8kids
8kids performing at With Full Force, 2018.
8kids performing at With Full Force, 2018.
Background information
OriginDarmstadt, Hesse
Germany
GenresPost-hardcore
Alternative rock
Pop
Years active2013–present
LabelsNapalm Records
MembersHans Koch
Jonas Jakob
Leif
Past membersEmma McLellan
Websitewww.8kids.de

8kids is a German post-hardcore band based in Darmstadt, Hesse, formed in 2013.

History

8kids was formed in 2013 by Hans Koch and Jonas Jakob, both being Vocalists and guitarists in the band, who previously played in local underground bands in Darmstadt. A short time later Emma McLellan became the band's drummer.[1]

On 26 March 2016 the band signed a contract with music distributor Melodie der Welt and concert agency Ever Ever Management.[2] The band signed a label contract with Austrian metal label Napalm Records a month before signing to Melodie der Welt.[3] In April the band released their first music video for the song Alles löst sich auf (engl. Everything Dissolves) which premiered at the homepage of German music magazine Visions. 8kids released their debut EP Dämonen (Demons) at the end of the same month.[4] In August 2016 the band performed at Olgas-Rock in Oberhausen, Northrhine-Westfalia.

The band toured alongside To the Rats and Wolves in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.[5] Shortly after the release of the debut album Denen die wir waren (Those Who We Were) the band toured Germany again as headliner with support of German metal band Anorak.[6] In September and October of the same year another tour throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland followed, this time supporting German rock act Van Holzen.[7]

In January and February 2018 the band toured Germany again.[8] 8kids spend the summer performing at several music festivals including With Full Force, Mini-Rock, EselRock and Hurricane Festival.[9][10]

Musical style

At the beginning of their career the band's lyrics were written in English. When McLellan joined the duo to become the band's drummer, they switched from English lyrics to German.[1] The band's music on the debut EP Dämonen was described as dynamic, containing emotional components and influences from pop music mixed with a blend of screamo. The music was compared to German metalcore act Caliban and some emo bands.[11]

The lyrics were described as profound. The song Zeit (engl. Time) deals with the theme of sorrow. The song is based on a past relationship of band member Hans Koch, with which he struggled with for a long period of time. The band worked on the song for almost two years.[6]

Discography

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Year Album details Peak chart positions
GER AUT SWI
2016 Dämonen
Demons
  • Released: 29 April 2016
  • Label: Napalm
2017 Denen die wir waren
Who We Were
  • Released: 26 May 2017
  • Label: Napalm
2019 Blūten
Bleeding
  • Released: 23 August 2019
  • Label: Napalm

Members

Current band members
  • Hans Koch – vocals, guitar (since 2013)
  • Jonas Jakob – vocals, guitar (since 2013)
  • Leif - drums (since 2022)
Past band members
  • Emma McLellan – drums (2013—2022)

References

  1. 1 2 Benjamin Metz: FRIZZ: „Besser hätt’s nicht laufen können“ Das Darmstädter Trio 8Kids startet durch! (German)
  2. Potzel, Andreas (24 March 2016). "Melodie der Welt verlängert Koop mit Edition Antstreet und signt 8kids" [Melody of the World extends co-op with Edition Antstreet and signs 8kids]. Musikmarkt (in German). Archived from the original on 27 March 2016.
  3. Gisela: HM Breakdown: 8kids – Unterschreiben bei Napalm Records! (German)
  4. Florian Zandt: Visions: VISIONS Premiere: 8kids präsentieren Video zu "Alles löst sich auf" (German)
  5. Jan Termath: Legacy: To the Rats and Wolves auf "Spring Bangerz" Tour 2017 (German)
  6. 1 2 Dirk: RSD Radio: 8kids- Poeten aus Darmstadt (German)
  7. Kevin: Gringoz Magazin: Van Holzen auf großer Tour durch Deutschland Archived 30 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine (German)
  8. Gerrit Köppl: Visions: VISIONS empfiehlt: 8kids kommen Anfang 2018 auf Tour (German)
  9. Daniel Kloth: HB-People: Newcomer auf der Firestone-Bühne beim Hurricane Festival (German)
  10. Metal.de: With Full Force: Neue Bands auf dem Billing! (German)
  11. Björn Backes: Powermetal.de: 8kids – Dämonen Kritik (German)
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