From Blumengarten to Berq: These 5 indie artists show what’s going on with the German language.
German music has to contend with some clichés. Either you see German holidaymakers celebrating the hit on a small Spanish island in your mind’s eye, or you’re already annoyed by the next catchy Mark Forster pop song that feels like it’s playing constantly on the radio. German-language music can do so much. Sometimes tender and full of pain. Sometimes light-hearted and with a wink. We’ve put together our five favorite German-speaking indie newcomers that are sure to touch you.
1. Flower garden
With her soft sound, deep lyrics and unmistakable singing voice, Blumengarten sneaked into the cozy four walls of the German-speaking indie pop bubble within just a year. The duo’s first EP TELL YOUR FRIENDS THAT YOU LOVE THEM was released in July 2022. Since then, singer Rayan and music producer Sammy have been releasing one unique track after the other.
They have already recorded a new version of their song “paris syndrome” with Paula Hartmann, they collaborated with Longus Mongus on “wiedersicht”, their AnnenMayKantereit cover of “Maybe Maybe” went viral on TikTok and they are diving with “never again normal”. on Cro’s current EP. The flower garden is currently blooming in all colors and won’t be wilting any time soon.
2. Levin Liam
For Levin Liam, it took some time until he discovered the German language as a form of musical expression. During the pandemic, he began publishing his works in English under the pseudonym Liam Levin. The artist, who was born in Berlin and grew up in Hamburg, was heard in German for the first time in 2022 with “Keine Patience”. In the same year he released his first album, DON’T FORGET ME TOO FAST, together with producer Cato.
Influenced by R&B and hip hop, Levin Liam has found his very own sound. There is a sensitivity in his calm – almost slurred – voice, which he gives even more expression to with his lyrics. In 2023, the artist also released features with Kitschkrieg, Flavio and Miksu / Macloud.
3. Lena & Linus
Watched the movie “Call Me By Your Name” too many times? Or just met your ex whose new one looks exactly like you? Lena&Linus are masters at describing scenes in such detail and specificity that it feels like you are part of it. The Würzburg duo released music together for the first time in autumn 2022, followed a year later by their debut EP SEKUNDENSCHLAF. On the gentle and bittersweet indie pop productions, the duo’s voices almost merge into one.
4. Ivo Martin
Whether newly in love, heartbreak or unrequited feelings – Ivo Martin can do it all. With songs like “Hello”, “Verliebt” and “Weit weg” he has already built up a small repertoire since 2022 that covers every phase of strong feelings. The musician’s pieces are reminiscent of Cro’s old hits – there has to be a bit of kitsch and that’s what really makes the songs. In July 2023 he released his debut album WEIT WEG TAPE, which also includes a feature with the German singer Lotte. In 2024 Ivo Martin will play in six German cities on his “Sunset Tour”.
5. Berq
He probably has the most distinctive voice in the German indie bubble. Berq’s sound is somehow classic and yet very unique. The songs from his first EP RED FLAGGEN, released in May 2023, transport listeners to an epic environment – echoing in a church or in a field in a foggy morning. The 19-year-old musician, whose real name is Felix Dautzenberg, creates hymn-like works for topics that mean a lot to him.