German Pop - Tim Bendzko

While Tim Bendzko might from time to time still be amazed that so many people come to his concerts, he also visibly enjoys his popularity and success. No wonder, after having spent the best part of a decade struggling to get people interested in his music. Then, as if from nowhere, his track "Nur noch kurz die Welt retten" became the summer radio hit of 2011 and suddenly the name Tim Bendzko was being touted as the next big thing in German music.

Aside from his numerous chart hits, another draw at Tim’s live concerts is the very audible musical artistry on display courtesy of his live band. Above and beyond the typical rock ‘n’ roll set up of drum and bass and electric guitar - with obligatory solos here and there - the live set up also features lesser-used instruments such as the cello and accordion to fill out and add new dimensions to the already rich sound. The long and difficult path to fame and fortune is documented in detail in the tracks featured on his debut album, "Wenn Worte meine Sprache wären" (If Words were my Language) which Tim himself cheekily describes as a Greatest Hits LP. Which isn’t all that far from the truth; several cuts on the record are almost 10 years old and have featured in the singer’s live set list since his earliest gigs.

Inevitably, Tim has scooped virtually every German music prize of note from an ECHO to a Bambi to the prestigious 1Live Krone and even managed to sneak in an MTV Award for Best German Artist. He’s also performed with the WDR Big Band and appeared as guest performer on Peter Maffay’s Tabaluga farewell tour. A second album is due for release some time in early 2013…whether one of its tracks makes a further contribution to the German lexicon remains to be seen.