Deltawelle is a new wave-indie Band from Leipzig and Berlin. The name is derived from the fact that many unexpected music ideas emerge from the subconscious soon before sleep. Therefore, the band was called after a visual representation of a brain wave. On November 4, they released their debut single “Alles soll schon sein” (Everything should already be beautiful) from the self-titled EP. They created everything on their own. The song is about someone’s futile attempts to capture happiness. Check out the song and the exclusive interview with DELTAWELLE below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
DELTAWELLE: Franz: We are a 4 piece band from Leipzig and Berlin with vocals, guitar, drums, bass and synthesizers. We usually meet in Berlin to rehearse. I usually write the lyrics and the musical framework of the songs in Leipzig and during rehearsals we work on bringing them to the live versions.
After many years of previous styles, I wanted to start a new project that sounds like the crazy 80s. I already knew the bass player from a previous project and met the drummer and the keyboarder through advertising the project. It was great luck that it fit so well musically and interpersonally.
2. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DELTAWELLE’?
DELTAWELLE: Since being a child, some of the songs of the “Neue Deutsche Welle” have always stuck with me as catchy tunes, some hits by Nena, Peter Schilling and Ideal. The music and lyrics of Tonsteine Scherben, die Sterne, Radiohead, REM, Blur and Tocotronic were influential from my teenage years onwards.
The fact that we named ourselves after a graphic representation of a brain wave has something to do with the situations in which many songs were written. Many ideas come unexpectedly from the subconscious.
3. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
DELTAWELLE: A perticular variety between lightness and heaviness plays a big role. Many songs also contain danceable elements, parts where you can lose yourself, parts where you can freak out. I would describe our sound as a mixture between New Wave and Indie.
4. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as INDIE?
DELTAWELLE:
Franz: We try very hard to develop our own sound. On the one hand, that’s nice, because we can largely distinguish ourselves from other bands but on the other hand, it is difficult for new listeners to classify the music. We don’t think too much of copying a certain sound. but rather being playful and letting a song find its energy. Perhaps after you can find a place for it between certain Artists but its never a priority.
5. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
DELTAWELLE:
The main reason why we make music is for fun. When you have written a good song, there is a lot of good energy that can be passed on. It’s important to us that the lyrics give something to the listener. Either something funny or something to think about. Some of the lyrics also contain socially critical themes, but they are not addressed with a pointing finger, rather with humour or ridicule.
6. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
DELTAWELLE:
A good song can give you so much strength and new energy for life. But the work is sometimes very hard, because you don’t always have the complete song idea in your head and you have to be patient for the winning ideas to arrive. But there are also songs that come very quickly and easily. It always requires a certain amount of effort, sometimes you’re a bit exhausted. Your own demands don’t always make it easy.
7. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
DELTAWELLE:
It varies a lot. Sometimes there’s a vocal or guitar hook that I have in my head and work from there. Sometimes it’s a theme that’s on my mind, and I write the lyrics first and then the music. I like to work with others but I also like to work alone. Both are good. When you work with others, at best it gives you new inspiration. If I get stuck on some songs, I also like to exchange ideas and be open to new ones. With Barney, our drummer, I finish many songs together or write completely new ones. In Leipzig, we also wrote two songs with two other musicians.
8. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
DELTAWELLE:
I have to say that so far I’ve been lucky not to have had any serious strokes of fate. Of course, things don’t always go uphill. But that’s what life is all about, somehow making the best of everything.
In the band, we’ve had the odd case where we’ve gone our separate ways. That’s not easy at first, to keep believing in the project and to go on. It’s also not always easy to reconcile expectations and demands on oneself with everything else. That requires a lot of self-discipline and will.
9. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
DELTAWELLE: I once travelled to Iceland alone and did an adventure trip for 5 weeks, backpacking with hitchhiking without renting a car. That was my highlight so far. How far you can get without owning much.
With my previous band we opened for Jennifer Rostock. Playing in front of 1400 people was a great event. With Deltawelle certain shows always stand out, the Schokoladen-Hoffest in Berlin for example. The atmosphere was great, that was a lot of fun.
10. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
DELTAWELLE: It depends. If it’s constructive, I find it interesting to listen to other opinions. But if it’s only about harming or expressing disrespectful opinions, I don’t want to be dragged down. Haters should find something meaningful to do that they enjoy and not spread negative energy.
11. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
DELTAWELLE: Both are a lot of fun and influence each other positively. After a few concerts I have even more energy to write new songs and repeat the cycle.
12. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
DELTAWELLE: Many songs leave room for own their interpretations. I think that’s good, as long as it’s not totally misinterpreted. With some songs it’s also good to give the real story/ message. But you don’t have to serve it on a platter ;)
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Photo credits: Bob Sala