Sing dela Sing

"Everyone sings - all night long"

The motto of Sing dela Sing sums it up: group karaoke for everyone who doesn't like singing alone. A simple concept that hides great moments of happiness.

Once a month, Berlin-based musicians Gunter Papperitz and Cem A. Süzer sing with their audiences of all voices and ages – far removed from church choirs and choral societies. FAQ brings this wonderful event to Vorarlberg. Gunter Papperitz reveals in an interview why it will be incredibly fun.

Gunter, your singing evenings in Berlin are almost always sold out. Why is singing together so much fun?

"Singing can be awful when you're being humiliated or embarrassed. I remember having to sing in front of the whole class at school. And if you can't do that or your voice is breaking, it's really mean. Even being on a karaoke stage all by yourself can get embarrassing really quickly."

And how is it with you?

"Most people go home after a Sing de la Sing evening and think, 'Wow, that actually sounds really good—and I thought I couldn't sing.' I think that's why Sing de la Sing works so well. Everyone can join in right away. You don't have to learn anything, and you don't need any prerequisites. Plus, everyone gets a sense of achievement pretty quickly. Because when everyone sings together, it never really sounds bad."

So is it easier to sing in a group?

"As I said, singing in front of others can be really uncomfortable and embarrassing. People usually prefer singing in private, like in the car or in the shower. A professional singer recently told me that she prefers singing in the car because she's completely alone there and can finally sing the way she wants without having to worry about whether anyone is listening. Such moments also exist at Sing dela Sing. We want to create a space where people can simply do whatever they want. There's a large group where they can express themselves, but also blend in or hide. We want singing to be associated with something positive."

Does this sound like a big group therapy session?

"Oh, that makes it bigger than it is. I'm actually just a pianist who sits up front and can guide people to sing. That's all there is to it. I wouldn't say that anyone will get their problems under control this way, and that I'll soon be able to get my health insurance to cover my costs (laughs).

Sing dela Sing is an event that many people do together, but everyone experiences it differently. Some are totally euphoric, others totally relaxed. There are people who literally drag themselves to come to us after work because they have already bought tickets. And even though they have absolutely no desire to sing, after three songs they have forgotten all the stress of the day and are singing their hearts out.”