Artist Spotlight - Bobby Wallisch
Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
I was born under a blazing orange sun in 1966 in Vienna, Austria, to a long-haired mom who painted each room in a different color, and a just and loving dad who taught me to stick to my dreams. It was the year when Jimi Hendrix went to London and the Starship Enterprise started its voyage through time and space. I remember the first step on the moon and grew up hoping to be part of that groovy new world. But with the new millennium, an overall culture of fear emerged in the western world, and the gorgeous colors of the 60s, 70s, and 80s turned into shades of grey. I wanted to bring those colors back.
Growing up bilingual (German and Italian) in Vienna, I studied Ancient Greek and Latin and learned meditation from a disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Loving all things related to the sea, I started sailing and wrote some books about historic travels and discoveries. At the same time, I worked as a senior lecturer for Neo-Latin studies at the University of Vienna.
Where are you located?
Vienna, Austria
What is your artist's name?
Bobby Wallisch Jr. & Acid.Prof
How long have you been writing music?
Forever
What inspired you to start playing and making music?
In 2013, after dramatic events in my personal life, I started my music project. I felt it was time to give back a few things I had so generously enjoyed in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I created a music channel on YouTube and founded my ProgRock band "Acid.Prof".
What were the driving forces or pivotal moments that inspired you to pursue music?
I'm trying to bring "those colors" back, spreading Greek and Indian philosophy through my lyrics and making music that frees the heart.
How would you describe your style of music?
Progressive Rock & Singer-Songwriter
How is your personality reflected in your work?
I am a follower of Greek Presocratic Philosophy and Indian Advaita Vedanta. All my songs are about us being this universe.
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
Lyrics and music come together in my mind, inseparable.
What is the name of your latest releases?
Pánta Rheî, Merciless Dragon, It's Always Autumn, Hold On
What was the inspiration for that release?
"Pánta rheî" was written to wrap all I learned from the ancient wisdom of Greece in one song. I wrote it as a legacy for my kids.
What challenges or unexpected moments did you encounter during the writing/recording process?
We had to put together a choir singing in ancient Greek. Thank God my two best friends speak Greek!
What strategies do you find most effective for promoting your music?
I am very disappointed that Spotify punished 3rd party promo agencies and does not provide their own Marquee in Europe. It is a shame. Playlisting is the only legitimate way. I found out the hard way.
How do you engage with your fans online and offline?
I am very present on my YouTube channel. The comment section is my best interaction point. Twitter is okay too, but I avoid Instagram and Facebook.
What upcoming promotional activities or releases are you most excited about?
I released 12 singles in the last two years. Now I need some rest. But next will be "Hey Jane," a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
How can folks contact you (socials/email/websites etc.)?
You can reach me through my YouTube channel or Twitter:
Is there anything else of interest that we should have asked about? Please include it here.
I firmly believe that music is all about being one and many at the same time. I mean it is all about intervals and differences that form one song. And it therefore works best for connecting us, not intellectually (which is always a problem for the ego) but in the deepest roots of our being.
