LOVE FORTY DOWN - Rise, Rebel, Rule ! (Germany - Punk-Rock - Interview with Dani).
- Hello ! Can you introduce yourself and tell us how it all began for you - your encounter with this musical universe, what appealed to you, what fascinated you and what made you want to get into music?
Hi I'm Dani. I play guitar for Love Forty Down. I also do management, booking and public relations for the band. Music was special to me as long as I can remember, but I got into punk rock through my older brother when I was around 11 or 12 years old. I loved that it was rough, loud, fast and wild but it still had some really catchy melodies. I still remember the feeling of excitement when I saw a rock band play live for the first time. The feeling never left and I knew I want to do that too.
- Tell me about the band... How you met - the current line-up - past experiences - and above all - WHY the need to form THIS band?
Well we actually got together the first time to rehearse a couple of cover songs for a punk rock Christmas party. While doing that, we noticed that we work well together and decided to try to write our own songs. So we became a band for the last seven years until our former drummer left at the end of last year and our current drummer joined. Currently we're Steffen (vocals/guitar), LöD (bass/vocals), Dani (guitar), Sammy (Drums). 
- Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost ?
It's always difficult to describe your own music, but we got compared to Hot Water Music a few times. Probably because our singer has a bit of a rough voice. So I guess if you like hooks and melodies and still a bit of roughness, we are worth a listen, but otherwise don't bother. There a so many amazing bands for every taste out there. Please go and explore and support them.
- Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences ? How important are the lyrics for you ? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics ?
For me personally, the lyrics are very important. I always enjoyed reading lyrics while listening to the music. I love when they have deeper meaning or are clever or poetic. I think the same goes for the rest of the band too, but maybe just not to the same degree. There are a lot of great bands and great writers out there, but one that really stands out for me is Jason Lubrano of Iron Chic.
If I write socio-critical or political lyrics, I always try to research the topic fairly thoroughly beforehand. I also love to include real stories. Listen to our song "FLARES" to get an idea of what I mean. (It's just below ! - Ed.)
- About your latest release ?
"Don't Be A Stranger" was released in 2022. We recorded everything ourselves and had it mixed by Benedikt Hain at Outback Recording Studios. It was mastered by Mike Kalajian at Rogue Planet Mastering. It's a six song EP, but it's almost as long as a full length. It's available as CD, vinyl or digital download and of course on all streaming services. If you want to order a physical copy, you can do so via our website or bandcamp. Right now, we are working on our next release. However I do not dare to make an assumption about its release date.
- Your most insane dream with the band would be ?
Being in a band is already pretty amazing. You can grow and play bigger shows or support artists you admire, but the feeling of being in a band stays pretty much the same. So yeah, I guess we're living the dream.
- Your BEST & WORST concert - as a band - and why ?
Oh man, there were so many great ones. Last year, we played a festival called "Der Krater bebt". We played the side stage in a tent and the whole fucking tent went nuts. It's always fun for us, when we see that the audience is having a great time.
Worst was probably at the Teestube in Singen. They were not prepared for the show at all. No PA, no microphones, no clue whatsoever. Well, somehow we made it work despite that.
- Next live-appearance(s) ?
We are very occupied with personal things right now, so we only play one show this year and it's right around the corner: Seepogo Festival on 26. July 2025 (In 10 days, don't miss it ! - Ed.)
- Some words on your local scene - bands you're friends with and you'd like to name ?
Ulm has a nice scene. Small enough to know everyone, but big enough to play different venues and line ups. Definitely check out our friends "All Bricks". They are an amazing band. Also worth checking out is Modern Illusion Records and The Broken Fest.
- Last word is yours..
Support small bands, small clubs/festivals/bars, small local businesses and small enterprises in general. They need it more than the big ones. Go to shows!
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