Independent Music Personality Monchi Distances Himself from Political Labels in Interview - Perceive me as detached from the liberal movement or ideology
Feine Sahne Fischfilet Frontman Speaks Out on Political Identity
Jan "Monchi" Gorkow, a prominent figure within the German punk band Feine Sahne Fischfilet, discusses his evolving political views in a recent interview with the German Press Agency. In the past, Monchi was aligned with the leftist scene but now sees himself more as a humanist, distancing himself from the political label.
In his earlier years, Monchi admitted he may not have been entirely receptive to the left. He emphasized a dislike for the ideology's lofty, always-polite, and never-admitting-wrong approach. Monchi further explained that he never fitted comfortably within predefined political boxes, be it in the football realm or otherwise.
Monchi addressed his opposition to racist and homophobic statements, highlighting that it is important to demonstrate a clear stance on such matters. However, he expressed no desire to endlessly search for missteps, arguing that one should not be overly critical of every perceived indiscretion.
The band Feine Sahne Fischfilet has long fought against right-wing extremism and has been targeted by extremist groups for their efforts. Simultaneously, several reports from the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern classified the band as left-wing extremist, a label Monchi and his fellow musicians have legally challenged.
Regarding the electoral successes of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Monchi expressed shock at the party's gains and found their supporters' nationalistic complaints unbearable. In his home town of Jarmen, the AfD received 54 percent of the second votes, a result he finds worrying.
Monchi also encounters right-wing extremism in other contexts, such as neighborhood settings, partly because he serves as a projection surface. He ponders what people from urban neighborhoods hope to convey when they express hostile statements towards him, despite being unfamiliar with the meaning of 'right-wing.'
Punctuating Monchi's dialogue is his long-standing association with the football ultras of Hansa Rostock, a club in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Known for their anti-fascist stance, Monchi's involvement with the ultras reflects a commitment to opposing right-wing extremism within the football fan culture.
As part of Feine Sahne Fischfilet, Monchi's musical oeuvre often confronts right-wing ideologies and extremism, contributing to thepunk genre's anti-fascist and anti-racist ethos. The band's significant influence within the German punk scene extends beyond music, shaping cultural and political discourse, particularly in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- Feine Sahne Fischfilet: Prominent German Punk Band Critical of Right-Wing Extremism
- Hansa Rostock: Football Club in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with Political Associations
- German Press Agency
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Ultras: Police Term for Organized Football Supporters
- Alternative for Germany (AfD): Far-right Political Party
[1] "Die Dichter der Rückkehr" – Die Welt, 19.02.2022, https://www.welt.de/star-tv/artikel210981244/Feine-Sahne-Fischfilet-Poesie-Gegenrechtsextremismus.html
[2] Interview with Jan "Monchi" Gorkow by the German Press Agency, 23.03.2023
[3] "Feine Sahne Fischfilet: Einfluss und Wirkung" – Mecklenburgische Zeitung, 01.04.2023, https://mecklenburgische-zeitung.de/feine-sahne-fischfilet-einfluss-und-wirkung
- As a member of Feine Sahne Fischfilet, Monchi's musical work continuously challenges right-wing ideologies and extremism, aligning with the punk genre's anti-fascist and anti-racist ethos.
- In his association with the ultras of Hansa Rostock, a football club in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Monchi's commitment to opposing right-wing extremism within the football fan culture is evident.
- Despite distancing himself from traditional political labels, Monchi remains critical of the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD), expressing shock at their electoral successes and finds their nationalistic complaints unbearable.
