In 1999, a man calling himself Der Graf (The Count) laid the foundation of what would become a momentous force: Unheilig. A decade later, having had nearly every label out there thrown at him (gothic, neue Deutsche härte, industrial, darkwave), Unheilig is still going strong on waves of steady success and never-ending stream of dedicated fans.
Recently, Der Graf took the time to talk with us about the pending 10th anniversary, Unheilig fans, playing his first US show, and more.

You gave everyone a bit of a scare a while back when your vocal chords were damaged and you thought you might not sing again.
You later received a great prognosis, but how are you dealing with
the aftermath of the ordeal?

Der Graf: I always tried to think positive. I could not imagine that my voice would be gone. I want to sing. That is my only thought and I did everything to heal my voice. I stopped smoking for one.

You’ll be playing your first show in the US (Philadelphia) in March. Are you looking forward to it, and how do you think playing in the states will compare to playing everywhere else?

Der Graf: Yes, I really look forward to it, but I have a fear of flying. However, I want to play in the US and I have to get over that. I’ve played in Spain, Greece and the UK, but I try not to compare. I only hope that the fans love the show and have an amazing evening, as I do not want to disappoint them.

Whenever there’s talk of inspiration, it’s usually centered around musical inspiration, what other artists were influential to the musician. But I’d like to know what other things in life have inspired you.

Der Graf: Everything has an effect on me. My childhood, my friends, my familiy, the life. I can’t explain that. I go through the world with my eyes wide open.

You’re something of an enigma in that no one really knows much about the man behind the music (although you’ve said you lay yourself bare through your songs). Is it easier for people to focus on the music when they aren’t able to obsess over the musician’s personal life?

Der Graf: Yes, sure. I am not as important as the music and message. The fans should enjoy the show, listen to my words and the music. I don’t like to reveal my name, age or how I live. That is unimportant and private. I tell them much more through my music.

Unheilig videos and photos all have a classic and elegant feel, especially the video «An Deiner Seite». How do you approach the visual side of Unheilig?

Der Graf: I plan everything together with my management Markus Tombült and Oliver Reimann. We always try to make a package which ties to the concept of an album.

Your live shows are fantastic. You always seem to really be into it, you’ve got amazing energy and you do a great job of engaging the audience. It’s obvious the audience loves you. Do you feel a connection with them when you’re up there performing?

Der Graf: Thank you. Yes, I feel a connection with the audience. I could not perform like I do if there would be no energy and feeling from the fans. I love when they put their hands in the air and when they sing the songs along with me. I make my music for the fans and for these special moments on stage.

Some musicians make music only for themselves, while other musicians do it to inspire and entertain others. What keeps you recording and performing?

Der Graf: Both. I love music and that is my motivation. Music is not work for me because I love what I do. Sometimes I am in the studio for 24 hours at a time. Then I go to sleep for a few hours. When I get up, I cannot wait to get back into the studio an continue with the songs. It is the biggest motivation for me when I perform my music live and the fans love what I do.

You have a lot of very dedicated fans, and your albums have received a lot of critical praise. When you started the band, did you see yourself coming as far as you have?

Der Graf: No never. But I am so thankful. I love what I do and I can do that because the fans support me like they do.

What can you tell me about Unheilig fans?

Der Graf: They are the simply the best. When my voice was damaged, I received so many emails and letters from them which really helped me get through a very difficult time. They do so much for me and I try to give a little bit back in the shows. I try to be with the fans before and after the shows. I talk with them and they tell me their stories and the influences my music has had through that. I would be nothing without the Unheilig fans. I would be nothing without the Unheilig fans.

Unheilig is coming up on a 10th anniversary. Do you have anything special planned?

Der Graf: Yes, but I don’t want to reveal the surprise…

What’s next for Unheilig?

Der Graf: At this moment I am in my studio and make the new album which is coming out at the beginning of 2009. I will play some festivals this year, but am focusing on the new album.

The same 7 questions we ask everyone:

Do you have any hobbies?

Music, Music, Music. I like to see a good film and play a little sports.

Do you have any bad habits?

Impatience.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?

I don’t know. I think nothing strange happened to me because I always anticipate with everything.

If you saw someone drop $20, would you tell them?

Yes, definitely! That is a lot of money. I could not sleep otherwise.

What was the last thing you ate?

A pear.

If you had $500 that couldn’t be spent on bills or necessities, what would you do with it?

I would invite my family and friends for a dinner.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flying.