(10.05.2016)
An Interview With BILL KAULITZ On His New Solo Project Away From Tokio Hotel!
Bill Kaulitz recently embarked on a new solo project under the artist moniker BILLY. As the singer of the band TOKIO HOTEL, the international superstar has sold over 7 million records worldwide, performed for 500,000 people in front of the Eiffel Tower, won hundreds of awards and gone platinum in 68 countries.
In the midst of this enormous success, he is venturing on his own for the first time to release a 5-song EP I’M NOT OK on May 20, to chronicle his life experiences and the rollercoaster ride of finding and losing love. Available on all digital platforms worldwide and physical product in selected territories via Los Angeles – based De-Code LTD, distributed by Chapter One/Universal Music in Europe, Caroline in the US and Kontor New Media in selected territories.
“Love Don’t Break Me” is the EP’s first official song release. It is a minimalistic/electronic ballad–which reflects a new sound and impressive growth in BILLY’s musical palette.
The song is just one part of the multi-media hybrid art project which also includes a stunning Black and White short-film directed by Shiro Gutzie and Davis Factor and an accompanying fine art photo book with selected images from the film and other original pictures by the directors. A series of large format art prints complete the ambitious art project.
“I didn’t want to do a traditional music release for my first solo project” BILLY says “I wanted the freedom to explore the other areas in my life that I am passionate about like Art and Fashion and felt that a pure music project wouldn’t fulfill my vision as a solo artist”.
For the new project BILLY wrote the songs in collaboration with music producers Pionear, Shiro Gutzie and his own twin-brother Tom Kaulitz. “I wanted to go in the studio and experiment with new sounds and not be creatively held back” BILLY adds “I created an environment for myself where I had no pressure and was able to just try new things without worrying about sales, promotion or marketing plans and just focus on creating”.
Future extensions to the project include other art-driven initiatives as well as fashion related activities, a field BILLY is familiar with, he has appeared on numerous lifestyle covers including Interview Magazine, L’Uomo Vogue, L’ Officiel Hommes and many others. “Fashion is an extension of my music and I’m looking forward to immersing myself in that world. I believe they go hand in hand and can’t wait to make that a reality” said BILLY.
The fine art photo book which includes a limited edition 7” white vinyl of “Love Don’t Break Me” went on pre-sale unannounced on March 30th, with the first 300 copies individually signed by BILLY. The $50 book available exclusively through the official BILLY website sold over 1,000 copies in its first 12 hours.
Thanks for your time today! So, how’s 2016 been treating you so far? What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you and your music?
2016 has been a crazy busy one so far. I actually can’t believe it’s almost May but I like to be busy so it’s been pretty good so far. 2015 was an amazing year music wise. Probably the best I’ve ever had. I was touring with my band almost the entire year. We played all around the globe and shared the music with incredible people. It was an adventure. I drank a lot, I partied a lot, I worked a lot. It had the right balance. Most importantly I’ve been finishing up my first solo project including my EP which is very exciting and nerve-racking too. This year I spent most of my time setting everything up for the release. I wish I’d have a million more years for that.
Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you remember the first time you realized you wanted to make music for a living?
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