Draft:Die Selektion

  1. Home
  2. Wiki


Die Selektion
OriginStuttgart, Germany
Genres
Years active2010–present
Labels
  • Der Katalog
  • aufnahme + wiedergabe
  • Fabrika Records
  • Rasputin Records
  • Edition Gris
Members
  • Luca Gillian
  • Hannes Rief
  • Samuel Savenberg
  • Max Rieger
Websitedieselektion.com

Die Selektion (German pronunciation: [diː zɛlɛkˈtsi̯oːn̩], lit. 'The Selection') is a German electronic music group formed in Stuttgart in 2010. Known for combining elements of EBM, synth-pop, and techno with the distinctive use of live trumpet, the band has released three studio albums—Die Selektion (2011), Deine Stimme ist der Ursprung jeglicher Gewalt (2017), and Zeuge aus Licht (2023)—and has performed extensively across Europe, Latin America, and Canada.

History

[edit]

Formation and Early Years (2010–2011)

[edit]

The band Die Selektion emerged in late 2010 from the experimental post-punk project L U C ▲. Following changes in the lineup and a significant shift in musical direction, the members opted to form a new band.[1][2] The initial lineup featured Luca Gillian, whose musical roots were in wave; Hannes Rief, a classically trained[3] trumpeter who also played in an orchestra; and Max Rieger, whose primary influence was techno.[4] From this blend of diverse backgrounds and the sounds of 1980s EBM and synth-pop, the band forged a unique, danceable, and melancholic style, which is distinguished by the use of the trumpet. The name Die Selektion was chosen to reflect this deliberate fusion of their different musical backgrounds.[5]

Their early work was written quickly in rehearsal sessions and released as the EP Kühle Lippen (2011, Rasputin Records),[2] followed by the cassette minialbum Noire (2011, aufnahme + wiedergabe).[6] Later that year, Fabrika Records issued their debut LP Die Selektion on vinyl,[7] which was described by the band as a compilation of very rough and fast recorded songs created in approximately three months.[2] The album was re-released on CD and digital by aufnahme + wiedergabe in 2012 including previously unreleased remixes and two covers.[8]

The single “Du Rennst” became a breakthrough in alternative clubs, earning the band early recognition.[9] Even as students at a Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Gillian and Rief toured during school holidays, performing in Italy, Germany, and across Europe. By early 2013, they had already played shows in 11 countries.[10]

Lineup Changes and Deine Stimme ist der Ursprung jeglicher Gewalt (2012–2017)

[edit]

In 2012, Max Rieger left to focus on his other band, Die Nerven, and solo project All diese Gewalt. Producer Samuel Savenberg joined in 2013, assuming Rieger’s role and marking a new phase for the group.[11]

Their second album, Deine Stimme ist der Ursprung jeglicher Gewalt (Your Voice Is the Origin of All Violence) (2017, aufnahme + wiedergabe),[12] was developed after years of living in separate cities. To finalize the material, the band locked themselves in the Komma cultural center in Esslingen for a week-long recording process, working live in the venue’s concert hall.[1] The record was intended as a more mature, deliberate follow-up to their debut, and was later accompanied by a remix EP featuring contributions from Xarah Dion and techno producers including Ancient Methods, Tommy Four Seven, and Konstantin Sibold.[2]

After releasing the album, the band continued with their extensive European live activity. They also embarked on their first headline tour of Mexico in 2022, performing in eight different cities.[13]

Zeuge aus Licht and Founding Der Katalog (2023–present)

[edit]

In 2023, Die Selektion released their third album Zeuge aus Licht (Witness of Light) on their newly founded independent label Der Katalog, through which they also reissued their back catalogue.[14] Unlike earlier works, this album was developed with all members living in the same city and took nearly a year to complete. It marked the first time that Rief contributed, alongside Savenberg, with productions and early song versions[15] that were later finalized by the band and Rieger, who returned as an honorary member.[16] Many of the songs were created over a long period, with old sketches revisited and developed into complete tracks.[17]

The album was preceded by several singles. The first, "Ascheregen" (Ashfall), served as a teaser for the album's sound. The next was the title track, "Zeuge aus Licht," which wove together the band's core elements: pop harmonies, cold drum elements, hopeful synths, and a radiant trumpet.[18] The third single, "Der Katalog" (The Catalog), was described by the band as a track made for the dance floor, inspired by 80s EBM and industrial as well as early 90s techno. The final single, "Drei Gesichter" (Three Faces), was referred to as their most pop-oriented song to date, heavily influenced by 80s synth-pop and funk, exploring the fragmented nature of the human personality.[19]

Later in 2024, they issued Zeuge aus Licht (Club Edits), reworking selected songs into more dancefloor-oriented versions.[14] That same year, they made their Canadian debut, with shows in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton.[15] Then, in May 2025, they further extended their Latin American footprint with performances in Mexico City, Guatemala City, Bogotá, Medellín, Lima, Santiago, and São Paulo.[20]

Musical Style and Influences

[edit]

Die Selektion’s sound, which they dub "Prosecco-Wave", combines the driving energy of EBM and techno with the emotional depth of synth-pop and new wave.[21] The band members cite a range of influences from the classic 80s German and electronic music scenes, including Einstürzende Neubauten, Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, Nitzer Ebb, and Depeche Mode.[16][22][23]

The band also refers to themselves as embodying "Die neue Unschuld" (The New Innocence), a contradiction of fast beats, dark synths, and emotional vulnerability.[9] This unusual balance has been credited with drawing together diverse audiences, from goth fans to techno club-goers, onto the same dancefloor.[18]

Band Members

[edit]
  • Luca Gillian – vocals, lyrics, synthesizers (2010–present)
  • Hannes Rief – trumpet, synthesizers, production (2010–present)
  • Samuel Savenberg – synthesizers, production (2013–present)
  • Max Rieger – synthesizers, production (2010–2012; returned as honorary studio member since 2023)

Discography

[edit]

The following is a list of the band's physical releases.

Studio albums

[edit]
  • Die Selektion (2011, Fabrika Records; reissued 2012 by aufnahme + wiedergabe and 2023 by Der Katalog)
  • Deine Stimme Ist Der Ursprung Jeglicher Gewalt (2017, aufnahme + wiedergabe; reissued 2023 by Der Katalog)
  • Zeuge Aus Licht (2023, Der Katalog)

EPs

[edit]
  • Kühle Lippen (2011, Rasputin Records)
  • Noire (2011, aufnahme + wiedergabe)
  • Deine Stimme Ist Der Ursprung Jeglicher Gewalt Remixed (2019, aufnahme + wiedergabe)
  • Zeuge Aus Licht (Club Edits) (2024, Der Katalog)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Cladis" (2012, Edition Gris)
  • "Gottes Wille" (2013, aufnahme + wiedergabe)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b D. Charistes (2017). ""Die Subkultur und ihre Codes waren nie tot!" – DIE SELEKTION im Interview" ["The subculture and its codes were never dead!" – DIE SELEKTION in an interview]. Black (in German). blackmagazin.com. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d François Zappa (6 March 2019). "Interview: Die Selektion". El Garaje De Frank. elgarajedefrank.es. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  3. ^ Michael Giebl (22 May 2012). "Die Selektion". Skug (in German). skug.at. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  4. ^ Rod Glacial (23 April 2012). "Die Selektion haben keine Angst" [Die Selektion have no fear]. VICE (in German). vice.com. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  5. ^ Door Henk Vereecken (21 September 2012). "Interview: Die Selektion". Dark Entries (in Dutch). darkentries.be. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  6. ^ aufnahme + wiedergabe (28 April 2011). "Noire". Bandcamp. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  7. ^ Fabrika Records (20 September 2011). "FP003 Die Selektion". Bandcamp. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  8. ^ aufnahme + wiedergabe (13 April 2012). "Die Selektion". Bandcamp. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Amphi Festival Premiere: Die Selektion". Amphi Festival (in German). amphi-festival.de. 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
  10. ^ Ingmar Volkmann (9 February 2013). "Stuttgarter Band "Die Selektion" - Musikalische Verbeugung vor den 80ern" [Stuttgart band "Die Selektion" - A musical bow to the 80s]. Stuttgarter Zeitung (in German). stuttgarter-zeitung.de. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
  11. ^ Torben Hodan (17 May 2017). "Videopremiere: Die Selektion – "Unter Die Haut"". DIFUSS (in German). diffus.de. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  12. ^ aufnahme + wiedergabe (30 May 2017). "Deine Stimme Ist Der Ursprung Jeglicher Gewalt". Bandcamp. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  13. ^ Ernesto Olvera (20 May 2022). "Die Selektion vendrá por primera vez a México" [Die Selektion will come to Mexico for the first time]. FILTER México (in Spanish). filtermexico.com. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  14. ^ a b Laura Wright (29 October 2024). "Interview: Die Selektion". InflytePlus. inflyteapp.com. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  15. ^ a b Maya Fettes (12 June 2024). "In Conversation with German Darkwave Band, Die Selektion". Met Radio. metradio.ca. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  16. ^ a b DIFUSS (29 November 2023). Die Selektion über "Zeuge aus Licht", NNDW und Auftritte in Mexiko [Die Selektion on "Witness of Light", NNDW and performances in Mexico] (YouTube video) (in German). YouTube. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  17. ^ Kappel, Niko (November 2023). "Die Selektion – Der Einfluss" [Die Selektion – The Influence]. Das Wetter (in German). No. 23. p. 45.
  18. ^ a b Aida Baghernejad (15 September 2023). "Out now: Die Selektion – Zeuge Aus Licht [Der Katalog]". NovaFuture. novafuture.blog. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  19. ^ Lisa Elsen (25 August 2023). "Die Selektion veröffentlichen neue Single "Drei Gesichter"" [Die Selektion release new single "Drei Gesichter"]. VISIONS (in German). visions.de. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  20. ^ Row Zero Talent Agency (15 May 2025). Latin America Tour Announcement (Instagram post). Instagram. Retrieved 4 September 2025. Die Selektion announce LATAM tour for May 2025 including a Bogota performance for Ansia Festival.
  21. ^ "Die Selektion". Resident Advisor. ra.co. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  22. ^ "QUESTIONS & ANSWERS – der gig-blog-Fragenkatalog 185 mit DIE SELEKTION" [QUESTIONS & ANSWERS – the gig-blog-questionnaire 185 with DIE SELEKTION]. Gig-Blog (in German). gig-blog.net. 1 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  23. ^ "Artist Profile: Die Selektion". Row Zero Talent Agency. rowzero.agency. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Die Selektion.