Paul from 01099: “I’m not giving up on Saxony”

Music from the East Is Successful

Paul and 01099 are among a whole host of artists from the East who are quite successful. From Saxony, these include Kraftklub, Trettmann, and Blond, as well as the young Yung Pepp. They know and appreciate each other—that quickly becomes clear in conversation with Paul.

“It’s definitely something I really enjoy, because I feel like I have a great foundation with all these people. There’s a different kind of joy when we see each other, and there’s a different dialect we use when we talk,” says Paul. But he doesn’t want to overemphasize the “East” angle either. “We also work with many artists who aren’t from the East, and we support each other very well.” 

Before the release of his solo album, Paul was very active on social media, especially on the live-streaming platform Twitch. “It’s a channel that allows me to put out a lot of content. At some point, I realized that I’m actually pretty good at it,” says the 26-year-old. “Just talking, kind of goofing around”—that’s what he enjoys.

It Doesn’t Work Without Social Media

The musician believes that self-promotion via social media platforms is simply part of the game these days. However, he notes that this is something many artists also struggle with. “Many artists I know really struggle with this, because, of course, just because you write beautiful songs or paint beautiful pictures doesn’t automatically mean you’re good at social media, too.”

In an Instagram video, his bandmates comment on the solo project. Zachi and Gustav sit there like two prisoners, hands in their laps, rattling off rehearsed lines: “We support Paul’s solo project 100 percent” and “Everyone, stream Paul’s album. It’s the best thing we’ve ever heard.” Then Paul’s voice comes from the background, instructing the guys: “Smile!” They’re good at messing around on social media.

Soon it’ll be full focus on 01099 again

There won’t be a tour for the solo album. “I don’t have the energy for that,” says Paul. Instead, he’s planning a concert night—maybe even two. “In September, I’ll round up a few old musician friends from my jazz days and put on an acoustic concert with a small combo.”

After that, it’s back to full focus on 01099, says Paul. “We’re definitely not done. That’s just a strong gut feeling. We have a new team. I sense that there’s a lot of potential for action here.” One highlight for next year has already been set: On July 17, 2027, 01099 will play their only concert of the year. It has been announced as a “home game” at Dresden’s Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.

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