Swiss Jägermaster's 20-year journey from forest songs to streaming struggles
For two decades, Marius Tschirky—better known as the Jägermaster—has brought his unique brand of children's music to Swiss nurseries. Dressed in full hunting gear, his band, Jagdkapelle, blends forest-themed tunes with playful energy. Yet despite their long-running success, streaming has cut their earnings in half compared to the CD era.
Their latest album, *Mir sind alles Waldchind* (*We're All Forest Kids*), arrives on March 27, 2026, marking 20 years of their signature sound. But the journey from niche performances to a full-length release hasn't been straightforward—or particularly lucrative.
Tschirky never set out to become a children's music star. Twenty years ago, he noticed a gap in the market: forest kindergartens lacked songs tailored to their outdoor-focused routines. So he formed Jagdkapelle, a band that performs in hunting outfits and sings about woodland adventures. Their quirky style caught on, leading to regular gigs in Swiss nurseries.
One of their most unusual performances came in 2009, when they opened for the rock band *Europe* at Bern's PostFinance Arena reopening. Tschirky recalls the night vividly, especially the moment they played for a line of cars packed with Italian *Europe* fans—while women in the front row flashed them. It was a far cry from their usual audience of toddlers. Back then, CD sales provided steady income. Today, streaming has slashed their earnings. Tschirky now takes home around 3,400 francs a month from the band—half of what they made in the CD days. The shift reflects a broader trend: children's musicians, like many artists, earn far less in the digital age. Despite the financial challenges, *Jagdkapelle* is pushing ahead. Their new album, *Mir sind alles Waldchind*, celebrates two decades of music that has become a staple for young Swiss listeners. The title track, like much of their work, leans into their forest-themed identity, blending humour with a rustic charm.
The release of Mir sind alles Waldchind will cap 20 years of Jagdkapelle's offbeat career. While their hunting-inspired performances still delight children, the band's income has dwindled under streaming's impact. For Tschirky, the album is both a milestone and a reminder of how much the music industry—and his own unexpected path—has changed.
