Off Lights Interview
Brand new rock outfit from Berlin, Off Lights, just returned with a new track titled “Man of Machine”, ahead of their debut EP release later this month. The trio, known for combining anthemic soundscapes with instantly infectious and catchy melodies, has been taking Germany by storm and is now imposing its name in the American music scene.
We got to speak with them about their new release, how the trio came to be, and aspirations.
- Who's behind Off Lights?
Julian: Off Lights consists of Thorsten (guitars), Sascha (drums) and myself (vocals & songwriter). We originally all come from Frankfurt, Germany where we got to know each other during the pandemic.
- "Man Or Machine" is a powerful anthem that touches on the theme of human connection in the face of increasing automation. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song and its message?
J: After our previous single "Into The Night“ we wanted to release something more positive and hopeful with "Man Or Machine."
The song deals critically with the topic of artificial intelligence and reflects in everyday situations, symbolically the inevitable conflict that manifests itself in the question, "Are we man or machine?:
Through the interplay of melancholic lyrics and positive-sounding music, we wanted to reflect the ambivalence of the subject in the song and encourage through the hopeful message, despite the increasing mechanization of the world, not to lose faith in the truth and in our own humanity.
- The music video for "Man Or Machine" features contemporary dance and tangled wires, creating a strong visual metaphor. How did the concept for the video come about?
J: In real life, I am an advertising and music video film director, so it was clear to me that I also write and direct the concepts for our music videos. With the concept for the "Man Or Machine" video, I wanted to show in an aesthetic and expressive way the desperation that the characters in the song lyrics experience in different everyday situations. I didn't want to simply show the situations that are described in the song lyrics but consciously try to visualize or represent a feeling that everyone can identify with - this feeling that the machines and the digital world take us more and more and do not let go. The cables that surround the dancer and prevent him from moving forward are an expression of how trapped we have become in this world, and at the end of the video the singer faces his digital self, which in turn is a reference to our digital stamp that each of us leaves on the web.
- The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the music industry. How did the three of you manage to come together as a band during this challenging time? Did the circumstances influence the direction of your music in any way?
J: Lyrically, definitely, because the lyrics are a lot about feelings that we have experienced during this time. It's about despair, hopelessness, and depression, but on the other hand, there's always hope and a new beginning that led us out of the pandemic in the end. Musically, the pandemic has influenced our music in that we have written music in a different way than we knew before. Of course, we couldn't rehearse together or work on songs together in the rehearsal room but mainly sent finished ideas back and forth to each other to work on our parts alone at home. When it worked again, we went with these demos to Sweden to make the sound recordings and saw each other, at least Thorsten and I, live for the first time.
- Back To Life is your upcoming debut EP. What can fans expect from this collection of songs? Are there any overarching themes or stories that tie the EP together?
J: It's not really a concept album or anything but I think the listener will get a good impression of the whole range of themes and harmonies we feel comfortable with. From dark mystical compositions like “Into the Night” to hopeful-sounding songs like “Man or Machine” to heartbreak songs like “Back to Life”, it's got all the moods that make us as a band.
- Berlin has a vibrant music scene. How has the city influenced your music and the way you approach your music?
J: Berlin is known for techno and electro. The rock and metal scene is rather small here. Therefore, the sound of the city has not really influenced us, but what influences us lyrically are the many different people who live here and their stories. The city is huge and full of people but you can still feel totally lonely and lost. There's a lot going on every day, you try to take it all in but you still feel like you're missing something. Joy and sorrow are very close to each other and this stirring ambivalence can be exhausting but also totally inspiring (if that makes any sense haha).
The musical influences come with us mainly from our personal music tastes, which are slightly different for each of us, which we try to unite in our music.
- The transition from a single to a full EP is a significant step for any band. What was the process like when selecting the songs for "Back To Life"? Were there any challenges in creating a cohesive body of work?
J: To be honest, no :) In fact, those were the first six songs we recorded together and accordingly, we put them all on the EP. Since then we have also written a lot of new songs, some of which go stylistically in a different direction. Although still rock but partly also a little harder than on the EP. Still, I'm really happy about the selection of songs on the EP because, as I said, it describes our sound well and shows that we are not afraid to try out everything we like in terms of harmonies and pop appeal.
- For aspiring musicians and bands, what advice would you give them based on your experiences in forming and launching Off Lights?
J: Try to find out from independent sources if you really have the talent to write good music. Otherwise don't waste the time and money and use it for something more meaningful, there are so many great things to do.
But if you are sure that the music you make has quality and some value (and now it's getting cliché) then for God's sake, keep at it! I've been making music for 20 years now and this year I released something for the first time. Simply because it didn't feel like right before. Now seeing all these people that stream the song from all over the world, hearing it on the radio (in Germany "Man Or Machine" actually became a rock radio hit, currently sitting at number 9 in the charts), and getting to play the music live for people who even pay for it, makes it all so worth it!!
- Lastly, what is the significance of the band's name, "Off Lights"? Is there a story behind it that you'd like to share?
J: With the name we wanted to reflect the dark and light side that we carry within us and that inspire us. Off fLights has no specific meaning but the off in the name stands against the Lights in an interesting way which I found exciting and fitting from the meaning. I also wanted the name to sound simple and be easy to pronounce. I was never a fan of long band names :)