theatrical element allows me to step into a kind of comfort zone. On stage, I need to feel like a superhero (laughs). In real life, I don’t like to stand out, and I am definitely more insecure, so concerts are the perfect escape for me.
What are your plans for the future after the promotion tour of "Comic Trip" is over?
I really care about collaborating with artists from different parts of Europe. So I will primarily focus on establishing musical connections. However, I hope to find some space between concerts to get into the studio.
