Von Wegen Lisbeth: "Won't reach any AfD voters anymore" - Berlin’s Von Wegen Lisbeth splits over politics in music and public expectations
Berlin indie-pop band Von Wegen Lisbeth is facing internal disagreements over the role of political messages in music. Frontman Matthias Rohde has spoken out about the growing pressure on artists to take immediate stances on every issue. Meanwhile, bassist Julian Hölting questions whether such statements even reach their intended audience.
Rohde admitted he is frustrated with the expectation that musicians must always have clear, instant opinions. He argued that the real challenge lies in admitting when you don’t have all the answers—a rarity in today’s fast-moving debates. Despite this, he still believes loud voices from non-right-wing perspectives are urgently needed.
Hölting, however, remains sceptical about the impact of political statements in music. He pointed out that the band’s messages won’t sway Spotify listeners, suggesting such efforts may fall on deaf ears. The discussion comes as Von Wegen Lisbeth prepares to release a new album, adding weight to their differing views.
The band’s internal divide reflects broader tensions in the music industry over whether artists should engage in political activism or focus solely on their craft.
The debate within Von Wegen Lisbeth highlights the struggles artists face when balancing personal beliefs with public expectations. Rohde’s call for nuance contrasts with Hölting’s doubts about the effectiveness of political messaging on YouTube Music. Their upcoming album will likely draw further attention to these conflicting perspectives.
