Fox Reviews Rock

Introduction

Fresh off their 2024 debut album “Gods, Used, In Great Condition” German based Tommy And The Teleboys have been booked to play Orange Blossom Special Festival (OBS)! Today we delve into all the exciting things the band have been up to and having coming up!

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Interview

First of all, you state on Spotify that you “used to make music your parents like.” I’d like to know exactly what style of music that was and what made you change?

Simon: Back in 2019, when we started playing together, it was all pretty blues-rocky, kinda stoner-ish. Then Gregor joined in 2021 and things started getting faster, dirtier, and definitely less parent-approved. We used to be all about Hendrix and Pink Floyd, but yeah… those days are over.

Gregor: Tastes change, you know? And we realized we just feel way more comfortable on stage when it’s loud and messy. Now we’re somewhere between psych garage, post-punk, and noise rock.

2024 was a massive year for the band with your first album being released: Gods, Used, In Great Condition. I’m wondering though — which gods are we talking about, how much do they cost, and where can I get one?

That album kinda birthed the “Televerse” – a dystopian alternative to our world (which means things can still get worse). It’s full of pointless gods nobody really needs. You could probably pick one up on eBay… but honestly, you don’t want ’em.

The album kicks off with “Gib Mir” — super addictive track. Can you tell us what it’s about and what inspired it?

Thanks a lot! It’s about not being able to make up your mind, always wanting something new. Happens fast in a world like ours. But hey, maybe that’s not such a bad thing? It just shows how many paths and choices we’ve got.

Musically, it’s a mix. Slift was the initial inspiration (that was even the working title), then we added a bit of Ty Segall’s California garage vibe in the chorus. For the lyrics, we went full Bilderbuch-Denglisch. The trick is: steal from everywhere until it sounds fresh!

What was it like getting booked for this year’s Orange Blossom Special Festival?

Simon: I went to OBS when I was like 15 — it was my first-ever festival and had a big impact on me. When Rembert confirmed us, we were literally in the studio recording the next album, and nobody expected any more bands to be added. We were totally blown away. Teenage me would’ve never believed it.

One bass take got totally ruined because I was so hyped — but yeah, worth it.

Gregor: I can confirm that! I was with Simon in the studio when the joyful news fluttered into the email inbox. Simon couldn’t stop grinning, and it really sweetened our day. We’re incredibly excited for the festival!

You say you play loud and sweat “psychedelic death boogie.” How the hell is someone supposed to dance to that? I don’t want to look like a fool at the festival!

Simon: No stress — no one can look dumber than we do. Just move however you feel. As long as you’re sweating, you’re doing it right.

Gregor: If in doubt, you can always get some inspiration from the “Denny’s Grand Slam” on YouTube.

Let’s talk about your 2022 EP Roger T. — if you were a “Totally Regular Supervillain,” what powers would you have?

We’d probably keep it simple… maybe become absolute masters of prank calling.

The OBS website says there are 11 food vendors. But what kind of food stand are we most likely to find you at? And how important is good food for you at festivals?

Simon: Last time I was at OBS they had this legendary calzone stand. If it’s gone, I’m not sure we’ll survive the set.

We usually don’t eat much before gigs, and afterwards the good stuff’s often already wiped out. So honestly, we’re not picky – just go with the flow.

You put out a live album in 2023 — what made you do that, and what’s the story behind Sawdust Studio?

Simon: Honestly? Not much of a story. We needed a space for a live session, found Christoph’s studio in Halle — super nice guy, everything went smoothly. 100% would recommend!

If you could only drink one thing (besides water, of course), what would it be and why?

Simon: Easy: Sumol. It’s basically 98% sugar, 1% pineapple, and 1% mystery liquid.

Gregor: Or that pre-mixed Captain Morgan Mojito in a can… the green one! But only the 2023 version, the OG recipe.

How do you usually react when fans come up to you? And what’s the weirdest request a fan has made?

Simon: Most of the time it’s after a gig — we’re sweaty, smelly, half-dead. But honestly, that’s one of the best parts of playing live. Recently someone even recognized us on a train… we were probably more nervous than he was. Shoutout to Louis… we love you!

Gregor: We haven’t really received any truly weird requests so far. But we’re open to anything and not too proud for anything either. So please bring us your weird requests — we’ll welcome you with open arms!

What is it about the “Jesus Crowd” that freaks you out so much?

Simon: Religion and fanaticism have never really been great for the world, have they? Let’s just say — there’s definitely room for improvement.

Any news on album number two? When can we expect it?

Simon: It’s already recorded! I (Simon) am mixing it myself though, and I take forever with that stuff. So yeah, still gonna be a while. No official release date yet, but two of eleven songs are already mixed.

We’ll be playing some new stuff at OBS though — and “Atmen” has already been part of our live sessions for a while now.

Are the song titles a group effort, or does one person come up with them?

Usually, songs start at someone’s home studio and then we shape them together in the rehearsal room. So one person kicks it off, then the rest join in.

Also, Tommy’s been “working” on a song for years now (supposedly). Maybe we’ll see it on album 3?

You walk into a bar and your musical heroes are there. What do you do — and who are your idols?

Simon: We’d probably just freeze, stare at them in silence, and cringe about it for days.

Once, Oliver Ackermann (our fave effect pedal wizard from Death by Audio and the dude behind A Place to Bury Strangers) was standing right behind us. The only thing I could do was suddenly turn around, name one of his pedals… smiling weird and then instantly turn back around in shame. Pure cringe.

There’s no shortage of idols though — Joe Talbot (IDLES), Sebastian Murphy (Viagra Boys)… and the Cari Cari duo also had a big influence on a few of our songs. Sharing a stage with them? Total dream.

All rights to the songs in this interview are retained by Tommy And The Teleboys. This site claims no rights over them. The photos for this interview were provided by Tommy And The Teleboys and taken by Anne Waltenburg & Felix Einecke.