Choke Combat from Munich deliver raw hardcore with a strong Oi! edge. Aggressive sound, energy, a DIY approach and a clear connection to the scene – these are the elements their music is built on.
We spoke with Tobi from Choke Combat about getting into punk through skate punk, essential records, the Munich scene, working with the Try and Stop Me label, current bands, social injustice, and why Choke Combat have no intention of giving up their raw sound.
This time, our interview is short, raw and hard-hitting – just like Choke Combat’s music. You can also read our reviews of their debut album and the EP that followed in the Reviews section.
When you hear Choke Combat – what’s the first thing you want people to think of?
I hope people think of a good and off-going live band when they hear Choke Combat.
Your music sounds like a kick in the teeth, a mix of 80s hardcore and Oi! – is it more of an outlet, revenge, or manifesto?
For me it is an outlet in the first place.
How did you get into the Oi!/hardcore/punk scene and how old were you?
I used to be – and still am – a skateboarder. As a 12 year old kid I listened to US skate punk. Starting from there I discovered the UK stuff. The first Oi! related album that catched me was Blitz Voice Of A Generation.
Do you have any albums that you consider fans of – and which ones you could call your beloved?
Usual suspects here: Blitz – Voice Of A Generation, Cock Sparrer – Shock Troops, Oxymoron – Fuck The Nineties, Vanilla Muffins – The Drug Is Football…
Can you name 3 bands that got you started playing?
Talking about Choke Combat: Negative Approach, 86 Mentality, Minor Threat.
What do you find more important in hardcore music – message, atmosphere, or sound as a weapon?
The aggressive and energetic sound does it for me.
What do you draw from when writing lyrics – from your own experiences, from frustrations, from the street? Are your lyrics more of a mirror of reality or a scream against it?
I get my inspiration from a mix of all the stuff you said. I guess it’s more a mirror of reality for me.
Do you feel like you are part of a wider hardcore/Oi!/punk community, or do you go your own way?
Choke Combat has some good friends and contacts to other bands in the German, European and worldwide scene. But it feels there are many micro scenes with people not knowing each other.
You work with the label Try and stop me – what is your experience with the label?
Alex, the man behind TASM, is great and helps us to put out the stuff in the exact way we want it.
Do you think it is harder to find a label that understands your sound and approach these days – or is it easier thanks to the internet and digital?
It seems things got a lot easier. You can easily record your stuff, put it on the web, labels can check it out and contact you super easy.
What is the scene like in Munich? Is there a space for Oi!/punk/hardcore music, or do you have to create it yourself? Are you involved in other activities outside the band?
The scene – or better the scenes – are doing quite well in Munich. There a different crews of promoters who put on Punk and Hardcore shows on a regular basis. But it’s all DIY-driven. So thank you to the people and their efforts!
I also put on shows together with my mate Flo M.W. Hermann – we also host a regular DJ nighter (Bovver Bash) together in our favorite bar Schwarzer Hahn.
What is your relationship with local clubs and promoters – do you feel supported or rather uninterest?
We feel supported and can play with some of our favorite bands when they pass our hometown area. And there are also bars and clubs where we can put on shows.
Are there any bands, places or people from your city that you would never be able to do without?
Yeah, there is the already mentioned Flo M.W. Hermann who does all of our artwork stuff. And Kai who is our backup bass and guitar player.
Do you feel that your music reflects the place you are from – its atmosphere, mood, problems?
I guess not: Munich is very beautiful but our music is quite pissed off, haha.
What pisses you off the most in the world today – and does it find its way into your music?
Social injustice – some of our lyrics relate to that.
Is musical quality more important to you, or personal approach and attitudes?
You need both to start a band. Musical quality is nothing without attitude and vice versa.
Do you perceive rivalry or solidarity between bands in Germany? And what do you take from that?
No rivalry here. Bands thankfully support each other.
What is your relationship with the scene – does it help you or do you do everything yourself?
Like said before: we get and give support. That’s essential to keep things going.
What bands influence you today and which ones do you respect?
Current bands I like are Collaps, Denim, Nonchalant, Alvilda, Castillo, Lost Legion, Brazen Bull, Beton Arme, Combust, New York Hounds... the list could go on and on.
Where do you think Choke Combat should go – more rawness or more overlap?
It is what it is, haha. Choke Combat sticks to the raw sound.
Is it important for you to stay underground, or are you not afraid to move on if it makes sense?
Wouldn’t be afraid to move on as long as we don’t need to do stuff we don’t like. But sticking to the raw sound it will never happen anyway.
Do you think this music has a future, or is it just the voice of aminority that has not died out yet?
With bands like Haywire stepping up and pulling lots of kids, I think there is a future. In smaller venues you can see some younger faces as well – especially at hardcore shows.
What is your relationship with vinyl, cassettes and physical media – is it a matter of the heart for you, or just a form?
I’m a stuff guy and have too much of it.
If you could release a split with any band – living or dead – who would it be?
Sheer Terror
The last word is up to you. Is there anything you want to say that I haven’t asked? Your turn.
Thank you very much for having me! Keep up the good work with your zine. Cheers.
DISCOGRAPHY:
Choke Combat LP (Try And Stop Me Records, 2023)
Stray Dogs EP (Try And Stop Me Records, 2025)
