Prevail

2001 (Established)

2013

Since their first album released in 2005, Tokio Hotel has had its impact on not only Germany but the globe as well.

Everyone tends to bash on the German language; how it sounds rough and unpleasing to the ear. The four members to this band—Bill Kaulitz, the lead singer; Tom Kaulitz, the lead guitarist; Georg Listing, the bassist; and Gustav Shäfer, the percussionist—break the stereotype.

Their music is sung in both English and German, (props to Bill who translated all his original work), which gives a unique taste to the German culture from an American’s point of view. And although I know only a few words in the German language, the music is still wonderful.

Each song performed by Tokio Hotel gains this personable connection. Emotion is tangible in their studio production as well as the live shows.

Now I haven’t been to one of their concerts yet, but that is because I was introduced to their music as of 2011. They are currently working on the release of a new album; however, in these two years all four boys took a break from publicity. They disappeared.

As a fan this concerned me, but at no point did I give up on them. Their sound is unique enough to have me hooked in an obsession for six months strait. I swear everyone in my household was annoyed that the same music continued to circulate on my playlist, switching from German to English to back again. And through this time I connected with a handful of songs. Some in English and some in German.

My personal favorite, after researching some meaning, was questionable at first. It was obvious that the words held weight against Bill. Sadness laced these words, “Spring Nicht”.

I found the English version, “Don’t Jump”. But why would a person at the mere age of 17 write a song holding such meaning and experience?

“We got many letters from fans who have written us that they were ready to give up. They say our music has helped them through,” Bill said, during an interview with Bulgaria’s BRAVO Magazine about the process of making the music video for Spring Nicht and Don’t Jump. “That’s why I think it was important to make this song.”

That’s when everything fell into place; the meaning, the emotion, the connection.

“When you know someone who wants to kill themselves, you have to do everything in your power to make (their life) worth living again,” Bill said.

After finding the true meaning, the lyrics of all the other songs began to pour out. They were never hidden messages, but as an audience member you have to be aware of the layers that create the song.

The majority of Tokio Hotel’s music is positive, but not always touching a dark subject. Give them a shot because when I first started listening, it took a while for their music to grow on me. Honestly, following my gut, I stuck with them. It was a choice I will never come to regret.

Their lyrics have opened my eyes and mind to many new perspectives, how to except someone for who they truly are, and becoming aware of the world around me.

And a quick shout out to Bill and Tom as they are turning 24 today. Happy Birthday!

To read the full interview of the making of the music videos for Spring Nicht & Don’t Jump: http://www.tokiohotelamerica.com/2007/03/11/tokio-hotel-bill-jumps-to-his-death-interview/