Cold in Berlin

Cold In Berlin

How did the band start?

We met in York when we were students and then moved to London when we decided to make music for more than just a creative outlet. We have been gigging in London for two years and that is how we judge the age of the band, which is made up of four friends: Maya, Adam, Jim and Bri.

Tell me about the previous band name – Death Cigarettes – how has the transition been between two names?

The transition was tough to be honest. We had thought of ourselves as Death Cigs for a long time, but we all knew that we would have to change. There were some concerns over people associating us with Death Cigarettes – the brand of cigarettes launched in the late 90s – and possible future legal implications. At the time of forming the band we were inspired by the Enlightened Tobacco Company’s ‘honest advertising’ and with the companies demise mainly because of this, and we sought to continue or rather commemorate their ethos.

A name change has not impacted on how we write songs or make music, it is still the same four friends making our noise. We were going through some natural changes- change of management team and being picked up by 2076 (our new label) so it felt right to make a change. Also we were quite young when we started writing. Our music had grown up, as we had, so it felt right.

We thought about it and all submitted names, we took a vote, had a few tricky conversations, took another vote and here we are: Cold In Berlin. It’s a really topical name at the moment what with anniversary of the fall of the Wall, but was actually inspired by the realities of a trip there one freezing October.

Who are your influences?

My: My main influence is Patti Smith, I can’t think of another performer who has had the same empowering impact on me as a woman.

Adam: I like artists who have suffered and often died for their art the 27 club, Sarah Kane, Daniil Kharms, Francesca Woodman.

How do you put a song together? Does one person take on the responsibility or is it a joint effort?

We have always written collaboratively. Our songs are organic more often than not. Sometimes I have lyrics and a tune in mind, or someone will have written a part that they like and would like to use, and we sketch the rest around it. It always feels good, but if a usable song doesn’t result from this process then the song doesn’t get finished or played live.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s ever said about the band?

Our few bad reviews are just the result of lazy, narrow minded journalism. Who does the band look like? Female front person being an obvious one. Then proceed to discredit us by referring to other female fronted bands. What does the band sound like? Well, they’ve never heard anything like us before, so they often have to pigeon-hole us in a category that is apparently essential for people’s understanding of music…

What’s the best thing anyone’s ever said?

Artrocker gave our first single ‘Single of the Week’ and said our second single was ecstatically demented – in the best possible way of course. Courtney Love said she had a girl crush on Maya.

How do you find the scene in London?

The London scene is great. Everyone in the world is aware that London that pushes the boundaries of new art, music and fashion. New York had its time, but the London scene is built on edginess and (cool) fear, and that results in a scene that is watching itself top acutely. People are too preoccupied with what they look like and what others are doing to be really free. I am waiting for the day when I go to a gig and witness an outpouring of unbridled free expression, a scene revelling in each other’s beauty and community, a Charles Peterson snapshot of youthful joy.

What do you like about Hackney?

I like all the different independent shops and businesses, as the guitarist in the band (Adam). I like the guitar shop on Dalston Lane (Sound and Music). Only a few shops survive on Dalston Lane, neighboured on all sides by burnt out shops and homes. A real shame, and a loss for Hackney’s true identity, but on the positive side a testament to people’s resilience and true community spirit.