CHAPTER 7 in an Interview (2/2)

Amid intense emotions, dark soundscapes, and a language all its own, Chapter 7’s debut album “Tränenmeer” was born—a work that delves deep beneath the surface. In our two-part interview with David, we talk about the origins of Chapter 7, the special collaboration with Gracia, and the stories behind the songs. Did you miss the first part? No problem— you can read it here.

Orkus: Is there a story behind the title track? Why do you think “Tränenmeer” perfectly represents the album?
David: We had already decided on the album title before the song even existed. Since we usually tackle pretty melancholic stories, the name really seemed like a perfect fit for our album.

O: “Unter unsern Brücken” also shows that you approach the world without blinders. Homelessness is a sad but all the more important issue. Why is it particularly important to you not to look away and to draw attention to such “uncomfortable” topics?
Gracia: Because they are an inevitable part of life, and as a result, these issues are always on our minds in our daily lives. It moves both of us when we see people who have been left behind—people who no longer have a place in society today. People who have had the ground pulled out from under their feet and who have no safety net to catch them.

O: “How Far Is Too Far” is a hopeful song. Was there a specific source of inspiration?
Gracia: Basically, that’s what Chapter 7 keeps hinting at in many ways. It’s heavy, but not hopeless. From a young person’s perspective, all doors are still open, dreams are big, and nothing seems out of reach. The desire to leave one’s own mark is immense, and patience is in short supply.

O: Are there generally any places or situations that particularly inspire you? Or can inspiration strike anywhere, or can you deliberately summon it when you’re working in the studio?
David: I can actually work anywhere that’s quiet. After a noisy day, I often lack the inner peace I need to really tune into myself.

O: How personal is the song “Stück für Stück”? Have you also had to, in a way, rediscover yourselves at some point in your lives so far?
Gracia: Life is a process, but I don’t think we ever really lost touch. Fortunately, we’ve been able to grow through all our experiences. Still, it’s true that we’ve naturally seen a lot because of them, and the topic of “addiction” is one with many facets. The addict, society, and family and friends—everyone who struggles alongside them and shares in their suffering.

O: How did it happen that “Nothing Else Matters,” an English-language song, ended up on the album? You might have expected a Metallica cover.
David: As I said, this song is the real starting point of Chapter 7! Since the lyricist for this song passed away last year, out of respect for our friendship, there was no way I could write different lyrics—or German lyrics—for this song.

O: Musically, your album leans toward the darker side. What connects you to the goth scene?
Gracia: The fact that Chapter 7 was born out of the idea of doing what we both love most probably answers the question well enough. (winks)

Maria Vain

Watch the video for “Du reißt alles in mir auf”: