Juli
With the song “Die perfekte Welle” (The Perfect Wave), Juli not only kick-started the summer of 2004, they also ushered in a new self-confidence in German-language pop music, reflected in the emergence of many bands such as Silbermond and Wir sind Helden. The quartet from Giessen have remained non-stop active over the last two decades, even continuing to hone their own songwriting during their hiatus from the public eye in 2008 - putting them well ahead of other bands of their calibre. Whether on "Ein neuer Tag" (2007), the well-received "Insel" (2014) or their latest release "Der Sommer ist vorbei" (2023): a Juli song has earworm potential without being bland, is both pop and rock with no compromises, works on the biggest festival stages as effectively as it does in a quiet study room. The fact they've played a key role in shaping two decades of music history in Germany is almost a sideline - but of course it's not. 2024 marks twenty years since their breakthrough and we couldn't be more hyped that they're celebrating this anniversary with us. Get your hankies ready.