Artist Spotlight: Meet The Train Rockers
What was the creative process like for this particular "Black Sheep?"
We started as a band playing on the streets of Munich in 2015, later on in the subway trains and even in jails. We had so many inspiring encounters with all kinds of people there - especially with the forsaken, the downcast, the misfits. And we realized that we wanted to give these people not only entertainment but also a little hope, love and faith. So after years of playing as a band in such places the thoughts and feelings for this song were already there. But it needed an intense negative experience of mine in a relationship to get it out of my soul and system. And this was the painful process how our song “Black Sheep” was born.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Black Sheep?"
Yes, the challenge was to express the personal pain and rejection but at the same time not get too personal, so that people still can relate to it. And also not to dive into an abyss of hopelessness, because it should transport hope in the midst of denials and the feeling of isolation.
How do you feel "Black Sheep" represents your artistic identity?
I think “Black Sheep” represents our musical styles very well...Suleyman comes from Turkey and he contributes with his firey guitar play, Rich from England comes from a more classical direction and adds clarity and melodies to our sound. Chrissie our drummer completes our style with her minimalistic but filigree style. My part is a more street influnced energetic alt-rock style with somber lyrics and Sams Accordion adds a folk shading and rounds our sound off. The lyrics are exactly what we saw and experienced in the streets and jails but are also part of our own personal stories as well, which weren't always lucky as well...
What has been the most memorable experience or achievement in your music career so far?
I think the most memorable experience in our music career so far was while playing in jail at Christmas 2022 in a high security prison in Amberg/Bavaria to see and feel the ice melt between the inmates and us, and to feel a change in the hopeless atmosphere. To see the faces breathe in our lyrics of hope, love and faith. That was the greatest gift we had ever received: to bring a little hope to the hopeless...
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
One of our biggest inspirations was Johnny Cash and his Live Concerts Folsom Prison and St. Quentin. It inspired us to start to play in jails, following his example to bring there joy and entertainment, but also a personal message of love and faith without being preachy or hurting feelings. Another well of inspiration to us is the "broken hallelujas" of bands like U2 and Kings of Leon, who are connecting faith (and doubt) with problems of modern life and apply it to their personal crisis. And we love the Irish folk punk of The Pogues for the fun and energy of it.
