With over half a million followers on TikTok and Instagram, pop singer Micha entertains a huge community every day. His good-humor songs and „DorfDäpp“ (= village life) comedy inspire his audience not only online, but also at numerous live events. But that wasn’t always the case. In this interview, Micha tells us about his steep success curve and how he never gave up on his dream despite failures and setbacks.
(Click here for the German version of the article)
Hi Micha. From the small village to the big stage: You and your blue tuba are now real celebrities. What makes your music stand out?
When I started writing songs in 2017, my creations leaned strongly in the direction of folk and pop music. I’ve since grown out of that. Today I want my music to tell something about myself, convey good humor and connect with my audience in an authentic way.
Is that what made you start the whole “DorfDäpp” comedy?
Exactly. I grew up in a small village. There are clear differences between the city and the countryside lifestyle that are easy to make fun of. Of course, there is a bit of cliché involved, but many people can relate to my jokes.
By now, a whole community has developed from this, especially on Instagram and TikTok. So, are you actually a singer or an influencer?
Both (laughs!). When all my gigs for 2020 were canceled, I didn’t want to just bury my head in the sand. So I thought about how I could use my time elsewhere. I started blindly producing content for my social media channels. At first, I produced a lot of crap, but relatively quickly the theme of „village“ emerged and my videos became more and more popular!
And all that in just 15 months. Quite a steep success curve. Why does your audience like your content so much?
There is so much negativity in the world and especially on social media. My music and videos are meant to put a smile on people’s faces and put them in a good mood. I often get messages from fans whom I have helped through tough times or stressful days with my content. That’s exactly my goal.
Is that what you love most about your profession?
Yes, on the „outside“ it’s definitely the happy faces of my fans. Both on social media – but especially, of course, at live performances. I had my first show after Corona the other day and I really had goosebumps for over an hour straight. And on the „inside“, it’s the freedom to be able do exactly what I enjoy the most. Every day.
Until recently, you worked part-time as a bank clerk. Now you are a full-time content creator. What does your day look like now?
I’m responsible for everything from start to finish. I’m my own production company, booking agency, label, social media manager and graphic designer: I take care of my Jimdo website and online Store. I probably work twice as much now as I did before – but I get up every morning at six full of energy and am happy to get back to work!
Looks like you always keep your cool, no matter what. Have you ever had to deal with failure?
Not just one time (laughs!)! Since I started this whole project without a proper plan, I produced a lot of nonsense at the beginning. I was criticized for that a lot. Especially through social media, criticism reaches you much faster than, for example, on the stage during a performance. But I always knew that I could rely on myself and my talent. That’s why the criticism never really seriously affected me.
What advice would you give to others who are still at the very beginning of their project?
Just do it. And I really mean that. If a toddler falls down 100 times while trying to walk, he doesn’t just give up and decide to crawl. You should always believe in yourself! From my own experience I know that at the beginning many things are absolutely not perfect – but the first step has to be taken.
Wanna find out more about Micha? Go check out his Jimdo Website or Social Media!