Moritz Baerens
Describe in 2 sentences who you are and what you do.
With a two year break in Barcelona, I have been calling Cologne my hometown for the last 11 years. On the road a lot – with or without my doublebass – freelancing between symphony orchestras, latin rock band and experimental contemporary ensemble, co-founder of an NGO to support a youth orchestra in Guatemala.
Is there something you particularly like about the Kollektiv?
Its people and the space it gives to them, to be who they are and to do what they do best.
What would you do now if you hadn’t studied music?
I’d probably spend winters on the southern side of the globe and would meet and get to know lots of different people. Once the sun comes back, I’d use what I learned to work with young people, or as an activist for more humanity. Or maybe I’d be a teacher.
If you could choose: blind or deaf? And why?
Deaf. I believe things only when I can see them, would be hard just from telling.
Which groundbreaking invention would make your life just a bit better?
A pocket double-bass.
Describe a typical day off.
Sleeping until noon, having a huge breakfast with scrambled eggs and cheese. Then reading, watching TV, drinking coffee and for sure meeting friends later for some drinks.
What’s your favorite animal and why?
Elephants. They still remember people and other animals after decades. Furthermore they are extremely sensible and delicate in inter-elephant communication.
If you’d write a book, what would it be about?
An old man in the not-so-faraway future writes a book about his role in a revolution that changed the world. When he finishes the book, he puts the manuscript on his desk and leaves his flat. We learn that the revolution never happened, around him is just decay and nature almost completely displaced culture. The man disappears in the dark.
What’s your favorite sound or noise?
The start up of the S-Bahn, when it is completely silent in the train.
If your instrument would be your flatmate, what would you tell him or her?
“Buddy, your turn in carrying me up the stairs today!”