Bernd Begemann

Born in Braunschweig in 1963 and raised in Bad Salzuflen, Bernd Begemann is part of the German-language independent pop scene, combining chanson, guitar-driven pop and soul influences. Settling in Hamburg in the early 1980s, he founded the band Die Antwort, which contributed to the emergence of a local scene between new wave, pop and rock, before he pursued a solo career. From the 1990s onward Begemann developed a repertoire focused on narrative, everyday lyrics—often tinged with dry humour—accompanied by simple arrangements dominated by voice, guitar and classic pop instrumentation. His first solo album, Rezession, Baby!, was released in 1993, followed by So geht das jede Nacht in 1995 and Jetzt bist du in Talkshows in 1999, works that anchor his output in detail-oriented German-language songwriting about urban life and personal relationships. Alongside his solo work he regularly plays with the band Die Befreiung, which allows him to present his songs on stage in a pop-rock band setting. For decades he has been a fixture in German clubs and concert venues, maintaining a strong Hamburg base with intimate gigs, occasional collaborations with other independent musicians, and forays into film and television as both actor and musician.