Introducing #249 - Roller Derby
Let us introduce you to Hamburg based indie trio Roller Derby who have just released their new single ‘Only You’.
A shimmering, nostalgic track that draws on a rich history of dream pop and synth wave. Conjuring pictures of bubblegum and late-summer days, Roller Derby is the name of both a feminist roller skating sport and inspired the name for the indie-pop trio from Hamburg founded in 2020, whose music bridges the gap between nostalgic, wavey 80s sounds and modern indie pop. Roller Derby was formed in early 2020 by Philine Meyer (vocals, keys), Manuel Romero Soria (guitar) and Max Nielsen (bass)
They took a moment to talk to us about their music.
Hey there Roller Derby - how are you? So your track ‘Only You’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Hey! "Only You" is a nostalgic pop song about strong affection and great feelings. So deep, in fact, that it tips over into the surreal. We have also tried to capture this in the music video.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
We are from Hamburg, Germany’s biggest city in the North. Hamburg has a great live music scene, so we go see a lot of concerts. We also like to go for walks in parks or along the waterfront.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
We have various musical inspiration. Sometimes the 60s or the 80s like The Cure. But we also listen to a lot of current indie bands from UK or the US, which probably also influence us musically.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
A listener recently said: "Your sound shifts between yearning, melancholy and joy." We think that sums it up very well.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
This year we will release two more singles with our label Practise Music. In November and December, we are going to play a little tour through Germany. We are currently looking for an international agent, so hopefully we’ll get the chance to play abroad again soon.
