
Heart & Mind, the 2nd album from Freiburg indie-pop-folk band “The Rehats”, is a new collection of authentic, handmade songs with hit potential and ties in perfectly with their debut album from 2019. With Peter “Jem” Seifert the band again turns to a successful producer and they brought in a co-writer for the first time. With “Spirits”, Canadian songwriter Simon Ward from the "Strumbellas" landed a world hit in 2016. The fact that the Rehats were able to win over a major player in the Canadian folk and pop scene for the new album project speaks for itself.
A hint of Americana and fluffy West Coast, smooth harmony vocals and lively indie pop. Groups like "The Kooks" or "Mumford and Sons" provide the role models for the band's singer-songwriter and guitarist Johannes “Jojo” Stang. But together, the band are confident and talented enough not to have to copy, but to create their own sound. That’s the Rehats!
Since then, the band have toured their optimistic sound regularly through clubs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and have performed at major festivals such as the renowned Chiemsee Festival and the Lörracher Voices Festival. The response from their audience proves that there is still a need for authentic, hand-made music. You don’t have to “constantly reinvent the wheel”. It feels equally good to stick to the tried and tested and take it on to the next level.
“Jojo” writes his songs mostly in English, which is where he feels most comfortable. Groups like “The Kooks” or “Mumford and Sons” are his musical role models, but the band is self-confident and talented enough not to have to copy, but to create their own sound.
The songs on their debut album “Nothing but the Truth” reflect mostly deeply human themes. From the melancholy of missed opportunities (“City Lights”) to excessive demands and disorientation (“On My Mind”). But the Rehats are encouraging and optimistic, reflecting also on the value of authenticity, especially in relationships (“Nothing but the Truth”). In the end, they conclude that the feeling of being alive is always present and ultimately serves as evidence of the beauty of life (“Life is Beautiful”).
The album was produced in Cologne at Wolfgang Stach’s Maarweg 2 Studio. Wolfgang has previously worked with “Jupiter Jones” and “BAP” and has already been awarded gold and platinum for his productions. And it was worth it: The album was “Album of the Week” on several radio stations and single releases made it into rotation on various stations, including WDR.
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