single-person endeavor, not limited to individual responsibilities - "Multiple individuals involved in this undertaking"
Hanging With Alle Farben: "This Ain't Just a One-Man Show"
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For over a decade, the talented DJ known as Alle Farben, otherwise known as Frans Zimmer (39), has ruled the music scene. However, earlier this year, he suffered a devastating accident. In an exclusive chat with Spot On News, the DJ spills the beans on his future plans after this tough time and what he dreams of, both privately and professionally, for his future.
How does a decade of success in music feel?
Alle Farben: Pretty good, man! I've been making beats for 21 years, with the last 11 being a massive success. I'm stoked every year to get all the gig requests, play at big festivals, collab with heavyweights - and that at such a high level for so long. I'm grateful for it, and I also know it doesn't come for free. I grind hard to keep bringing it. With my job, I see the world, hit places I'd otherwise never visit. That's cool as hell.
How do you keep your head on straight despite the star treatment?
Alle Farben: I've got great homies and a wicked team. They keep me grounded if I ever start to brag. That doesn't happen often. I've had the same mates for ages, and I'm thankful for that. In the end, I'm just a regular Joe, still cooking with H2O. You gotta remind yourself you ain't better than everybody else just because you’re successful. Everybody's got their share of troubles, everybody's got their cross to bear. My gig is just as regular as a friend who teaches kindergarten – sometimes we talk about homework, and sometimes we talk about meeting Skrillex backstage.
How has your music evolved over the years?
Alle Farben: I'm going through a revival of my own tunes: With my latest single "Flowers," I'm going back to my roots - not just in terms of sound but also with the artist I've worked with for 11 years, Graham Candy. It feels like closing a circle, and that means a lot to me. We've been on stage together for 11 years. My trumpeter Lahos, who's been on tour with me for 9 years? That's deeply touching.
How have you changed personally?
Alle Farben: There've been ups and downs. Early in my career, I was overwhelmed. Nobody tells you what it's like to play big stages, to be recognized on the street. That was tough at first. Now I'm living my dream. I'm using my career to do what I dig. I had to learn that over the years though.
Still get stage fright after all these years?
Alle Farben: The excitement never disappeared – and I've never found a good way to deal with it. I know now that it's like that, and I know that I should eat something a few hours before I can't. It's alright to be hyped. I also think it's dope that I'm still excited before the shows – because it still touches me.
Things don't always go smoothly on stage – how do you tackle that?
Alle Farben: I'm a perfectionist. That's stressful, but I've learned that I can't control everything. When things go south, you've gotta be a pro. I've had a hundred mishaps on stage, just smile and move on. I'm lucky to have a team that gives their all in the background. Alle Farben ain't a one-man act, it's teamwork. Without all these people coming together, I couldn't shine like this. I do my bit, everyone else does theirs, and it works.
As a public figure, you'll probably also get smacked with criticism – what's that do to you?
Alle Farben: It doesn't affect me much, but there was a time when I didn't read people's chatter online. It messed with me, social media showed the ugly side. I gradually started reading comments again, eventually even responding to some – but not all. I don't want to give trolls a platform. But even today, some criticism still bugs me.
Performing on stage with singers, do you ever feel a bit in the shadows?
Alle Farben: Nah, man. Everyone's got their moment to shine on stage – and that makes my show. I don't just spin tunes, I entertain, I create music. When Graham Candy jumps on stage, and the crowd goes wild? It makes my show even sexier, and it keeps me going.
As an artist, what's your fave collab or track?
Alle Farben: Graham Candy, man. (laughs) But I've had so many bitchin' collaborations. But there's a collab I'd still love to do – with Pharrell Williams. The most personal tune is "Tell Rosie" since it described my life and daily routine at the time. But the tune I still crank up loud if it's playing is "Bad Ideas." If it's on, I've gotta crank it up.
You're not just Alle Farben but also Frans Zimmer. What makes you happy as Frans outside of music?
Alle Farben: Besides beats, it's cooking and sports – two passions in my life. From a hobby, cooking's turned into a thing: During corona, I learned how to cook like a pro. Now I've got a cooking channel that's doing pretty well.
If it weren't for music, would the job of a chef have been something for you?
Alle Farben: I've always done what I feel like doing. I've worked in a pastry shop before – I'm not that far from the kitchen. But it could've been something else too. I reckon I could've been happy in other fields – physical therapist, kindergarten teacher,...
In February, you announced your serious accident publicly – how have you been since then?
Alle Farben: Shout out to my mates, family, and team. They've been a massive help. I noticed that people support me a lot – whether it's in my closest circle or from afar. It was nice to feel so much positivity. It really helped me feel better.
Summer's coming, along with festivals – what are you stoked for the most?
Alle Farben: I reckon I've never had so much time to prep for a festival season. It's the first time I'll be back on stage after the accident, seeing smiles, and making music again. I'm psyched for the festival season more than ever – after this rough accident and the uncertainty about whether I'd ever be back on stage. Now everything looks good again, I'll be able to perform like normal again.
Such performances are obviously associated with a lot of effort. Do you have rituals or routines to get ready for them?
Alle Farben: I've got people who watch my back. My tour manager always makes sure I stay hydrated. And there are three things I watch closely – you never know what might pop up: I catch Zs when I can, chow down when I can, and hit the head when I can. That's usually what keeps me going. (laughs)
Do you need silence before a performance or do you prefer being around people?
Alle Farben: I ain't calm before a performance. Maybe I'm a bit quieter, but I ain't calm. Something's cookin' inside, the adrenaline kicks in. It's a moment that gets me hyped up.
- Alle Farben revealed that he's been cooking like a pro during the pandemic, turning his cooking hobby into a successful channel, demonstrating his versatility beyond music.
- If things weren't centered around music, Alle Farben admitted that he could have been a physical therapist, kindergarten teacher, or even continued working in a pastry shop – illustrating his diverse interests and potential career paths.
- In an interview discussing his evolution as an artist, Alle Farben shared his admiration for Pharrell Williams, revealing his dream collaboration and emphasizing the importance of teamwork in his career, stating that Alle Farben isn't just a one-man act but a collective effort.
- After a devastating accident earlier this year, Alle Farben noted that the positive support from his friends, family, and fans played a significant role in helping him recover emotionally, showcasing the power of community and human connection.
- The upcoming festival season holds tremendous excitement for the DJ, who mentioned that, after the accident and the uncertainty surrounding his future on stage, he's looking forward to performing again, experiencing the joy of making music and seeing smiles, symbolizing the optimism and resilience that drives Alle Farben.
