Faust – Fliegen lernen (curated by Gunther Wüsthoff) (2026)

Gunther Wüsthoff’s latest project, Fliegen lernen, represents a continuation of the boundary-pushing spirit that has defined Faust since its inception. The album, set for release in 2026, draws heavily from the band’s extensive archives alongside fresh studio sessions and collaborative efforts with contemporary Hamburg musicians. This melding of past and present underscores Faust’s commitment to musical innovation as a process rather than a fixed outcome.

Wüsthoff’s early immersion in music predates Faust. From childhood, he absorbed an eclectic range of sounds, observing his father’s engrossed accordion performances of operettas, cinematic scores, and folk melodies. This formative environment planted the seeds for his lifelong engagement with sound. By age eleven, a radio broadcast tracing jazz’s history sparked his fascination with the genre, prompting him to teach himself guitar and piano. These experiences cultivated a nonconformist approach to composition, privileging curiosity and experimentation over traditional methodology.

This philosophy became the cornerstone of Faust’s identity, transforming the ensemble into more than a band—rather, a mode of exploratory thinking. Wüsthoff credits these foundational years with shaping his entire artistic trajectory, emphasizing that without Faust, the conception and realization of Fliegen lernen would not have been possible.

The project itself is produced by Onnen Bock in collaboration with Gunther Buskies of Bureau B, a label long associated with avant-garde and krautrock releases. Fliegen lernen exemplifies the open-ended creative process Faust pioneered, allowing sonic ideas to evolve organically through chance encounters and deliberate exploration. The album’s title, which can be interpreted as both “flies are learning” and “learning to fly,” encapsulates this playful and dynamic approach to music-making, where perspectives and meanings continually shift.

As a collection, Fliegen lernen spans decades of recordings, threading together archival material with newly conceived pieces. This fusion creates a living document of Faust’s evolving soundscape, reflecting the fluid interplay between historical context and contemporary experimentation. The inclusion of Hamburg-based collaborators further roots the album in a vibrant local scene while extending Faust’s influence.

The record contributes to a broader resurgence of interest in krautrock and experimental music traditions, positioning Faust not only as pioneers but also as active participants in ongoing dialogues about genre and form. Fliegen lernen demonstrates how archival preservation and innovative reinterpretation can coexist, offering listeners a multifaceted experience.

While precise details about individual tracks and collaborators remain limited, the project’s framework suggests a deliberate embrace of unpredictability, where composition and improvisation intersect. This aligns with Faust’s longstanding ethos of embracing the unexpected, allowing their music to evolve in ways that defy conventional categorization.

In this sense, Fliegen lernen is more than an album; it is a statement of artistic philosophy and continuity. Wüsthoff’s curatorial role bridges his personal history, the band’s legacy, and the present moment, underscoring the enduring vitality of Faust’s experimental vision. As such, the release is poised to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers seeking music that challenges and expands traditional boundaries.

Details about the full tracklist and additional contributors have yet to be fully disclosed. However, the involvement of Onnen Bock and Gunther Buskies signals a high level of production quality and artistic integrity. Fliegen lernen stands as a testament to Faust’s commitment to reinvention and the transformative power of sound.

In summary, Fliegen lernen encapsulates the essence of Faust’s journey—an embrace of historical depth and future possibility, curated through the discerning lens of Gunther Wüsthoff. This project invites audiences into a dynamic sound world where learning and flight, chance and intention, past and present, converge in compelling ways.