Diandra Interviews The Picturebooks: Songs Over Over-Thoughts

Playing at Gramercy Theatre on February 20, The Picturebooks are a German rock duo that span the definition and genres of ROCK N’ ROLL to overcome something we all must face: over-thinking. They will create any type of chord arrangement to conquer a discorded situation. In our interview, lead singer Flynn Claus Grabke, laughs through and ponders deeply what it is to make music from healing anxiety.

Diandra: In honor of Hands of Time, what is one thing time has taught you about how to live?

Flynn: I truly believe living in the now is the most important thing and the only thing we have. Making this album, I tried to think of that from multiple perspectives. I realized I was the guy that was very afraid and anxious of the future to the point where I was having severe panic attacks: 24/7. I had to learn that living in the now is all I can do. To live in the past that cannot be un-done is kind of dumb and to live in the future, it will drive you crazy. (he laughs)

THE PICTUREBOOKS – You Can’t Let Go feat. Chrissie Hynde (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Diandra: I think there are a lot of people that are anxious about the future.

Flynn: It is all about accepting. Living a lie will get back to you with like a whiplash because it is a lie. If you tell yourself, your life is amazing, when it is not, you are hiding stuff that, eventually, will see the light of day and will get you in trouble. Accept that there is negativity to your life, but deal with it, weight it, and go through it. All you have is now, not tomorrow, and you have to figure it out. For a long time, I was so scared about everything. When I started living in the now, I became the happiest I could possible be.

Diandra: I feel like as an ambitious person the future is terrifying because the idea of settling is less.

Flynn: You are absolutely right. To be honest, I am sure I am making “acceptance” sound easy, but I still have moments of anxiety.

Diandra: So do you feel like your music has helped you lighten up?

Flynn: Totally! Totally! I am not saying that music is the only way to lighten up; it was my tool to express all that was happening with me. I believe everyone should find their way like, photography and skate-boarding. Having an output is so important in life when dealing with stress. For me, it is music because I am not really good at anything else. (he laughs)

THE PICTUREBOOKS – The Hands Of Time (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Diandra: When I heard “Howling Wolf,” you seem to have such an explorative nature. Do you think that your nature is to want it all and do it all?

Flynn: Um, yes and no. I have, definitely, had to push myself into its and, like I said, I was very afraid. Traveling is very scary, and I had to dare to fail. I was always trying to make everything right, and every mistake drove me crazy. I had to learn to deal with failure, but I am very grateful to learn that. I grew up in a small town in Germany, and would go to the skate park where the only “rock music” people listened to was Limp Bizkit (he laughs). Phillip and I really had to push ourselves to live the life we live now, and we had a good life back home. We are never home, but we have a supportive family. And though I admire people who work 9-5, I just knew I couldn’t do that.

Diandra: So touring so much and doing so much. How do you then approach stillness? \

Flynn: In the beginning, I think we ran away from stillness. I think that has to do with my panic attacks. I never was a quiet person, and I think that I was trying to hide that stuff. So what really helped me deal with being still was meditation to be honest. I do 10 minutes of simply breathing, not even spiritual. That really changed my life.

THE PICTUREBOOKS – Howling Wolf (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Diandra: What has meditation taught you to appreciate about yourself?

Flynn: To be grateful for what you have. When you are apart of a band, it is hard because once you achieve one goal, you are ready to get to the next one, and meditation has taught to appreciate the journey and how lucky we are to live a life where we are doing what we love.

For More Information On The Picturebooks Click Here.