Holger Schmidt
- Holger Klaus Schmidt(German: Holger Klaus Schmidt, born May 15, 1952)is a German writer, journalist, and chronicler of the cult rock band The StarBast. Schmidt played a crucial role in documenting the band’s history and reinterpreting their musical and philosophical legacy through a series of literary works. His contributions go beyond mere chronicle, delving into profound reflections on music, culture, and art as a whole.
Early Life and Education
Schmidt was born in Cologne, Germany, into a family where his father was a musician and mathematician, and his mother, an economist. From an early age, he showed interest in both the arts and sciences, a duality that would later be reflected in his literary and philosophical work. In 1969, Schmidt enrolled in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne. However, he soon transitioned to the Faculty of Humanities, specializing in "liberal arts," where he began to explore his literary and philosophical inclinations. In 1971, Schmidt left university to pursue a career in journalism and literature full-time.
Career Beginnings and Work with The StarBast
That same year, Schmidt embarked on his journalistic career while working with the Ende Sternenmann Corporation. Around this time, he also encountered the emerging rock band The StarBast, who were gaining popularity in the underground music scene. This meeting marked a turning point for Schmidt, and he quickly became part of the band’s creative circle. In 1971, at the age of 19, Schmidt penned the article "IliOna et le Crépuscule: The Song of Fading Light", which became his Magnum Opus and gained widespread recognition within Cologne’s student circles. This piece solidified Schmidt’s role as the primary chronicler of The StarBast and positioned him as a prominent voice among music critics of the time.
Schmidt was born in Cologne, Germany, into a family where his father was a musician and mathematician, and his mother, an economist. From an early age, he showed interest in both the arts and sciences, a duality that would later be reflected in his literary and philosophical work. In 1969, Schmidt enrolled in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne. However, he soon transitioned to the Faculty of Humanities, specializing in "liberal arts," where he began to explore his literary and philosophical inclinations. In 1971, Schmidt left university to pursue a career in journalism and literature full-time.
Career Beginnings and Work with The StarBast
That same year, Schmidt embarked on his journalistic career while working with the Ende Sternenmann Corporation. Around this time, he also encountered the emerging rock band The StarBast, who were gaining popularity in the underground music scene. This meeting marked a turning point for Schmidt, and he quickly became part of the band’s creative circle. In 1971, at the age of 19, Schmidt penned the article "IliOna et le Crépuscule: The Song of Fading Light", which became his Magnum Opus and gained widespread recognition within Cologne’s student circles. This piece solidified Schmidt’s role as the primary chronicler of The StarBast and positioned him as a prominent voice among music critics of the time.
Chronicler and Philosopher of the Band
Schmidt meticulously documented the entire creative journey of The StarBast from their formation through their disbandment in 1988. He covered key events such as album releases and tours, while also actively participating in shaping the band's philosophical context. His writings delved into the symbolism and philosophical aspects of their work, linking the band's music to both Western and Eastern mystical and philosophical traditions.
Literary Work and The StarBast Chronicles
Schmidt's primary literary project is a series of seven books titled "The StarBast Chronicles". These works explore the lives and creative journeys of each band member, blending elements of music, philosophy, mysticism, and personal experiences. To date, five books in the series have been published, each serving as an attempt to analyze The StarBast's legacy through the lenses of metaphysics and numerology.
Collaboration with ND
In 2017, Schmidt began collaborating with musician and producer ND, marking a new phase in his career. Together, they embarked on projects to revive the music of The StarBast, which include not only books but also musical albums, illustrations, and other elements of audiovisual art. This partnership resulted in the creation of several unique works that resonated with fans of progressive rock and philosophical musings alike.
Personal Life and Present Day
Schmidt leads a secluded life in "Bad Gastein", Austria, where he continues to work on expanding the StarBast Chronicles universe. He remains dedicated to his principle of deeply exploring the connections between music and philosophy, seamlessly integrating them with literature and art. His works continue to inspire new generations of readers, listeners, and art enthusiasts.
Bibliography
"The Eye of Bosch" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"Bastian's Wanderings" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"AUM" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"Maze D'Or" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"Pourquoi 17" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
Schmidt meticulously documented the entire creative journey of The StarBast from their formation through their disbandment in 1988. He covered key events such as album releases and tours, while also actively participating in shaping the band's philosophical context. His writings delved into the symbolism and philosophical aspects of their work, linking the band's music to both Western and Eastern mystical and philosophical traditions.
Literary Work and The StarBast Chronicles
Schmidt's primary literary project is a series of seven books titled "The StarBast Chronicles". These works explore the lives and creative journeys of each band member, blending elements of music, philosophy, mysticism, and personal experiences. To date, five books in the series have been published, each serving as an attempt to analyze The StarBast's legacy through the lenses of metaphysics and numerology.
Collaboration with ND
In 2017, Schmidt began collaborating with musician and producer ND, marking a new phase in his career. Together, they embarked on projects to revive the music of The StarBast, which include not only books but also musical albums, illustrations, and other elements of audiovisual art. This partnership resulted in the creation of several unique works that resonated with fans of progressive rock and philosophical musings alike.
Personal Life and Present Day
Schmidt leads a secluded life in "Bad Gastein", Austria, where he continues to work on expanding the StarBast Chronicles universe. He remains dedicated to his principle of deeply exploring the connections between music and philosophy, seamlessly integrating them with literature and art. His works continue to inspire new generations of readers, listeners, and art enthusiasts.
Bibliography
"The Eye of Bosch" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"Bastian's Wanderings" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"AUM" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"Maze D'Or" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
"Pourquoi 17" (2024, StarBast Publishers)
