Melodic Machinations -Lyrically Speaking : Tantrum Zentrum

Sunday 13 August 2023

Tantrum Zentrum

Post-Punk band Tantrum Zentrum came up with their band name in a unique way when two of the band members Sabine de Rousseau and Vaat Dafuq where in another band. “Sabine and I were in another band and played at a small festival in Europe, where the headliners were intolerable divas, throwing tantrums at every opportunity (our then guitarist had had enough of them and detuned their 12-string guitar just before they went on stage). The word “zentrum” (“centre” in German) was also part of their name. So, in honour of that band, we named ours Tantrum Zentrum. It means that if you want to throw a tantrum about something, come join us and we’ll do it together – just watch out for your guitars.”

The bands current lineup is Sabine on guitars, synth and vocals, Vaat on vocals and drums, Kur Putchnik on drums and sampler and Val Schimmer on bass and vocals. Vaat explains that the members of Tantrum Zentrum have “all been in bands for years; it’s become a way of life for us. I think that we all, very early in our lives, recognised the emotional and intellectual impact that other people’s music has on us, but also felt the need to express our own experiences, thoughts, ideas and feelings through the same medium. The way that music influences people is usually very strong and immediate, and we all felt that it was the right artistic form for us.”

With all members of the band having grown up with the Post-Punk genre and with musical influences such as Sonic Youth, Killing Joke and Talking Heads, Vaat describes the bands particular style as “Post-Punk is a very broad genre and it’s one of the few pop/rock genres that is very open to experimentation. Anything goes, really, and influences from other musical genres are very welcome. We all listen to a wide range of music, from classical, to pop to thrash metal, and we feel that this “post punk” genre allows us to incorporate all these styles into one coherent sound.”

When it comes to the band’s approach to songwriting Vaat says “I usually start with a programmed beat and a general idea of what the song will sound like. Then I either start with a bass line or a guitar theme. After that, the song slowly develops, with the input from other members”. Tantrum Zentrum want their music to “project an image of fun and positivity, ultimately. But the songs usually start from a place of anger, anxiety or discomfort. I’m hoping that, through music, we transform that seemingly negative energy into something positive and relatable”.

With a look that comes from Gothic/Post-Punk fashion Tantrum Zentrum say that “we try to expand on that with elements of psychedelia and gender non-conformism. We like to encourage men of all ages to wear interesting clothing and make up in any situation, not just on stage. Maybe this will one day stop society making assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation based on their appearance?” Band members Sabine and Val lead the way in the bands visual aesthetics.

The band finds inspiration by listening to music and Vaat explains “We have many musical friends who are doing some really interesting stuff – to me, collaborating or just listening to their work inspires me to continue.”He also says, “sometimes it’s as simple as swapping instruments and seeing what happens (not always good).”

Tantrum Zentrum describe themselves as very much a live band that focus on performing rather than just recording. “To us, music is a communal art form. We enjoy sharing our musical ideas and the emotions that come through music. There’s no better feeling than playing in a sweaty dark club while everyone in the audience is dancing and letting their hair down” says Vaat. Playing live is also a way that the band enjoy engaging with their fans. They also acknowledge that “the in-person contact is the best way for us to build that connection. For us, music is a conversation – a way of communicating and sharing ideas and feelings. We do try to remember this even when I’m telling silly stories in between songs.”

Planning to move away from the Mechanical Motorik beat Tantrum Zentrum want to start exploring more complex rhythms while keeping their music danceable and fun. They also hope to create “more dark disco songs because we love seeing people’s aching middle-aged bodies move”. Tantrum Zentrum have another single and video coming out in autumn and will be really focusing on live performances.

For new listeners to the band Tantrum Zentrum says their music “may be weird, it may take you to unusual places, but that’s where the fun is.”