The Berlin-based Indietronic duo Bromsen, founded in 2021 by Richard and Karlo Bromsen, are in love with catchy melodies, framed by synthwave and guitar elements. Bromsen's first two singles, "Merryman" and "The Photograph" have been well received by the independent press and many independent radio stations all over the world (incl. North America, the UK, France, and Brazil). Their third single, "We!" was released on March 10 and celebrates the unshakable power of friendship. They have known each other for 20 years now, and their friendship has helped them through many low points in life. A deep friendship will carry you through all these weeds, and often you emerge even stronger afterwards, feeling free like a bird again who wants to fly higher and higher as described in the song...
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Bromsen, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. This is the third time I'm interviewing you. How would you summarize the last several months?
Karlo & Richard: It’s been a lot going on, but we still have our heavy focus on recording the album, so also with regard to live activities etc, that would all come afterwards.
Who helped you most in your musical journey?
Karlo: We have some supporters - like yourself :) who have supported us from our first single onwards – that is really helping us a lot! When it comes to myself there has been also a great guy called Mike who loves Cinnamon and pizza – he teached me how to hit the higher notes.
Richard: My parents. They've always been strong supporters. My love for them and for music has always made me believe that I can achieve something. I am very grateful to both of them
Your latest release is 'We!'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Karlo: One of my all time favourites is Lithium from Nirvana, so it all started with the decision that I wanted to make my own kind of Lithium song with fragile verses emanating in a smashing chorus. Then there was one of these magic moments: I took the guitar and the verse came out immediately. With having that start it took me another week to get the structure finalized and I really was in love with that tune from day 1. The chorus was smashing and it had that typical Bromsen element that it is kind of aggressive/melancholic but on the same side also positive/driving. Richard added his magic guitar riffs to it and the song started to develop in a rock monster. Same as with “the photograph” there is also a pure rockversion of this song in our archives -we love it as well but the gold dust really came with the electronic (final) version and Richards brilliant arrangement.
Richard: Yes, I remember... I was about to see Karlo and Claudio again. We had arranged to meet in the rehearsal room. Actually, I thought we'd have a little party (I drank beer). Then there was this song (it used to be called "The Plant") and I thought: "Cool - full of Nirvana". Then after a year (I had set up my recording studio) I took on "the Plant" and made something very special out of it with Karlo. WE! was born...
What social issues are you most passionate about?
Karlo: Democracy and its struggle to survive – we need to fight for it.
Richard: I agree with Karlo's point of view...
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
Karlo: Richard hears all the latest stuff and I am basically a guy who lives in the past, hearing still all the 60s music (laughing)
Richard: Yes, that's right. But I try not to let it influence me too much. I spend most of my time recording, mixing and tinkering.
What do you feel is the best song that you have ever released and why?
Karlo & Richard: On our current album we would only like to have songs which we are absolutely enthusiastic about, so while there might be a ranking in relation to other songs which don’t make it on the album, we’ll like all our album tracks equally.
Why do you want to record and release your own music?
Karlo: For Richard and I this has been always clear throughout our lives that we need to do this, so it is like a destiny without wanting to sound too esoteric here :)
Richard: That's the way it is. I've been making music for over 30 years now. Music is now a part of us.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
Karlo: Fans – where are the fans :) ?
Richard: :)
What’s an average day like for you?
Karlo: Getting up. Working 9 am – 6 pm, Family & Bromsen office & recording activities :)
Richard: Almost every day in the studio (I have the best and most tolerant woman on earth - thank you)
What can I wish you regarding your career and private life?
Karlo & Richard: That we and our families stay all healthy & happy as we are. On the career > that our audience grows and grows and grows :)