It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK/Europe spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2021 ; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So here are Germany’s explosive rock outfit Blackout Problems who are rapidly making a name for themselves internationally as ones to watch. Energetic and raw, electronic-laced, it’s guitar-driven anthems, armed to the teeth with gigantic riffs and even bigger choruses. signed to Sony Music worldwide and partnering with legendary label Music For Nations in the UK, they stand poised for international success. Their new music captures the weltschmerz of a generation and gives a voice to those who are willing to stand up for love, respect and social justice.
The four-piece have toured extensively across the globe, playing at festivals including The Great Escape, Rock am Ring and Rock Im Ring and they have completed a forty-date European tour as support act to Royal Republic, followed by their first headline international tour with performances in England, France, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Switzerland.
FOR FANS OFF BRING ME THE HORIZON, ENTER SHIKARI , TWENTY ONE PILOTS
So we decided it was time to have a little chat with Emmerich from the band, to see where they came from, what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
What is the story behind your name?
My full name is Moritz Emmerich Hammrich. I got named after my grandpa. So I decided to choose Emmerich as my artist name. The story behind the name Blackout Problems stays a mystery.
What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
When my older brother went to a new school in 2001, he came home with Blink’s ‘Take Of Your Pants And Jacket’, that record was a game changer for me. After that, I got into Rancid, Green Day, Milencolin and many more punk rock bands. In 2003 I got my first electric guitar, which was one of the greatest days of my life.
How did you all meet?
Marcus and Mario went to school together, I first met them at a band contest back in 2008 in Salzburg (Austria) where I played with my other band First Class Ticket. Blackout Problems won the contest, FCT ended up in last place. Michael joined the band in 2012 after meeting at a Punk Rock Show, Blackout Problems needed a drummer, he was the perfect fit.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A kind of rock music.
What is your creative process like?
Well, what we have learned over the years, we can’t force anything while writing. Sometimes there is this one line or this one melody, which changes everything in the creative process. And sometimes we are stuck with this one song for weeks. Leave it in the drawer for sometime and go back on it after a couple of days. If you don’t feel it then, keep the drawer closed and go back on a new idea.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Machine Gun Kelly
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Keep an eye on each other, try to help if you can. Respect & Love for everybody.
What is the most useless talent you have?
A talent can’t be useless 🙂
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I do. But not really songs. More like voice warm ups
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Hmm.. I would love to own a pizza place 🙂
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
2016 to 2021 we played 300-400 shows all over Europe, there are great venues I really fell in love with. for example the Rock City in Nottingham, Technikum in Munich and many many more. I wouldn’t tell any bad things about venues we played. In December we’re going to play our postponed DARK TOUR in 4 cities in Germany. HAMBURG, COLOGNE, BERLIN, MUNICH. This will be the biggest
What is your favourite song to perform?
DARLING
Which famous musicians do you admire?
My answer will never change. Tom DeLonge.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I really try to keep myself out of any trouble haha!!
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Believe in yourself, fuck everyone else.
What’s next for you?
Playing our postponed DARK TOUR in December! Writing new music! Hoping for a European Tour in 2022!
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
