Bastian da Cruz hat mit seiner eindrucksvollen musikalischen Reise viele Herzen berührt. Von seinen Anfängen als Schlagzeuger über das Spielen am familiären Klavier bis hin zur Investition in seine erste Gitarre hat er eine Vielzahl von Instrumenten gemeistert und dabei eine unverwechselbare Stimme gefunden. Seine ehrlichen Texte und vielseitigen Stilrichtungen machen ihn zu einem aufstrebenden Talent, das die Grenzen der Musik erkundet und seine persönlichen Geschichten mit der Welt teilt. In einem Interview mit Frontstage Magazine spricht Bastian darüber, wie seine musikalische Reise sein Songwriting beeinflusst hat, die Bedeutung von Authentizität in der Musik und die Inspiration hinter der Vielseitigkeit seines Debütalbums „21„. Er gibt Einblicke in die Bedeutung von Live-Auftritten und teilt seine Gedanken über die kommende USA-Tournee mit Godsmack.
Frontstage Magazine: You started with drums, then transitioned to the family piano, and finally invested in your first guitar. How has this musical journey influenced your approach to songwriting and music in general?
Bastian: Music has always been a way where I learned to know my feelings and where I could express my feelings. so I basically started out writing small kinds of poems to myself. It was/is a big help for me (mentally) to write down my feelings and especially learn how to express myself and deal with problems and stuff like that. I simply can’t live without it.
Frontstage Magazine: Your lyrics seem profound and are carried by your honest voice. How do you manage to tell such personal stories in your songs, and what importance does authenticity hold for you in music?
My lyrics are very honest, music is my most honest voice, music and songwriting is my language. It feels so natural for me to tell my stories through music with the help of melodies. but I would also say that sometimes it really can be tough playing those songs, because I am so much into these songs and my heart is invested in it, they are really personal and so honest. and I couldn’t make music without those ingredients.
Frontstage Magazine: „21“ showcases an impressive range of styles, from acoustic to modern. How do you navigate through these musical worlds, and what was the inspiration behind the versatility on the album?
Bastian: To me it was important to make music I would like to listen to, so I didn’t put up a barrier for myself saying that it has to be Pop, rock, blues whatever. I am into all genres of music and that is very important for me especially when it is my debut album. I also want to show people that I can sing and make music in different styles. I find inspiration in every kind of music. and I do listen to different genres, because then I won’t be locked up in one way of producing music. but it all starts with the guitar for me on this album.
Frontstage Magazine: You emphasize the importance of stage and crowd experiences. How do these live experiences influence your approach to songwriting, and what kind of connection do you aim to establish with the audience during your performances?
Bastian: When I write it is often to give myself and listeners food for thought, with my most raw and honest voice carrying it across. The journey through the world of music has always lit a flame in me and created a sense of inner peace. For me, music is about embracing all aspects of man and sharing the world in my story.
Frontstage Magazine: The upcoming USA tour with Godsmack, especially in an acoustic version, is impressive. How did this collaboration come about, and how do you think your music will resonate with an audience typically associated with Godsmack?
Bastian: My dad has been in the business for over 30 years and he set me up with Pat Rowe who mastered my upcoming debut album. He has done this while on tour with Godsmack. Every time he worked on the record, their lead singer Sully Erna came and asked who it was, because he liked what he heard. In the end, he ended up saying that I should go on tour with them and that is so crazy, because I grew up with their music, so it is a dream come true for me In the beginning I was a little terrified, but people have been so kind to me, and are looking forward to seeing me live on stage and that is why I make music.
Frontstage Magazine: As an emerging talent, you’re working on your debut album and dreaming of writing more, playing more, and performing more. How do you envision your artistic future, and what, for you, is the higher purpose of music and performance?
Bastian: My journey through music has been a burning passion and a place of solace. This diverse ability is exactly what music does for me. It embraces the whole human being and the stories I always wanted to tell the world. My songs give me some kind of light to my innervoice and my most intimate thoughts.
Fotocredit: Morten Rygaard