Tobias Poetzelsberger and Band supported by Amelie Tobien

Twelve years is a pretty long time, but then again, not when you consider that children are born, adults leave, pandemics and wars break out, careers are pursued - and song-making can be complicated. In any case, it took twelve years for Tobias Poetzelsberger to release a new album. Long on the calendar, but feels short. Hello, life! It is this life that is now also discussed on “Prudence”, the new work by the native Upper Austrian. It is a collection of songs that were created over these twelve years. And they mark a change: on the one hand, away from the previous band name “The More Or The Less”, and on the other hand, towards a broader musical color palette. Of course, we're still basically talking about folk pop here, which can be reminiscent of Glen Hansard as well as Fleetwood Mac, Death Cab for Cutie or Gregory Alan Isakov. But compared to the previous albums “We, the people” (2009) and “Keep Calm” (2012) we hear more drums, more drive, more shades in the arrangement, a lot of things sound more open and bigger. The campfire guitarist of old has grown up. More is more, at least sometimes. Because, this can be said: Some of the strongest songs that we know from Poetzelsberger are collected here: The single “Carry you”, which bangs and drives and at the same time is a loving examination of being a father. Or “Play it cool”, this pearl with the fine bossa nova feeling, which in its lightness discusses a serious topic, namely how to deal with your own failure. Thematically based on this, equipped with a global refrain: “Old mans heart”. Then “Fool on the hill”, the song that is an argument with self-proclaimed experts and develops from a delicate duet into a piece full of drive and feeling. And yes, it will not be completely unintentional that the Beatles fan Tobias Poetzelsberger both Song and album titles are based on the Fab Four. That's where it all comes from in the end. But “Prudence” also means more. Poetzelsberger wants it translated as “prudence” because: “That’s what the world is essentially missing. To look at each other, to be more open or forgiving with others. And in addition, a careful process with your own soul and constitution. Because as you get older, you carry more with you.” Possibly an attitude that comes to some extent from Poetzelsberger’s day job as a television producer, because delivering bad news isn’t always nice either. But let's hear GoodNews: This album is excellently produced, mastermind Niklas Apfel (also known from OEHL) has once again done a great job. These nine songs sound warm, clear and differentiated. Or, as Tobias Poetzelsberger once stated as the band’s motto: “It’s music to make your heart shine”. (press release)

Amelie Tobien

Indie folk newcomer Amelie Tobien released her sophomore album Monument on April 14, 2023. From the tumult and glimmers of hope of the past few months, the ten titles rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Monument is a complete work that bears the title “album” with dignity. Curated with sensitivity, it offers its listeners a rollercoaster ride between melancholy and lightness. In “Fall into my Arms” you find comfort, in “Intoxicated” you dance electrified, in “Friday” you put your feet on the table with your morning coffee, even while you work. The folk musician Ian Fisher (US), praised by Rolling Stones magazine as “Half Americana & Half Abbey Road-Worthy Pop”, gave Amelie Tobien his voice and instrumental skills for two of the album tracks. The two met for writing sessions, during which, among other things, the title track of the album “Monument” was created: a melancholic essay on the deconstruction of outdated political monuments. Together with the Amadeus Award-winning producer Mario Fartacek, a sound was created that embeds Tobien's narrative, folk-inspired songwriting in indie synths and lures people out of their reserve with fuzz guitars. The second album track “Green Room” was born at the artist in residence festival 10 Volt. In a magical week in which musicians from different genres met to make music together, Moritz Kristmann (Another Vision) and Amelie Tobien came together and wrote “Green Room”, an indie anthem characterized by escapism. Amelie Tobien is blessed with a powerful voice: she is the supporting element that holds the diverse songs together. Sharon van Etten feels “some deep Sinéad [O' Connor] vibes”, others emphasize the similarity to greats like Laura Marling or Cat Power. One thing everyone can agree on anyway: Amelie Tobien is an artist who comes from indie folk Landscape is now indispensable. (press release)

Program and cast

20.30h Amelie Tobien
21h Tobias Poetzelsberger & Band