A REAL DUMB BIRD interview (2/2)

The band name A Real Dumb Bird, meaning “a rarely stupid bird”, is simply meant as a joke. Mastermind Sven Meier runs his own label called SMAP! Music. We continue our two-part interview with him about the new EP “Shut Your Mouth”. You missed the first part? No problem, you can read it here .

Not compatible

A Real Dumb Bird set themselves no musical boundaries. “Whatever you like is allowed. That’s what makes it so varied. That’s why we’re not pigeonholed. My musical influences come from the bands I grew up with: Iron Maiden, Slayer, Metallica. Then there were Soulfly, Helmet, Napalm Death and Voodoocult, but also Tool and Slomosa.” The EP title “Shut Your Mouth” is a direct challenge, which Meier, who lives in Rendsburg (Schleswig-Holstein), would like to be understood as follows: “I’ve experienced a lot in my life and I certainly haven’t always done everything right. But what I don’t like at all is when I have to change myself for others so that I fit into their world view. No, I am who I am and I have my own opinion! I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror in the morning and not be pushed into a corner.”

Personal

Lyrically, you will also look in vain for the usual metal clichés in A Real Dumb Bird. “All the lyrics are based on personal themes, for example that I don’t want my feelings and thoughts to be manipulated. But there is also a story about how I would behave during an apocalypse. In the song “Memory” I deal with the death of my mother.” A Real Dumb Bird do not allow themselves to be pigeonholed in any way and stubbornly go their own way. Unfortunately, this is far too rare in any genre today.

Marc Halupczok

Line-up:
Sven Meier – guitar, bass
Helge Hentro – vocals
Jan Steffen – guitar
Ralf Hauber – background vocals Hauke Schulz – drums
Eric Harkonnen – drums

You can also find out more in our May/June issue:

Listen to A Real Dumb Bird in our “Current Issue” on Spotify: