German musicians that you should remember
German musicians: Philipp Poisel
© Lina ScheyniusWho he is: A singer and songwriter from Stuttgart and musical foster son of Herbert Grönemeyer. He is under contract with his label "Greenland Records".
As he sounds: Sometimes rousing, sometimes wistful, and sometimes oddly dangling, Philipp Poisel sings about life - in German. This is usually only guitar and drums, the music should not be too distracted from his words.
Why we should listen: Because this young man is not a cool dog, but shares his doubts, his fears, his joy with us. In one of his songs he sings: "I am terribly afraid of death" - quite courageous for a 27-year-old. It is easy to forgive him for risking so much openness to slip into kitschy clothes. Because most of the time, his sentimentalism goes well - and then Poisel's songs hit the heart.
listen: Philipp Poisel's current album is called "To Toulouse". Videos of him can be found on his website.
German musicians: Anna Depenbusch
Who she is: A 33-year-old from Hamburg, who was considered a secret for years. She studied music and theater, sang in Kiez clubs and in the background of pop bands, wrote her songs alone at a castle near Kiel and now hopes for the big breakthrough.
As she sounds: Always different. She can not and does not want to commit herself, so change chansons, snappy pop songs, ironic hits, soul and love songs - in the fabulous world of Anna Depenbusch is just enough for everything.
Why we should listen: Because you can tell from their songs how much fun and love they have. When the singer stands on stage, she glows with happiness. She sings, she says, about the unpredictability of life. That they are not that bad, we immediately believe Anna Depenbusch.
listen: Her current album is called "The Mathematics of Anna Depenbusch". There are some videos on their website - be sure to watch the live recording of "Commando Downfall" on "Ina's Night", which is beautiful.
German musicians: Cristin Claas
Who she is: A singer who is actually called Kristin Wieduwilt and lives in Leipzig. There and in Weimar she studied jazz singing. She forms the Cristin Claas Trio with Christoph Reuter and Stephan Bormann.
As she sounds: Versatile. She calls what she does "song poetry". Their home is jazz, but Cristin Claas likes to make trips to other genres, sets Goethe's "Heidenröslein" to music or approaches classical music with large orchestras in their very own way.
Why we should listen: Because her trio is one of the most experimental German jazz scene. And because she not only sings in German and English, but also in a loud-sounding, rousing fantasy language.
listen: Her current album is called "In Times Like This". Songs and videos are available on their website.
German musicians: Maximilian Hornung
© Felix BroedeWho he is: The David Garrett of the cello? Anyway, Maximilian Hornung is as young and charismatic as the celebrated violinist. Since 2009, the 24-year-old Augsburger plays in the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks.
As he sounds: He was "a singer on the cello", his virtuosity belonged to "the absolute top class", rejoice the critics. Hornungs game is refreshing, but not cocky.
Why we should listen: Because his charming interpretations from Scriabin and Bach to the soundtrack of Charlie Chaplin also appeal to classical newbies. In addition, it is high time that in addition to classic posterboy David Garrett other young talents are heard.
listen: His debut album is called "Jump". You can listen to it here.
German musicians: Gisbert zu Knyphausen
Who he is: A singer-songwriter from the Rheingau, who first became a native of Hamburg and now lives in Berlin. His parents have a winery, there is a "Gisbert zu Knyphausen" red wine including CD.
As he sounds: Take a look at the photo on the right. A bit uneaten, unkempt, somehow searching and sad, that's how Gisbert looks to Knyphausen and that's how his music sounds most of the time. When he sings, it sounds like he's telling a story - until suddenly the drums are drumming off.
Why we should listen: Because this guy in his early 30s is at least as good as "Element of Crime". Some say, even better. He is a doubter, thinker and melancholic and yet manages to provide his songs with a pretty brash optimism.
listen: "Hurray! Hurray! Not so" is Gisbert's name for Knyphausen's current, highly acclaimed album. More music and videos can be found here.
German musicians: Alin Coen
Who she is: A Hamburg woman who studied environmental technology in Weimar and founded the Alin Coen Band there in 2007. The daughter of a German doctor and a Mexican artist grew up bilingually and traveled halfway around the world.
As she sounds: Intensive. With a throaty voice Alin Coen sings her poetic songs (mostly in German, sometimes in English). Her band plays nice warm folk pop.
Why we should listen: Because a band that has performed with musicians like Jacob Dylan, Starsailor and Regina Spector has a great future ahead of them. And because Alin Coen can wonderfully put contradictory feelings into words.
listen: In the summer of 2010 came the debut album "Who are you?" out. Some songs can be found here.
German musicians: Mojca Erdmann
Who she is: A soprano from Hamburg, who enchanted the classical world. During her studies at the Cologne Conservatory, she became a permanent member of the Komische Oper Berlin. She now sings at festivals and in opera houses around the world.
As she sounds: Her voice was "as if worn out with velvet," wrote a critic of "time." Sometimes life is really unfair. There's a woman blessed with blue-gray googly eyes, blond hair, and an elf figure. And then she also has that wonderful voice and an absolute ear.
Why we should listen: Because she is considered the soprano of the future, mastering the highly complex New Music as effortlessly as Mozart, Strauss or Wagner.
listen: On April 15, her first solo album "Mostly Mozart" will be released by Deutsche Grammophon.
German musicians: Emma 6
© Ben WolfWho they are: A student band from Cologne, consisting of the brothers Peter and Henrik Trevisan and their best friend Dominik Walther. A fan and co-discoverer is Mark Tavassol, bassist of the band We Are Heroes. With the heroes Emma 6 go on tour.
How they sound: Catchy, rocking, a bit like a gunfighter. Her song "Paradiso" is a terrific catchy tune. "It has never been so, it has never been so beautiful" - if we do not hear this line on the radio more often in the summer, we would be very surprised.
Why we should listen: So that the loud singing along is not only left to the daughters and sons.
listen: Soon her debut album "Soundtrack for this year" will be released. A first impression is here.
