In the latest episode of the Warsaw Confidential Podcast, host Kamal Jahid sat down with the remarkable Hermes Karel—a former tennis player turned soulful songwriter. This enlightening conversation delved deep into Hermes’ journey from the tennis court to the music stage, his spirituality, and his experiences in Poland.
A Journey Born of Love and Music
Hermes describes his early connection with music as being almost predestined. He recalls his mother telling him that even before he could walk or talk, he was singing. This natural affinity for music led him to write his first song at just seven and a half years old. Despite his passion for music, Hermes’ initial path led him to an international tennis career, where he quickly made a name for himself.
From Tennis Courts to Music Halls
Kamal Jahid was intrigued by the shift in Hermes’ life from a tennis athlete to a musician. Hermes narrated a fascinating story about how he started playing tennis almost by accident, driven by a friend’s casual challenge. This spontaneous decision sparked a competitive fire in him, which saw him rise to become a French champion at a young age.
However, his true calling remained music. Hermes found that tennis, despite its competitive nature, taught him valuable life lessons about perseverance and dealing with losses, which he later applied to his music career.
The Power of Music and Love
Central to Hermes’ music is the message of love. He strongly believes that everything in the universe stems from love, a sentiment deeply reflected in his writing and performances. He recounted a transformative moment on stage where he realized the profound impact his music could have on others. During a difficult time in his life, he performed a deeply personal song that moved an audience member to tears and helped someone reconsider ending their life. This incident solidified Hermes’ understanding of the responsibility and power of his music to touch lives.
Embracing Spirituality and Overcoming Hardship
Spirituality is a recurring theme in Hermes’ life and music. He differentiates spirituality from religion, seeing it as an intrinsic part of everyone’s existence. Hermes’ approach to overcoming personal hardships involves deep introspection and leveraging the resilience he developed in his sports career. He spoke about using tough experiences to grow and strengthen his resolve, highlighting that challenges often reveal our true capabilities.
Life in Poland
Hermes also shared his positive experiences in Poland. He appreciates the hardworking nature of Polish people and their deep-rooted spirituality. Poland, he noted, has become a place where he can fully express himself and his art. He feels grateful for the warm reception from his Polish audience and sees significant potential for sharing his music in this culturally rich country.
Final Thoughts
The conversation between Kamal Jahid and Hermes Karel was not just an interview but an inspiring exchange about perseverance, love, and the transformative power of music and spirituality. Hermes’ story is a testament to the idea that following one’s true passion, despite life’s diversions, can lead to profound personal and communal fulfillment.
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