GOAT Radio: Jan Seven Dettwyler reveals his greatest hits

I could always browse through my older brother’s record and CD shelf. The record that I never put back was “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson. I was about seven and danced around my room for a long time wearing only a hat and white gloves. That was when I earned my very first money as a Michael Jackson impersonator at a wedding reception – 50 francs!

Music that reminds you of your childhood?

Bands like Toto, Take 6, Wham, but also Whitney Houston. I always stood in front of the stereo and danced and sang along. It was white and so unbelievably disgusting. (laughs)

A song or album that was particularly important in your life?

“Sometimes It Snows in April” by Prince has been with me for half my life. I have grieved a lot with this song and have sought meaning in why some people have to die so young. It moves me to tears and keeps cropping up in my diary.

Moments when music gave you hope?

Writing and singing music has been therapy for me for almost 30 years. I’m not someone who shares my problems quickly and I’m always looking for the solution and the positive, but in my music I can let everything fly that I wouldn’t otherwise dare to do in such a large quantity.

The soundtrack of your first love?

For a long time in life, I was more longing for love than actually being in love. But the soundtrack to which my first butterflies flew around was definitely Tyrese and the album of the same name from 1998.

Music that you associate with a great moment of happiness?

For me there is music at every moment in life – my life is also a single soundtrack (laughs). “Another Day” by Jamie Lidell is forever summer in the heart. “Burning” by Rahsaan Patterson reminds me of my long trip to the USA, when I spent five months traveling alone from studio to studio across the States. And “You” by Raquel Rodriguez is a song that will forever represent that unforgettable summer of 2024.

An album that changed the way you think about the world?

Rage Against The Machine came out when I was 14 and it really upset me. The way that album brought attention to the world’s injustices was like a rebellion inside of me that I feel every time I listen to the album.

A song that brings back memories of a particular place?

“Fame Reimagened” by Ocie Elliot sounds to me like the boat trip I took this year: magical, like a fairy tale.

In which musical era would you have liked to live?

I was born in ’78 and was just introduced to old soul before I got into the whole hip hop movement as a teenager. The fusion of gospel, funk, rhythm & blues and the sampled beats from rap afterwards was exactly my heyday, so I don’t want to go anywhere else. (laughs)

Your favorite karaoke song?

I’ve only done karaoke once: at 1 a.m. in the Mascotte at Karaoke from Hell, with “Are U Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz.

A song that you prefer to sing only in private in the shower?

A song that is guaranteed to make you dance?

“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson is the best dance song of all time!

Music that gives you energy?

A song that always gives you goosebumps?

“This Woman’s Work” in Maxwell’s version.

A song that helps you let out your anger?

“Killing in the Name” by Rage Against The Machine.

Music that helps you relax?

“Do 4 Love” by Snoh ​​Aalegra.

Which musician – dead or alive – would you like to spend a day with?