20 years of Baschi: «Willkomme Dähei» – interview unplugged

"I always wanted to be a footballer because I couldn’t imagine that I’d ever earn any money with music." Baschi speaks directly and from the heart. "Today, I’m a singer, musician, entertainer, songwriter and sometimes even an actor. A little bit of everything, an all-rounder."

He owes his success to his singing talent, hard work and a bit of luck. For one, he didn’t win the first season of the casting show «MusicStar», which aired on SF1 from November 2003 to March 2004 and achieved record ratings – he was eliminated early and finished sixth. Nonetheless, he snagged a contract with record company Universal, found a manager at Gadget Entertainment AG at the same time and has in the meantime celebrated the greatest commercial success of all ten of the participants from back then. Baschi’s first CD stayed in the Swiss charts for a long time, and other albums were also a success. 

"Making music is a matter of luck"

Baschi is very excited about the anniversary tour. "20 years of Baschi, a milestone that gives me pause for thought and makes me look back. There’s nothing I haven’t experienced, and I’ve been chewed up and spat out more than once along the way," says Baschi, laughing. In the end, everything turned out just fine. He’s grateful for his success.

"I can make music! Not many people can turn their hobby into a profession. It would be the height of entitlement if I complained about the little things."

Baschi continues to philosophise: "Making music is a matter of luck. With every album you release, you have to ask yourself, am I capturing the spirit of the time? Music is art and creativity. You can’t plan that. But I was always lucky. And so I’ve managed to capture the spirit of the time in a few songs on the latest album too." He says this because he sees that people are coming to his concerts and are excited about them.  

"My heart’s in the right place"

He recently filmed the set for the anniversary show with old friends. When his friends say, "Hey, you haven't changed at all," Baschi takes it as a compliment. "I’ve always been a cheeky guy with a big mouth. But my heart’s in the right place. I’m still Sebastian Bürgin, who set off from Gelterkinden in Basel Land 20 years ago." 

And it’s easy to believe when you hear him speak. "I’m a bit of a megalomaniac. But I think you have to be, as an artist who’s found his place in the Swiss music scene." Somehow he comes across as less of a megalomaniac than many of those who deny being one.  

Baschi knows his team is part of his success. "You need to have a team. I’ve been working with Gadget Entertainment AG for 20 years, and I’ve been with my record company Universal Music since day one. It’s a privilege to collaborate with great people." Baschi’s team also includes his fans: "They’ve been with me for 20 years and grown with me."

Back to the roots, back to Gelterkinden 

"I’m a modest guy, but I want to make a lot of noise about 20 years of Baschi. All the way to Gelterkinden. I want to invite the people who like my music back to my home, my village square. Without having to pay for it."

"I want the tour’s final gig in Gelterkinden to have a real village-festival character – of course, with a proper Baschi show," as he calls it. The village square is his family hub, and it’s where his roots are. On the village square in the heart of Gelterkinden, at Ochsengasse 1, sits the house that has a very special meaning for Baschi – it’s his grandparents’ home. For Baschi, it’s a place full of memories and stories. His paternal grandparents ran their hair salon in this house and lived above it. His parents took over the business and "little Baschi zoomed around the salon’s chairs picking up hair". Baschi spent half his life in the village, and it’s where he made his first attempts at singing.  

Sunrise VIP Lounge in Baschi’s family garden 

The family’s garden will serve as the Sunrise VIP Lounge for 20 lucky guests. In an intimate little get-together, they’ll get a unique look into Baschi’s past. He’ll tell them about his experiences in this house. "It’s a place with history, lots of emotions and memories," says Baschi. 

To Baschi, music is still loads of fun and something that fulfils him. He tells us that he’s writing again and that the new album should be out soon. "As artists, we live off success. It brings us joy, and drives and motivates us. A well-attended tour is adrenaline, and I hope I’ll be able to make music successfully for a long time to come."