Fox Reviews Rock

Introduction

Today we have an interview with German/Turkish indie band ENGIN. The trio capture my attention with their signature style. A style I cannot wait to see at this years Orange Blossom Special Festival (OBS). Check out all things ENGIN!

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Interview

You sing in German, how important do you think it is that bands stick to their native language rather than in English?

“Every language has its own unique characteristics. For example, different words rhyme in German than in English, and each language has its own rhythm. That’s why singing in multiple languages is an important part of a diverse musical landscape. Especially in your native language, you can often express yourself most elaborately. For us, it’s cool to sing in German, but thanks to our mix of German and Turkish, we’re not tied down – we can create something that comes about naturally.

Music is obviously universal so we want to know if you could tour any country in the world, where would you choose and why?

„Pls Come to Brasil“

We connected with “Gurbet” immediately, would you mind explaining the meaning behind the lyrics and what inspired the song?

“‘Gurbet’ was written by Özdemir Erdoğan back in the 1970s. In the song, the singer describes what it was like to come to Germany as a first-generation Turkish guest worker and not feel welcome. It’s about homesickness and loneliness – very relatable emotions when you consider how guest workers were treated during that time. Many people from Türkiye came to Germany back then and were initially strangers, often carrying a deep sense of longing for home. They were called ‘Gurbetçi’ – those living abroad. The song ‘Gurbet’ captures exactly this feeling of foreignness and homesickness.”

There is plenty of glorious bass in your songs. If you could create a marketing campaign for the bass guitar what would the headline be?

„Love is when the bass kicks in.“

We would love to know your reaction to being added to this year’s line up for Orange Blossom Special?!

Since it is a very reknown festival with a high quality line up through the years, we were really happy to be a part of it.
We expressed feelings of joy with a firm and long handshake, that’s what we usually do.

Speaking of the festival, being German have you previously been to the festival? And who are you most looking forward to checking out at the festival?

We never been to Orange Blossom but are really keen on seeing and maybe meeting acts like Botticelli Baby or Jesper Munk.

As you released an album in 2023 and then again in 2024, does that mean we get to enjoy another one in 2025? If so, what month can we get that in our ears?

Nice mathematics but unfortunately it doesn’t always work like that.
We finished the recording of our album earlier this year and are planning to release it in spring 2026.
But we are sure you still will be able to get something fresh in your ears in 2025. 

Speaking of 2025 you released a new single “Messer” this year. The artwork is striking! Can you explain the imagery used?

Thank you very much!
Since the Everly Brothers we all know that love hurts indeed and this is what the artwork wants to tell us.

What is your go to move in “Schere, Stein, Papier”?

Stein.

If the band was a drink, what drink would it be and why?

Mango Ayran Spritz. We never had it but it sounds weirdly good.

If you were to invite me over for food, what would we be eating?

We would get some turkish lentil soup with some Pide or lahmacun.

If you had to recommend any band from Türkiye who would it be?

Duman of course. Turkish Rock at its finest.

You describe your sound as Indie , I agree but I’d love to know what great Indie bands have been the biggest inspiration to your careers?

Engin: The Smiths
David: Andy Shauf
Jonas: John Mayer

All rights to the songs in this interview are retained by Engin. This site claims no rights over them. The photos were provided by Paul Heuer of Handshake Booking. With the photos being taken by Annika Yanura.