Interview with Filipps Firma

Filipps Firma: A wonderful small family business from Germany - by Mel in Toronto

"In the course of time, it became apparent that the tasks of a band are very similar to when you run your own business: producing songs and albums, management, booking, sales, marketing, etc.," Pete, one of the lead singers of Filipps Firma, says. Today's indieSolo band is an acoustic emo pop band from Germany. In German 'Firma' means business or firm and that's exactly what they are: Three ambitious entrepreneurs, running their own business.

Filipps Firma was formed in 2002, and hails from Buende in Northern Germany. Composed of brothers Philipp (lead vocals, guitar, acoustic basspedal) and Pete Quest (lead vocals, guitar, acoustic basspedal), and Nils Krenz (keys). Nils has been taking piano lessons since he was in 5th grade, while Pete taught himself to play the guitar at the age of 12 and Philipp started when he was only eight years old. For the past year, Philipp and Pete have been taking vocal training.

The sound of Filipps Firma is defined by "emotional, catchy melodies, accompanied by acoustic guitars and two voices," Philipp says. Their catchy and inviting sound as well as compelling live performances have caused a furore in Germany. In December 2005, the band went on their first German tour and six months later they went on their second, supported by the VW Soundfoundation. This tour was very successful and Filipps Firma came in first at the Ilmenauer Newcomerfestival. In addition, the band caught the attention of small radio and TV stations in Germany.

Filipps Firma released their first full length eleven-song album Global Player in 2005. "Despite of having a German sounding name, we sing in English, so we were looking for an album title which can be understood internationally. Global Player also fits well into our company's image," Pete says. Since Filipps Firma's influences are English speaking bands, it was just a natural choice for this trio to follow suit. "English is the true language of pop [music]," Philipp says.

Their lyrics are about life, love, friendship and other topics the band members are dealing with every day. "Sometimes we write the lyrics because they go very well with a melody. Then, everybody can interpret the song any way they like. I like it, when a song's message is open for interpretation," Pete says.

The words are pretty clear for the song PROFESSION on their current album. This song not only stands out because of its lyrics, but also because of the music, which contains reggae elements. The song itself takes a critical look at the labour market situation in Germany. Band member's friends had experiences where they went through several vocational re-trainings or did internships and in the end still weren't able to get a full time job. "Everyone who spent time in an employment centre knows the feeling of being small and useless," Pete says.

Philipp explains that "I wrote SUNSHINE ON MY MIND shortly after I finished my high school diploma. In leaving school, a phase of my life came to an end and I wanted to capture this feeling in a song." EMO is one of the oldest Filipps Firma songs. "I wrote it when I was 14 years old. It's about the hope of being successful with your music and the daily battle and obstacles," Philipp says. Pete wrote I WAS SCARED during the recordings of their album Global Player. He fell in love with a "real man-eater and it was my own fault to get involved with her," Pete says.

Like every entrepreneur, Filipps Firma works very hard to get their music heard and be successful as an independent band. Check out their album Global Player. Eleven great tracks that will make your day and surely put a smile on your face!

"In your own words" – ONE on ONE with Mel and Filipps Firma

Mel: What does it mean to you to be on indieSolo?

Pete: It's a great honour and we are very happy to be part of it. It is also a confirmation for us that our music can't be that bad (laughs).

Mel: Who are your influences?

Philipp: Bands like Jimmy Eat World, New Amsterdams or Jeff Caudill's (Gameface) acoustic project March are among our main influences. Especially March inspired us years ago to switch from electric to acoustic guitars. At that time, we didn't know Dashboard Confessional, who we are influenced by now. We love part singing as practiced by bands like Bad Religion, Yellowcard and Millencolin. Within the last year we've discovered how many singer/songwriter and acoustic bands are out there and have been for so long: Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, Kings of Convenience, John Butler, etc. There are so many fantastic musicians!

Mel: What would you like to achieve with your music?

Nils: Soon we'll be recording our new album. We have a lot of great new material, which needs to see the light of day. Then we hope to be able to travel with our music and reach as many people as possible. Maybe we can draw the attention of record labels to our music. This would be nice!

Mel: Which artist would you like to record with and why?

Pete: Of course there are many artists we would like to work with. First and foremost we would like to work with an experienced producer or studio technician who has an acoustic vision for Filipps Firma. Someone, who takes us by the hand and says: 'Guys, I know exactly how to capture your sound and make it unique. I believe 100% in the potential for success of your music.'

Mel: What has changed since you created your MySpace profile?

Pete: Through MySpace we have the opportunity to not only meet people at concerts but meet them world wide. That way we were discovered by your fantastic music platform indieSolo!

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