Johan Kolstrup and Music Stars Open Up About Loneliness in New Podcast
Singer-songwriter Johan Kolstrup is back with new music and a fresh podcast series, where he and several prominent musicians discuss loneliness and personal traumas.
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After weeks of isolating himself in a hotel in Copenhagen, Johan Kolstrup—known for hits like Motorcykelkapløb and Anna—has emerged with not only a series of new songs but also a deeply personal podcast. At his temporary home and studio at Zoku Copenhagen, overlooking the city’s rooftops, Johan dives into reflections on life, loneliness, and the challenges of post-pandemic existence.
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Get Started NowIn this intimate setting, he’s been joined by some notable names from the music scene, including Tamra Rosanes, Geir Zahl from Kaizers Orchestra, Ida Gard, Emma Nicoline, and others, to share stories and engage in heartfelt conversations. These are not your typical celebrity chats, but raw, unfiltered discussions about trauma, childhood struggles, and moments of intense vulnerability.
Unveiling Deep Wounds
One of the most striking moments in the podcast comes when a guest recounts his near-death experience after contracting COVID-19. Johan describes these encounters as deeply emotional: “You don’t become a drug addict for decades without a dark past. Many of these artists have survived tough childhoods and life-altering traumas.”
Another conversation brings to light a heartbreaking memory of a musician being abandoned by his mother as a child. These stories reveal how trauma lingers, shaping the lives of even the most celebrated figures in the industry.
A Personal Journey
Johan himself opens up about his own experiences with loneliness. “I’ve felt the weight of meaninglessness and solitude in so many ways,” he admits. A musician who has spent years traveling and living alone in cities like New York, London, and Berlin, Johan reflects on his chosen isolation. But the podcast forced him to confront his deeper loneliness. “I’ve been single for 15 years. It hit me hard during one of the podcast interviews how alone I’ve actually been.”
From Isolation to Healing
But Johan’s journey out of loneliness took an unusual turn: an ayahuasca retreat. Ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic tea with origins in South America, was a radical choice for someone seeking answers. “I saved myself with an ayahuasca trip,” Johan explains, almost casually.
This experience was part of a broader spiritual awakening, one influenced by meditation, breathing exercises, and guidance from figures like Eckhart Tolle. His brother Mattias, formerly of Dune, and Mattias’ partner, Drew Sycamore, encouraged Johan to take these steps toward healing. After drinking ayahuasca at a clinic in Denmark, Johan faced anxiety and fear but ultimately found a new sense of clarity. “It was intense, but it opened me up to the world in a way I never expected.”
A New Chapter
As Johan continues to record conversations for the podcast, it’s clear that this project is about more than music. It’s a platform for musicians to share their inner struggles and offer listeners a rare glimpse into their emotional worlds. The podcast is set to be released in the spring, and it promises to be an eye-opening exploration of how trauma and creativity intertwine.
With a fresh perspective and newfound peace, Johan Kolstrup’s return to the spotlight is one to watch. His candid approach to both music and life will no doubt resonate with those searching for meaning in a post-pandemic world.
