“If I said no to a show today, it would feel like I’m disrespecting my 13-year-old self, who dreamed of this”
…says BADCHIEFF, sitting back while getting his hair styled on set in Berlin. The 26-year-old grew up in a musical family, crafting beats in his childhood bedroom in Munich fueled by a genuine love for music and passion for the craft. Today, he’s confidently stepping into the spotlight with his own unique sound — a blend of youthful energy and laid-back flow.
We caught up with BADCHIEFF for a chat about his creative process and how he stays grounded amid success, just in time for his new album, HEUTE ODER GESTERN (Today or Yesterday), set to release on August 1st, 2025.
Left Image – Full look: Jaquemus, Loafers: VAGABOND
Right Image – Sweater & Jeans: ACNE Studios, Shirt: Issey Miyake, Loafers & Belt: Hermès
What inspires you to make music?
BADCHIEFF: “Most days I just wake up wanting to make music. I usually take my inspiration from what’s happening in my daily life, my thoughts, and the things I see and hear. Life itself is my ultimate inspiration.”
So, your creative process is rather intuitive? How do you go about writing a song?
BADCHIEFF: “I just go with the flow, leaning into whatever I am feeling at the time. It starts with an idea, then another thing comes along, and so on, until it all comes together in the end. Everything emerges in the process. I don’t plan my steps; it has to happen freely — otherwise it doesn’t work for me. If there were a formula, it would be too easy — then anyone could do it.”
Suit, Tank Top, Shirt & Loafers: Louis Vuitton
Green Top: Hermès
Is there a song of yours that holds a special place in your heart?
BADCHIEFF: “To be honest, I think every song is special to me because they feel like a testament to what was happening at the time I wrote them. Some songs feel like I’m reading my diary; watching the music video takes me back to those feelings.”
If you could choose to work with any artist in the world, who would it be?
BADCHIEFF: “I don’t think there is necessarily anyone on my mind because for me, working with someone on a musical level has to happen organically. Sometimes I hang out with people whose music I really love, but I know it wouldn’t work for me in the studio, so I don’t force it. Also, as they say, you should never meet your idols! That being said, I’d still answer the phone if Kendrick Lamar or Tyler the Creator called [laughs].”
Many people could really relate to the lyrics of your song “MAMAS HAUS” (Mama’s House). Could you tell us a little more about what inspired it?
BC: “Are you familiar with Tupac’s ‘Dear Mama’? I think anyone who has ever listened to this song has wanted to write a song for their Mom at some point. I’ve tried it a couple of times, but I never really got it right. This time, I was alone at my parents’ place, lying on the sofa with the mic on top of me. It only took five minutes, and that first raw recording ended up being the one. I tried re-recording it later, but it sounded too polished. I didn’t even plan on releasing the song, and when you approach things like that, you say whatever is on your mind – that’s why it feels so raw.”
Did your Mom listen to the song? How did she react?
BC: “I think she was crying. Moms love these gifts like this because they show that you’ve put thought into them – it’s more than just a material thing. That’s probably why it meant so much to her. Your child is reflecting on how much you do as a Mom, and I think it definitely makes you feel appreciated.”
“I had to find my way back to myself and focus on what’s important because all these numbers and awards can be misleading. I just want to make music.”
Sweater: ACNE Studios
Shirt: Issey Miyake
“MAMAS HAUS” and other more recent releases are quite personal and emotional. Is that the direction in which your new album HEUTE ODER GESTERN is headed?
BC: “I think there’s a lot of personal stuff on it, but at the same time I’m also working on a lot of simpler, more youthful material. Every morning I ask myself: Who am I today? Am I a young teenager who wants to mess around, or am I a reflective Goethe? [laughs]. The album is a good mixture of both. I stopped trying to have a common musical theme, but I think my voice ties it all together. If the album had been released in Winter, it might have been a bit darker, but since it’s a Summer album, I wanted it to be faster-paced.”
If you were in conversation with young Shivan, what would you tell him?
BC: “I remember how, when I was younger, my Dad was angry with me for staying home all the time, but I just wanted to sit in my room and make music. I would advise any young person to just keep trying to find something that makes them feel good and fulfilled because if they do it for the sake of money or success, there will be downsides. The more successful you become, the more you are confronted with the negative aspects of this industry and lifestyle.”
Left Image – Blazer, Tank Top & Shirt: Louis Vuitton, Green Top: Hermès, Hair Jewelry: GEMZ
Right Image – Jacket: MM6, Shorts: MCM, Shoes: 032c
Speaking of the music industry, you have been in it for years, playing big shows, traveling, and touring a lot. What keeps you grounded?
BC: “Performing on some stages can feel inhuman. When you’re performing to a few thousand people, you think, ‘damn, this is all very unreal.’ That’s why I need a very family-oriented, private, and close environment. As soon as I’m away from family and friends, I realize that I lose my sense of perspective and tend to forget that there’s real life out there.”
In the song “HALB VOLL” (Half Full), you talk about how, when you first started making music, winning awards and getting streams were never your goal. Looking to the future, what’s on your wish list?
BC: “After spending some time in the industry, I started to dream about things like ‘what if my song goes gold?’, and ‘what if I play a sold-out show?’ You work hard towards that goal, and the moment it becomes a reality, you expect to feel a certain sense of happiness, like ‘I made it.’ But, in reality, this feeling doesn’t set it. Success takes some time to get used to because you suddenly start thinking, ‘What do people expect from me now?’ Before, you were a blank slate, but now you feel the influence of others strongly, and it can feel as though you have lost the freedom to experiment musically. I had to find my way back to myself and focus on what’s important because all these numbers and awards can be misleading. I just want to make music.”
Full look: Hermès
Shoes: Asics
Hair Jewelry: GEMZ
Credits:
Photographer: Tobias Kruse
Styling & Art Direction: Neslihan Degerli
Creative Producer: Enlil Isik
Hair & Make Up: Maria Ehrlich
Production Assistant: Semyan Alp
1st Assistant: Eric Terrey
Managing Editor: Jasmin Kraenzel
Editor: Amany Hassan
Talent: BADCHIEFF
