Now it's finally happening. Our album 'Digital Dreams' has been out since November 17, 2023. And for me, this is the perfect opportunity to look back a few years and review the band's development, as well as my personal journey. So, grab a cup of tea, play our "THIS IS TORRENTIAL RAIN" Playlist, and let's take a trip back in time together.
Photo | Bastian Barth Fotografie
It's the year 2018, and we've been playing the songs from our album "Transitions" for almost two years on stage. We've entered the "NN-Rockbühne" for the third time, aiming to win the first place and secure a gig at Rock Im Park. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out a single time. Well, that's a shame, but at least we can claim the record for being the band that participated the most in the NN-Rockbühne. We'll get that Rock Im Park gig eventually, promised. But now, back to the album release.
Artwork | Mika Novo
It was slowly time to release the corresponding album. On October 28, 2018, it finally happened. "Transitions" was released on Spotify. Four days later, our release concert took place. Simultaneously with the album, we released four playthroughs on YouTube. We couldn't afford an elaborate music video, and honestly, we didn't even know exactly how to approach such a thing. So, the playthroughs and a live video had to suffice.
At that time, I was still studying and sometimes had three side jobs simultaneously to make ends meet. All special payments and scholarships I received back then, I immediately invested in equipment and the band. An expensive hobby, but always with the goal of making the band what it is today, together with Chris, Gordy, and Dario.
I've met so many people, seen so many cities, and collected so many memories in the last few years, it's almost unimaginable. For me, the question of "is it worth it?" doesn't arise anymore. I wouldn't trade anything for all these experiences.
When I think about it, I have to laugh a bit. Compared to what's behind our new album, that really wasn't much back then. That's why it's even more beautiful to look back and realize how we've developed as a band and as individuals during that time.
In the first seven years, we released nine videos. And how many have we released since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020? Twenty-three videos within three years. As of November 2023.
Photo | Bastian Barth Fotografie & Hannes Welsch
And now, an exciting, if not the most exciting, chapter in our band's history lies ahead. I've never invested so much time in a project as in this one, and I'm sure the guys feel the same. We, our music, our ambitions as musicians, our approach— all these things have evolved so much in the past years, and I'm curious about where the journey will take us as a band. We want to embark on this journey together with you, as a continually growing community.
Artwork | Heart Taped Designs
At our concerts in Mainz and Cologne, I've spoken with different people, some of whom traveled up to two hours by train just to attend our show. Every time I hear that, I think to myself, "You guys must be absolutely crazy!" I still can't believe it.
So, at this point, I want to give a huge, huge THANK YOU to everyone who supports us, comes to our shows, links us in their stories, wears our merch, and comments on our videos.
It may sound a bit cliché, but it really hits the nail on the head. Without your support, we couldn't live our dream, and for that, I want to thank each and every one of you!
💜💜💜