Schallwelle - Preis

In continuation of the once by Winfrid Trenkler initiated “Schwingungen-Wahl" (as part of its WDR radio broadcast "Schwingungen") the “Schallwende Verein” (association of Sylvia and Klaus-Ulrich Sommerfeld) came up together with musician "Stefan Erbe" to revive the idea of creation of a new prize for the best artists in the field of electronic music. This idea was supported by many
sponsors who have a strong connection to electronic music (record companies, factories, media etc.).

In recent months, the fans had the opportunity to elect on the Internet their newcomer or their artist of the year. In addition, a special prize was awarded. And of course, it went to the man of the first hour itself: Winfrid Trenkler.

To make things short: the event was a full success. Not only because the event had already been sold out many weeks ago and not only because it was a meeting of the “who-is-who” of the genre of e.m. It was mainly a success, because it was so perfect organized. The premises, the program with music by "Klangwelt”, "Maxxess" and by "Lost In Loops”, the moderation of Sylvia Sommerfeld and Stefan Erbe: everything was perfect. The guests were in a good mood, and there were many opportunities to meet colleagues after many years again. My reunion with Winfrid Trenkler was very warm and we have promised to us to meet again in Berlin. I look forward to it.

...with Winfrid Trenkler

So here are the winners of the elections:

Best CD 2008
David Wright - Dreams and Distant Moonlight

Best Artist 2008
Spyra

Best CD Listeners Choice 2008
F.D. Project - Heavens Gate

Best Artist 2008 Listeners Choice
Tangerine Dream

Best newcomer
Ambient Circle

Special award
Winfrid Trenkler

Once again congratulations from me to the winners.

Yes, and then there were the speeches, which were held in honour of the award winners. My personal highlight, and certainly the highlight of the evening was the laudatio by Harald Grosskopf, who had the honour to speek for Winfrid Trenkler. They know each other since many decades. This was a special moment and you could see how deeply touched Winfrid Trenkler has been.

...holding a speech

I hold the laudatio for the artist of the year 2008 - Wolfram Spyra - and gave some personal advices about the pitfalls of the music business which I know. I believe the audience was amused.
The original speeches are now ONLINE to read on the website of the “Schallwelle – Preis”. However, it will only be in german language.

Overall it was a great event and I am sure that in the next year everyone will be upset, which can or will not be able to participate.

Finally, a few links to recent reports on the event:

DERWESTEN – Portal der WAZ Mediengruppe

MusikZirkus – Magazin

Musicianslife Magazin

EMPortal

Celestial Movements - Update

Finally the next step has been done.
Bernd Scholl of "MellowJet Records" has finished his work and we are proud to present you the "face" of my new CD "Celestial Movements".


The artwork contents a picture of Mr. Michael Stauffenberg, who has photographed the new "horizon observatory" based on the "Halde Hoheward", near by german city of Recklinghausen (Ruhrgebiet). This observatory is designed as a modern version of Stonehenge.

The "Halde Hoheward" is a 150 meter high artificial mountain, built from dump of a former colliery which has been restored and concepted as a remarkable landmark. This area can now be used for several leisure activities as well as for astronomical activities too. For further details please also check "Initia Horae", the private initiative for horizon astronomy.

Finally the music of "Celestial Movements" will fit perfect to the image and the imagination of this beautiful technical sculpture and of course it will fit to the "International Year Of Astronomy 2009" too.

At least the cover is ready now. The music is in progress. You see, the things are developing.

Busy again now...

Electronic Goes Benefit

Hello,

we have the year 2009. The International Year Of Astronomy. So it is not too far away to think about electronic music live performed under stars - real or artificial.
I did this too. 20 years ago. Of course I was not the first one. Many famous collegues had given concerts in planetariums many years before.
My concert happened in Berlin at the former West-Berlin "Planetarium am Munsterdamm".
In those days (and also in my childhood), I was very interested in astronomy and space science (as well as in space music and so on). Then in 1988 the main building of the planetarium was particular destroyed by a fire. I had the idea to collect some money for the planetarium and so "Electronic Music Goes Benefit" was born. Mario Schoenwaelder and I organized the event and we performed in january 1989 three shows on two evenings. One show was recorded and later broadcasted by "SFB - Sender Freies Berlin" radio station.


My part was the approx. 60 minutes long "Ferne Ziele". A shortened studio version was later released on my solo album "Kaleidoscope".
Some info for collectors: the long and original version "Ferne Ziele 1989" is part of my album "Electronic Goes Benefit". This CD was and still is as single CD as well available as part of the "My little universe" CD-Box (released 1999).

From now on, you can listen to the full track on Last.FM.

Enjoy my music through time and space...