photography by Nicola von Leffern

Austrian electronic music duo HVOB (consisting of Anna Müller and Paul Wallner) have just released their documentary „Let’s keep this quiet“ filmed by Hamburg director Nicola von Leffern. Giving a deep and intimate insight of their tour life we talked to Anna about where she draws her strength, unforgettable moments and drawing the line between public and private.

Your documentary gives us deep insights. Where do you draw the line between what is completely private and what is public?

I think we didn’t draw a line in any way – and we just did not think about it. We wanted to share what HVOB means to us, and it all happened very naturally. I know, we are very shy regarding sharing anything about us, but after nearly ten years it just felt right to give some insight. And the feedback was so phenomenal, I would have never expected so much positive and warm response from the people. I am still overwhelmed and deeply thankful, also a shout out to Nicola von Leffern, the director of the documentary, who accompanied us on the Rocco tour and did an amazing job.

Anna, you also tell how important silence is sometimes when touring. From where else do you draw your strength?

I really try to take care of my mind and body, I could not do what I do without being mindful. I do the basics like meditating, doing sports, eating well and try to find some sleep whenever possible, which is not easy.

“I really try to take care of my mind and body, I could not do what I do without being mindful. “

You describe the feeling before the performance as well as the performance itself very well. Do you think that after such intense feelings that it is also something like a “drug” that one is always looking for? 

I was never seeking that feeling. I am not the typical extrovert, or someone who feels at home on a stage. But sure, as soon as you get out there and experience this energy from the people, you get kind of addicted.

In the documentary you also tell that you sit on the plane over 200 times. To what extent do you think about the ethical aspect – in terms of climate protection and everything?

There are some things we can do, like booking our concerts on one continent after the other, so we are flying less and can switch to tour busses like we did in the US or taking the train like in Japan. Also festivals are getting more and more conscious about the climate aspect. There is happening a lot, thankfully.

“I just hope that we can go back to concerts and clubs as we know it.”

The consequences of how politics are dealing with this pandemic will last very long – how do you think the music industry will change?

I just hope that we can go back to concerts and clubs as we know it.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when the pandemic is over?

Playing a concert and going to a rave afterwards. Oh yes, and hugging strangers.

Last question: You give people happy and unforgettable moments. What is a moment that you two experienced together and you will never forget?

There are so many memories, like on our last tour when we played in China and people were singing along our songs, or the hotel party in India after our own festival Checkfest we did in Mumbai, or the breathtaking beauty of Japan when traveling the train two years ago. We just miss it, we really do, and we hope that the world will get better soon.

Thanks so much for your time!
Thank you