Some people may still have the idea that all German music comes from Bavarian oom-pah bands, Nena and her 99 red balloons and David Hasselhoff. Well, one person who seems to have been caught in a time vortex since the fall of the Berlin wall, you’re dead wrong.
While back in the 90s he German language was very rarely heard on the German airwaves, with only giants like Rammstein able to get radio play in the nation’s mother tongue.
The last decade though has seen a real reversal in fortunes though for German speaking artists now being the majority of what comes to the national front, except for the American imports that is.
So while it may be slightly difficult to find native artists singing in English, there are those sticking with an international flavour and doing rather well out of it.
While we’ve featured Eurovision contestants before (Europe actually tries sending talented artists every now and again), most of them have been largely unsuccessful in the pan-European warbling showdown. Not Lena though, as in 2010 she easily romped to victory for Germany, with the BBC exclaiming that she’d ‘reclaimed the contest’s musical integrity.’ That her song wasn’t even originally written for Eurovision might have helped.
Lena’s gone from strength the strength after the triumph, with her second album released after the European expedition going platinum in Germany and selling all across Europe. Singing in English does have its advantages sometimes.
A fresh mix of Lilly Allen and Paloma Faith, Lena is modern twenty first century pop at its best. With her third album due to come out later this year, hopes are high for one of continental Europe’s brightest pure pop talents.
Believe it or not, but Germany is the second biggest lover of hip-hop, with only the American’s beating our German friends when it comes to spitting rhymes. While Hamburg may not sound as gangster to us as Compton, it’s been the home of German’s most successful hip-hop stars over the last few years.
One of these is Samy Deluxe, a German rapper who’s clearly modelled himself after the biggest and best from America whilst still having some sort of identity, mixing in reggae influences and even some lighter R&B stylings of late.
His lyrics may all be in German, but get out the translator and give Samy a go, he’ll make it worth your time.
And now we move on to one of Germany’s biggest groups; Tokio Hotel. The rockers have benn one of Germany’s top dogs since 2005, after lead singer Bill Kaulitz shot to fame on a children’s talent show at the age of 13 two years earlier.
While they may be a little on the youthful side, but Tokio Hotel wasted no time in climbing to the top of the German charts and haven’t let go of that place since, with all three of their albums having shot to number 1 in Germany.
Underneath the crazy hair and makeup though, Tokio Hotel pack a serious punch, with their own brand of rock being highly compelling. Kaulitz’s youthful tones driving on the tracks like a shot of adrenaline to the heart.
While they originally started in German, Tokio Hotel have actually switched back to English, in search of a more international audience. While both Scream and Humaniod were English language versions of the German albums, the band’s next release will exclusively be in English. When that comes out though is anyone’s guess, as the band has been teasing its release for years.
While we’re in Germany, it would be simply rude for us to not have a quick listen to The Baseballs, who are unquestionably one of Europe’s most fun music acts.
All quiffs, sharp suits and Cadillacs, The Baseballs are a 50’s rock and roll cover band, covering all of the hottest hits in their own quasi-Elvis way. Having teased three albums so far out their shtick, The Baseballs are extremely lovable, adding a doo-wop twist to Ke$ha, Rihanna and Snow Patrol that makes for smiles all around. Their Lady Gaga covers in particular are sheer works of genius.
It’s just a shame they don’t give writing their own stuff a real shot, as their infectious enthusiasm would make for a rather fine record.
There ends this whistle stop tour of Germany’s music scene, but if you think we’ve left anyone off here the world needs to know about, then pop then down below and help us out.
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith
Tagged in Germany