the student in the time vortex
2013 is about to close and it's time to write something clever on my blog. Oh my, half a year has passed again since I wrote my last entry. Guess I'm not much of a blogging person. Or rather, I'm in a stage of my life, where I do make progress in certain areas, namely my studies and students' association (ÖH) activism, but unlike in music, where you have concerts and releases, there are not so many stunning events that I feel eager to write about. Or when they happen, I'm too tired and torn to be bothered. It feels like in Doctor Who's time vortex; I chase through time and space with tunnel vision and without contemplation.When I look back at the first months in office, there are several things I should be proud of: We (my colleagues in the chair team and several other activists of ÖH) established two new units within the students' association, organized a number of seminars and political/informative events, organized a huge demonstration against the union of the ministry of science and the ministry of economy and, most importantly, seemed to be able to create a general sense of motivation within the student body for ÖH affairs. Also, we created a lot of confusion. Something, I'm not entirely discontent about.As with my studies, officially I'm still in Bachelor stage but practically halfway through my masters. Which is kind of cool, 'cause it give's me the choice of being done soon or stretch the end a bit to get some time for my own, artistic, political and/or scientific (I don't attempt to separate these areas to much) projects. Yeah, my head is still bursting with ideas that needs watering.tldr: wibbly wobbly timey wimey happy new year
And suddenly they called me chairperson
Looks like it took me 6 months to write another entry on my blog. Not like I've been lazy, far from it. I've just been caught up with tons of stuff, I didn't even remember I had a blog. Sort of...The single most exciting event was the election for the Student Union parliament. The election itself was exciting, but so was the preparation and aftermath. Admittedly, our green student group (bagru*GRAS*boku) was pretty much in a state of coma since the last election in 2011. We didn't die, the heart was still beating, we were just dozing. That is to say, me and a fellow student were members of that student's parliament and did get involved there, but other than that, it was pretty much green radio silence. Anyway, something must have struck us, as we decided to run again this year and even do some campaigning. A small group as we are, I confess it was one of the most intense campaigns I took part in. But it was great to see our group become alive again and even better, we managed to maintain our two seats in the student's parliament. Still better, we were suddenly a much asked for coalition partner for the two bigger student's group. Therefore, no relaxation after the election but coalition talks! I tell you, that stuff is exciting. Everything went pretty smooth, though, and now, hooray, we're part of the executive coalition with the so-called Unabhängige Fachschaftsliste, a rather odd collection of campus activists, that came together in deadly terror of joining any party-affiliated group. Nice bunch of people, though. Long story short, I'm now part of the chairteam of our Student Union, which is not far from a full-time occupation. It's going to be extremely intense, busy and challenging plus awesome. So I assume. It was interesting to realize, how nice and polite suddenly everyone becomes, once you're get into some sort of exposed office. Wonder how long that will last...Another year, another challenge.Apart from all those political activities, I also managed to make some progress on my studies. I'm like on the finishing line of my Bachelor graduation. The most interesting part was the field research for my Bachelors thesis (more on that, once it's proof-read, handed in and graded), which took my to the Vinschgau in South Tyrol, Italy. It was quite a relief and change to get out of Vienna for 2 weeks.
studying in Vienna: in praise of a dying system
It's been almost two years since I moved to Vienna to study landscape planning and architecture at the University of life sciences and Natural Resources. Most likely, I'll stay here for grad school and there's a reason, why I think studying in Vienna is great (at least for people like me):First of all, as a EU-citizen, it's free as long I stay in the regular period of study plus two semesters which shouldn't be a problem. With my German Abitur, I could just walk up to almost any university (there are nine of them), enroll and start studying. Just like that. Even better, I can study more than just one program at several universities at the same time. So I enrolled for spatial planning at the Vienna University of Technology. I just jump on my bike and commute between classes at two different universities at which I don't pay a single cent of tuition. I have a great amount of freedom to tailor my studies to my own interests, style and pace of learning. It's education heaven, right? Well, close but not quite there...Since until recently (after I enrolled, that is) Austrian universities had no tool to control the amount of their students. More often than not, this would lead to overrun programs with the universities being unable to provide sufficient facilities for all their enrolled students. It's not too bad at my programs, even though it does get cramped in the lecture halls once in a while. The computer facilities are a joke. I had the opportunity to see some universities in the US and god, they had some shiny facilities, gorgous libraries and what not. But is that worth paying something like 20-30k a year? Not for me. I have my own computer, I don't need a palace for studying and they have some great professors over here. You might not get invited to their homes, but you can still learn a lot from them if you're commited. It's actually not that difficult to get a decent education and set yourself apart from the mass of students as long you're commited to your studies. So for me, it pans out nicely.But wait, things have changed. They're trying hard to reduce the number of students. Introduction of study fees for long-time students and non-EU students and limits of students for some programs (including landscape architecture). And while those restrictions are still very modest by international standarts, experiences from other countries such as the UK have shown, that it will become tougher and tougher to study in Austria if those attempts aren't tackled now. Kill it before it grows. I want future generations of students to have the same degree of freedom while studying that I have now. As a start, you should join the demonstration for free education organised by the Austrian Student's Union on the 5th of December.
Walden's nightmare
Recently, I've been asked to perform at the opening of the latest exhibition by the Viennese artist group annalian. Unfortunately, I had to do some field research in Styria so I couldn't be around. So I set up a private and cozy performance at my home, recorded the result and gave it to annalian. The exhibition took place in some old bunker in Vienna. I would have loved to hear the pulsing bass down there.Anyway, since it is recorded now, I might as well share it with you. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
How to put things off you can't do anything about now
As I am working myself through my undergraduate programme in landscape architecture and planning, I am already thinking about which master to take. There are a couple of options I find intriguing:
- Rural Development and Agricultural Economics in different European countries and the US
- Coastal and Marine Management in Isafjorður, Iceland
- Environment and Natural Ressources in my beloved Reykjavik
- Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management in 2-3 European countries
- and obviously the consecutive master at my university in Vienna
Coming to a decision is only part of the problem. It's still more than a year left until I actually have to make that decision, in fact, it won't be before December I can apply to anything. There's absolutely nothing I can do about it right now and yet this pondering is nagging my mind to no end, taking up way to much brain power which I rather invested on other things. So today's big question is, how to put off something that is bothering you, but which you can not do anything about at the moment. Basically, I want to put it into a mental hold-file, erase it from my mind and follow up on it in autumn. I know how to do it with a file on my hard-drive, but my brain doesn't work like that. Any suggestions? I might continue this article whenever I came up with a solution, which I don't at the moment, because...which master programme should I take again?edit, half a year later: Over the course of the last 6 month that list expanded to about 20 extremely interesting master programs I've been considering. However, coming back to University in fall made me realize the advantages of my current program. All those other masters, tempting, but not better suited for my overall goal to plan sustainable communities than the course I'm already taking. It's like walking down the aisles in a department store, when all the shiny products left and right of you are grabbing your attention while their's only one product in the whole store you're actually need. Ehh, I forgot how much I hate department stores...
three months in the USA. a conclusion
edit: After having spent another 3 months in the US (summer 2014) and having re-read this entry, I feel a little different about the things I wrote 3 years ago. I'm not saying it's wrong, it is just overly generalizing. For everything I wrote their are counter-examples. There's more to say...Despite all of that, I won't go about editing it. Just see it as an account of an European traveller being in the US for the first time. 
I moved out my flat in Vienna in June to spend the summer with my girlfriend in Pennsylvania and to see a couple of places and friends on the way. With two days left in this country, I’m surprised to realize I’m sad to leave. In fact, I got quite attached to this country. This is why:
- The boundlessness of the USA is legendary. That is what I assumed it to be, a legend. An illusion. I was proofed wrong. Once you’re in – which turned out to be much easier then expected – an area just slightly smaller than and as geographically diverse as Europe is waiting for you to be explored. Even though border controls are history in the European Schengen area, you can clearly feel the national borders. Language and cultural differences are fine, but separate train and bus networks aren’t. I don’t even mention different tax system, health insurance and phone networks. In the states, all that doesn’t bother you the slightest. Off you go. It is an incredible feeling of freedom, that you could travel/move to a tropical island, an isolate glacier, a Mediterranean climate or whatever else may cross your mind and all you had to do is to pack your things and get going.
- The USA is an incredibly culturally diverse country. You would say, Europe has all the different languages and cultures in its different countries. Well, every major American city has all that in their neighborhoods. And it doesn’t stop at Littly Italy or the Irish community. Chinatown is ’round the corner…Yes, there is inequality between the different origins and there is xenophobia. The general attitude, however, is that you are welcome in this country to achieve what you want. Most people are at least 3rd generation immigrants and in fact, the stories of people that came to this country to start a new life, are at the heart of the American myth.
- So are stories of personal achievement. Even though only a small fraction of the people that arrived on this continent actually made it from a dishwasher to a millionaire, many started small businesses or farms. Unlike in many other places, success isn’t necessarily confronted with envy or at least suspicion, but admiration. I wouldn’t be surprised, if this attitude may occasionally turn into terror, if one decides not to do anything. But that’s not really an issue for me.
- Very obviously, the USA are a gorgeous place. I dedicated most of my writing and photography on my travel journal to the countless natural beauties and spectacular cities.
- The biggest surprise to me was the high quality and deliciousness of American cooking. Yes, there is a lot of awful junk food, but you’ve got a choice. Be it a Chinese restaurant in NYC, seafood at Jersey shore, soul food in the south, an Italian restaurant in Boulder, CO or any of the countless, tiny diners down the road. Never in my life I had such a good food for affordable prices than here.
- Obviously I am sad to leave my girlfriend for a couple of months, but I don't intend to discuss my personal dilemma on this blog.
It is not all good.
- The strong individualism often comes with recklessness. A lot of people will drive SUVs or other overdimensioned vehicles, just because “they can,” not caring about climate change and global responsibility. Many hate paying taxes and social insurance contributions, ignoring the situation of people with less luck.
- The religious right of the US is frightening to say the least. The way how certain politicians and media people agitate against homosexuals, Muslims or the social state is revolting.
- A lot have been said and written about the double standards in American politics, which question the grandness of the US rather a lot. I try not to judge a country by its politics alone, even though I’m aware, that they represent the general zeitgeist of their voters at least to some extend.
Next stop, Vienna
If one analysis my blog posts of the last months for a certain pattern, one will come to the conclusion, that I'm moving through Europe in even 3-month intervals and that this keeps me too busy to write about anything else. That's about right. After spending some time composing and soul-searching in Reykjavík (the place, which comes closest to be called home. Emotionally, if not technically), I followed one of my over-abundant intuitions and started a course in landscape planning/architecture at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria. That's where I am now.While I was as surprised about my sudden decision as my friends and family were, I have good reasons. Facing a future with less to no oil, heavily increasing energy prices and rapid environmental changes, I felt I have to play a role in the transition from the petroleum age to the post-petroleum age. Oil will run out whatever we attempt, but how we (as a species or human civilisation) cope, is up to us. I'm convinced that a smart and artistic design of the future will not only limit the devastating impact of climate change and peak oil, but even create a more desirable world. Studying landscape planning seemed to be a good choice, to equip myself with some important transition knowledge and skills.So far, I'm very excited about Vienna and the University. I'm not writing a review here, so come and visit this place (but please, don't take the plane). This said, I miss the freedom and the light of the North. Wishing to be in another place than the one I'm in seems to be the one constant of my life in the last couple of years.
solo debut
On Thursday, 27th May, I'll give my debut as an solo artists, performing own songs and compositions as well as a live electronic performance. Besides a fantastic band (Maria Finkelmeier, Venla Hinnemo, Leyli Afsahi, Jonathan Börlin, Johan Petterson, Patrick Anderson, Davod Basri, Vanessa Martinez, Johan Bertilsson), the concert will feature Lindie Boström doing lights and visuals and a dance performance by Tore Alsegård.
Black Box, Piteå, 27th may 10, 9 pm
sonification of a paper plant
Piteå is surrounded by two paper plants, which on same days smells like... hard to explain... I tried to make this unique smell audible... (the smell of) kappa by Johann Strube
new song: bakom brus
Since I moved to Sweden, I engaged in composition a lot. Therefore, I like to share one piece of mine with you. "bakom brus" (swedish, "behind noise") is a piece for noise generator and friends, which I wrote for my composition class with Johan Samskog (Stockholm). Tack för kritiken och synpunkter. Hope you enjoy it. bakom brus by Johann Strube
wegschmeißgesellschaft wegschmeißen
der mensch muss essen. klare sache. klare brühe oder aus der mülltonne. hauptsache gesund. wenn die tonne aber verschlossen ist? scheiß faschisten. sollen die sich doch selbst wegschmeißen. idioten sind nicht gesund.
financial crisis leads to a shift to the left in Iceland
Yesterday, general elections in Iceland took place. Good news, for several reasons. First of all, with Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, the first openly gay politician in the world was elected as the head of state. This is another step forward in the social acceptance of gays.Secondly, the left parties - Samfylkingin (the Social Democratic Allegiance) and Vinstrihreyfingin – grænt framboð (the left-green movement) - won the overall majority in the Alþingi, the oldest running parliament in the world. Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn, the Independence Party who stands for the neoliberal policy with led into the devastating financial crisis. With a increase of 5 seats, the Greens were the big winner of the elections. Congratulations.These results are very interesting, as the Icelandic elections are the first general elections in a western European country in the light of the financial crisis. Though the impact of Iceland on European politics are clearly limited, one hopes, that these results marks a turning point. That people realise, that the conservative parties in Europe, who stands for radical open markets messed up both economy and environment. And that the only reasonable conclusion is to vote for parties, which advocate sustainability.So there's hope for coming election, like for the EP in June or the German Bundestag in September
the ambivalence of flying/die mär vom fliegen Pt. II
Friday night. Sitting on a plane to Reykjavik. Me. On a plane. Me, who use to take the bus to travel trough half Europe to prevent flying, sitting on plane. As the engines the big destruction of the environment starts, their is nothing like a bad conscious. It is just like, thrilling. I know, flying isn't much of a thing, but for me it's stunning. A tons-heavy colossus takes off and transporting me thousands of miles in a couple of hours. My conscious is blown away by a acceleration of a rocket.After landing, mind and conscious comes back. Though I think, it is justifiable to take a plane to Iceland (I just couldn't make it in time with a ferry), the flight left me with a numb feeling. I know, there's no way of setting off the carbon dioxide emissions of a flight. Things like atmosfair are more like selling of indulgences rather than making an valuable impact against climate change. While my flights response for about 600 kg CO2 in 3 hours, trees plant in comparison could only absorb this amount in a lifespan.So I consider to donate the amount of money atmosfair suggest for an organisation like greenpeace. Or the green party. At the end, it is a political matter, that flights are taxed in a relation to their impact on the climate.What do you thing?
Bristolian Spring/Morgan Van Sessions
The last weekend, I had a recording session in and around Bristol, UK. Mike Hembury and Mark Maddrell wanted to record a demo CD and I helped them playing the organ and I did some engineering. Due to a lack of money, we recorded in an old shed in Bristol and in Mark's caravan. It was an amazing session. On Saturday, Julian Rowlands (Bandoneon) and Ros Stephen (Violin) of UK's leading Tango band Tango Siempre joined our session and recording in the van was just lovely. Well, IN the van is not the right word. As the spring reached this country, is was really warm and I set up my equipment outside in the sun, while the others were playing in the van. This was quite something.
Ros Stephen and Julian Rowlands during the session
Mark Maddrell, Mike Hembury and me in front of the infamous Morgan Van Studios
For music addicts, Bristol is definitely a place to go. Three different genres - drum'n'bass, trip hop and dub step - were born here. Due to 80.000 students there's a lot going on and London is just 100 miles away. The city is dominated by the old harbour and...graffiti.For the next weeks, I'll do an internship at the Modern World Studios in Tetbury, which is about 30 min north of Bristol.
wohnungslos
Seit letzter woche bin ich wohnungslos. Muss den platz erst finden, an dem ich bleiben will. Momentan schau ich mir Berlin an. Ich möchte allerdings auf den unterschied zwischen wohnungs- und obdachlosigkeit hinweisen.Since last week, I'm homeless. I need to find the right place to stay. Well, I'm homeless but not unsheltered thanks to my friends. Basically I travel around. Right now, I take a look at Berlin.
talking plane home delay blues
Alright. Here comes the next song of our last recording session. It is called "talking plane home delay blues" and was written on the WOMAD songwriting workshop in Bath by Mike Hembury and me.
As I already noted, it contains some common lines with one of Andy White's new songs.The amazing voice in the beginning belongs to Hikmat Al-Sabty of the fantastic ensemble Ourud Elmahabbe. Thanks to him and all the other musicians involved.
Mike Hembury in front of the "Castle" in Bath, the birthplace of the WOMAD songwriters.
muerte por disparo
I'm happy to present a new song, which we recorded during the last weeks. It is called "muerte por disparo" and performed by the amazing Nicolas Miquea. I hope you like it.
PS: Two other songs of the recording session follow soon.
Deconstructing Obama
Übermorgen spiele ich bei dem diplomkonzert von Lisa Zehner. Neben den üblichen keyboards habe ich die gelegenheit, folgende Obamarede zu dekonstruieren.Also erscheint zahlreich.Ort: Hochschule für Musik und Theater RostockZeit: Freitag, 28. November, 19.30 Uhr
Liebe in Wodka ertrunken
Aufgrund von programmänderungen muss der auftritt am donnerstag zu den Schwedentagen leider ausfallen.