Article and photos by Leonie Helbich
Some bands need a while to warm up. Kleinstadt isn’t one of them. The singer doesn’t enter from the side of the stage, but from the crowd. A short run-up, then he jumps over the barrier and lands on stage. No intro, no countdown – suddenly everything is loud. Kleinstadt starts their set, and the energy in the room shifts instantly: sweat, guitars, a bit of chaos.
Photos by @leoniecorapov
It’s their last show of the year, but no one here seems ready for a break. The five from Herrenberg – Quentin, Johannes, Timo, Fabio and Karl – have known each other since kindergarten. Back then, they were the school band, playing covers and performing at kids’ parties. In 2020, Kleinstadt officially became a band.
Their sound sits somewhere between indie, pop and a touch of melancholy. They sing in German, about growing up, friendship, staying and leaving – themes that run through their own lives.
Three Albums
Their debut, simply titled kleinstadt (2022), sounds like a beginning – full of experiments and youthful restlessness. A year later came all die jahre (2023): more structured, more polished, with a few quieter, more emotional songs. Lyrics that feel more personal.
The latest record was released in spring 2025. It’s bass-heavy, vibey, with more groove and sharp guitar riffs. The band has stayed true to their emotional lyrics. With the music video for their single “niemandsland,” Kleinstadt shows their creativity in a cinematic way.
Photos by @leoniecorapov
2025 – And Then?
The show on October 25th at Pavillon in Sindelfingen was their last for the year. What comes next, they don’t really know yet. “We can’t even predict a year ahead,” the band says in the interview. “We’ll keep going as long as it feels right.” The road ahead for Kleinstadt remains open.