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Trickster (real name: Juergen Pichler) is an Austrian musician living in the UK, known for his eclectic musical style.
Trickster | |
|---|---|
 Juergen Pichler (Trickster) | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Juergen Walter Pichler |
| Born | Austria |
| Occupation(s) | musician, music producer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | vocals, piano |
| Website | trickster |
Musical career
editThe singer Trickster debuted in November 2022 with the single Thank Fuck It's Christmas, in which he performed alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra a not safe for work expletive-ridden song that reflected the tensions and stresses of that year. The lyrics were written by Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams was the songwriter and producer), in collaboration with the comedian Steve Furst and Trickster.[1][2][3] Billed as "the only Christmas song that could have come out of 2022", its lyrics took aim at problematic factors of that year, like the UK government's activity, the cost of living crisis, pandemics, and the ultra-rich trying to move to Mars.[4]
A clean version titled Praise Be It’s Christmas was also released, and its two videos went viral, with several million views on YouTube. One of these music videos was directed by Phil Griffin (known for his work with Amy Winehouse, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney)[5] and the other one, shot in the Swiss Alps, was directed by Norbert Blecha (Requiem for Dominic, Wolfsliebe).[6]
Money raised from both songs were donated by Trickster to charities tackling child welfare and social hunger.[7][8] Under the motto "real change is no joke", Trickster and his team distributed food produce to several food banks in the UK. The South-West Belfast Foodbank, in one of the most deprived areas, received a significant boost through this campaign (they almost missed it though because, at first, they thought it was a prank, given the unexpected amount directed towards this rather unsupported area of the country). Specific attention to details like the nutritional value of the food provided were explained by the singer by his own childhood experiences with adequate nutrition insecurity.[9]
In these music videos, Trickster's real identity was hidden by animation, which prompted speculations about who he might be, some wondering if he is the lyrics co-writer Steve Furst[5] or some popular personality Guy Chambers has worked with previously or some faded former famous name with a score to settle.[4]
In May 2023, Trickster released the single Still Kicking, inspired by a car accident he survived in 2017 in southern France, with a musicality described as drawing on late '90s alternative rock, Americana and cinematic soundscapes.[10] The track was produced by Guy Chambers, Richard Flack and Trickster. The music video features the singer without any hiding animation and, along with the story behind the song, some more information appeared in press mentioning that he is an Austrian residing in the UK.[11]
In November 2023, Trickster released "Silent Night" vs "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", a mash-up blend of the two Christmas classics featuring the vocal group The Swingles. On this occasion, the media coverage also mentioned this singer's real name, Juergen Pichler[12] (owner of this Trickster brand).[13][14] He was already known as a producer of various bands and musicians (like the Austrian band Hunger)[15][16] and as a songwriter (like Olé Hola of Patrick Lindner).[17] He also supported charity work initiatives, like "Stop the Puppy Mafia" in Austria.[18]
On 23 April 2024 (Saint George's Day), Trickster launched his version of the UK national anthem God Save the King, recorded together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road. He mentioned that he wanted to create this version to express his love for the United Kingdom. The track was the first recorded for King Charles by a foreigner.[19] In the production phase, when returning from Portugal as a co-pilot on a helicopter, he had to make an emergency landing on a farm in north-western Spain, due to technical difficulties.[20]
Discography
edit- Thank Fuck It's Christmas (Single, 2022)
- Still Kicking (Single, 2023)
- "Silent Night" vs "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (Single, 2023)
- Be Careful What You Wish For (Single, 2024)
- God Save the King (Single, 2024)
References
edit- ^ "Sweary Single Up For UK Christmas #1 Written By Robbie Williams' Songwriter". The Music. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Robbie Williams' songwriter Guy Chambers shares NSFW song 'Thank Fuck It's Christmas'". NME. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Robbie Williams' songwriter aiming for Christmas Number One with expletive-ridden tune". Daily Mirror. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Swear words and the Christmas spirit: Trickster's holiday song". Free Malaysia Today. 3 December 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Animator Ben Wild, director Phil Griffin and Robbie Williams songwriter Guy Chambers hope for Christmas number one". Prolific North. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Blecha drehte Musikvideo für Weihnachts-Hit". Burgenländische Volkszeitung. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Celebs supporting good causes this Christmas - Trickster supports food banks across the UK". UK Fundrising. 22 December 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Trickster Supports UK Biggest Food Bank Network in 'Tsunami of Need' With Record-breaking Donations of Food & £10,000 Cash During 2022's Winter of Discontent". London Daily News. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ Lorraine Wylie (28 May 2024). "Doctors in NI turning to foodbanks as cost of living crisis deepens". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ "Still Kicking". Record of the Day. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Eclectic Austrian Music Artist Trickster To Release New Single "Still Kicking"". Top40-Charts. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "It's a Merry Trickster Christmas!". Classic Pop. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ ""Trickster" trademark". Wirtschaft.ch. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Trickster News". Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ "Hunger". Austrian Music Export. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Electronic Pop/Rock Band HUNGER Announces 2016 Tour". Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Patrick Lindner - Olé hola". Dutch Charts. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Stoppt die Welpenmafia". NEWS (Austrian magazine). Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Austrian star Trickster releases new single for St. George's Day". Retro Pop Magazine. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ "El helicóptero del productor musical Juergen Pichler realiza un aterrizaje de emergencia en Nigrán". Telemariñas. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2024.