Actor and director Matthias Schweighöfer shares his musical memories and favourite songs for the Gentleman’s Journal Sunday Playlist, in association with KEF
In Army of the Dead, the neon-soaked, blood-dripping zombie film that hit Netflix this weekend, Matthias Schweighöfer is rarely seen without a pair of headphones around his neck. The German actor, one of the leads in Zack Snyder’s rip-roaring, Vegas-set showpiece, plays a character named Ludwig — whose musical tastes are as symphonic as his name suggests.
“Opera!” says Schweighöfer, revealing Ludwig’s tunes of choice for the new release. “In the film, he is a big fan of Richard Wagner — so he was mostly listening to the Ring Cycle”.
But what styles and sorts of music does Schweighöfer enjoy when he isn’t at odds with the undead? How does the actor use music in his everyday life? Is he a musician himself? And what would his perfect ‘Sunday Playlist’ look like? Below, Schweighöfer sets the record straight…
When do you usually listen to music?, I tend to listen to music when I’m in the car driving — because it feels like I can focus on the music while the world is moving. When I am in my car, I feel like I’m on an island.
What was the last song you listened to?, The last song I listened to was ‘Knock You Down’ by Bvlly, Mack Dizzle and 6ixbuzz. It’s a rap song I heard when I was jogging.
Spotify or vinyl?, Both! To be honest, it would have to be iMusic and vinyl for me.
What was the last album you bought?, London Grammar’s ‘Californian Soil’
What is your favourite workout song?, A song by J. Cole called ‘Love Yourz’. The first time I heard it was when I was shooting a movie in South Africa. I was on a two-and-a-half hour run and I felt lightweight; as though I was flying.
What do you listen to when you want to relax?, A meditation spa list and Max Richter’s album, ‘The Blue Notebook’. The song ’Written On The Sky’ is a particularly good one.
Which instrument would you like to learn to play (or do you play one already)?, Yeah! I play guitar and piano — but very badly. It looks cool when I play, though, and I would definitely like to learn more!
What’s your favourite lyric?, It’s a lyric by Bon Iver — from a song called ’21 Moon Water’. It is: “The math ahead / The math behind it / It’s moon water.”
What’s your favourite musical moment in a film?, It has to be Titanic and Céline Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’. That, and the entire soundtrack of Drive.
Swimming by A Year On Earth. I found this artist on iMusic, and immediately fell in love with the song. I even thought about putting it in [Army of the Dead follow-up] Army of Thieves.
Baby It’s You by London Grammar. I often listen to this song while I’m out for a run. I really makes me move.
Caught Up by Caleborate. This is just a great song for a road-trip. I love the flow.
twice as tough by upsidedownhead ft. Mansionair. Of all the songs on this list, this one is perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Shelter by Luca Fogale. I seem to always listen to this album, ‘Safety’, when I’m in the woods. I don’t know why that is — but I do it.
Ordel by Parra for Cuva feat. Beau Diako & Kyson. So I found this on the Friday’s New Music Playlist — and really liked it.
Dusk by ford. In fact, the whole album — ‘(The Evening)’. Simply put; cool.
Head of Roses by Flock of Dimes. I wanted to be cooler and smarter. I thought it would fit.
re: Stacks by Bon Iver. This is one of my all-time favourites. [Frontman] Justin Vernon? OMG.
Pretty Little Fears by 6LACK (feat. J.Cole). I love 6LACK. I love J. Cole. Their songs are always and forever in my heart. Legends.
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