Emscherkurve 77

German punk veterans Emscherkurve 77 (EK77) don’t mess around. Melodic punk straight from the heart of the Ruhr region, honest lyrics, and a pure DIY approach – that’s been their signature for many years. We caught up with guitarist Marcel to find out what the band is cooking up (yes, a new record is coming!), how the scene has changed over the last 25 years, and why he’s still enjoying it all this time later. No rock star ego, just pure love for music, life on the road, and the buddies.

How have you been lately, both as a band and as people?

Marcel: Im just at thome at the moment and answer your questions. We`re gonna to rehearse next week cause there is a new record on the way and we play five show till the end oft he year.

Do you have any pre-show ritual you never skip?

Marcel: Not really. We do a voice warm up exercise and change our clothes.

If you had to introduce Emscherkurve 77 to someone who’s never heard you, how would you describe it?

Marcel: Melodic Punk Rock straight from the heart of our town with honest lyrics.

Do you remember a moment or time when you thought: „This is our world“?

Marcel: It think 2017 was a really good year for us. We released our „Brandgefährlich“ record and play tons of shows. From huge venues to festivals and a lot of singles or weekend shows. Everything worked out this year.

What did punk mean to you in the beginning, and what does it mean to you now?

Marcel: When i discovered this music i like the energy and the fact, that everyone can do this without to be a very good musician.

Has your relationship with music and the scene changed over the years?

Marcel: Im not so into this scene as you might think. Sure i knew a lot of people there, including good friends, but im very open minded for other kinds of music. But i still love music, for sure.

Is punk more of an escape, a protest, or a home for you?

Marcel: For me ist a possibility to play music with my friends, make records and play shows.

Do you have your own definition of punk that you’ve developed over the years?

Marcel: Not really. Since the beginning it means form e that you can do whatever you want.

You’ve been into punk for over 25 years — what keeps you going?

Marcel: We play in this Line Up for 15 Years right now, that makes me proud. And as long we have fun and some people are interested in what we do i think that this ist he motivation to move on.

Were there moments when you wanted to quit? What pulled you back?

Marcel: After every tour and every reord process 😊 No, when you finally at home after some gigs i think, ok, when ist he next show?

What does punk give you that you can’t find anywhere else?

Marcel: Generell in music that i play. I can do whatever i like.

Is there something you lost because of punk that you don’t regret? And something you do?

Marcel: No, i would do everything again in my life.

How do you juggle personal life, work, and punk activities?

Marcel: Well, i have some really lovely buddys at my work and they are supporting my „carrer“. On the other hand, when there are some offers for a good support show, you know this over six month before. So there is enogh time to check it out.

How do you see today’s scene compared to when you first started?

Marcel: When i start, i have the feeling that we are „one“. This feeling is gone over there years. There are so many groups and drawers thinker. But so ist he world. Times are changing.

Are there values in punk that you think never change?

Marcel: I hope to support and help each other.

Has the German scene gotten better over the years, or do you feel it has lost something?

Marcel: It is good that there are some old heros who are still around like SLIME. I think everything is faster and the cohesion is not so strong anymore.

How important is the community around the band and shows for you?

Marcel: It is good to know to have some people who are there for you. Like my band or our producer. And of course the fans who still come to our shows and buy or records or just write us that they like the new stuff.

Do you feel more connected to the local scene in the Ruhr area, or to the wider international scene?

Marcel: Sure, we knew a lot of people and bands right here, cause we live here. But we toured everywhere in germany and have good friends in germany and around the globe.

Your lyrics often reflect life in your region — is that more about documenting reality, or expressing personal feelings?

Marcel: It is just the life that we are living right here. And all our lyrics are storys that we have experience by ourselves.

How do you keep a balance between fun and more serious themes?

Marcel: I never think about that. When i write lyrics i feel that it fits for EK.

When you write songs, is it more of a group effort or individual expression?

Marcel: Me and our Guitar player Daniel write songs at home and make some demos. We meet each other and check out what weh ave and write. But we still rehearsal and work together on the songs in our room.

What do you want people to feel when they leave your shows?

Marcel: Just a good time, forget your daily life problems.

Do you see the band more as fun, or as a mission?

Marcel: We are just five normal guys who still play in a band and have the luck, that some people like it.

Besides the band, you’re also involved with shows, fanzines, and labels — can you tell us more about that and what you enjoy the most?

Marcel: Me and Spiller work for the punk band DIE KASSIERER and work at the festival RUHRPOTT RODEO. And i have a black metal band called BILWIS. That is enough form e.

Is it more important to you to be on stage, or to contribute to the scene in other ways?

Marcel: I love the work at the RUHRPOTT RODEO or help out for other bands on guitar or recorded some demos for them. And sure, we love to play live and drive on the highway.

Do you see yourselves as „scene activists,“ or did it just happen naturally over time?

Marcel: For me, naturally over the time.

What do you think makes punk different from other subcultures?

Marcel: I think people are more open minded and have this „crazy“ side.

Do you see punk more as politics, a lifestyle, or an instinct?

Marcel: I like the music and play it. When i was younger i look more like a punk then now haha.So back than it was a lifestyle. But i still keep it in my heart.

Has punk changed the way you see the world and society?

Marcel: I try to be friendly tot he people that we meet in our life and on the road.

How do you see the future of punk — can it really „grow old“?

Marcel: Like i say before, there are still so many good bands out there. Some old heros and the new breed. So i think it keeps going.

Do you still have shows that get you fired up like before, or do you experience it differently now?

Marcel: Sure, when you play as a support for THE BROILERS and you know, that there are 12.000 people out there, this fires you up. But on the other hand, we play so many good shows in front of ten to 50 people, doesnt matter for us.

Which of your shows has been the most intense experience for you?

Marcel: When you play good support shows it is always great in front of a huge crowd. But the people are there fort he headliner. But it helps you to learn to play every stage over the years. But i love it to play in a club too when the people went nuts.

Does punk still manage to surprise you?

Marcel: No hahahaha

What do you enjoy most about playing live?

Marcel: Touring in generall, meet people, hang around and have a good time.

If you had to sum up in one sentence why it’s still worth being part of punk, what would you say?

Marcel: Everyone can do it. Start a band, organize concerts or start a zine. Or just went to shows and support the band.

If you could send a message to younger bands, what advice would you give them?

Marcel: Give up hahaha. No, just moving on and do whatever you like.

What are you most looking forward to right now — musically or personally?

Marcel: Im looking forward to our new record and the the shows we have. And christmas is in sight. I like that time oft he year.

What’s the best thing that playing in a punk band has brought into your life?

Marcel: EK77 open me so many doors and i think i meet 95 percent of my friends there. And sure, the chance to play live all around the world.

And finally: do you have a message for the fans?

Marcel: Buy the new record.

Emscherkurve 77 Discography

Die Macht vom Niederrhein (2001, Knock Out Records) – Mini-Album
Lern ma deutsch! (2002, Knock Out Records) – Studio Album
One Size Slits All (2003, Knock Out Records) – Split Album (with Hudson Falcons)
Emscherkurve 77 / Warrior Kids (2007, Randale Records) – Split EP
Lieder aus der Kurve (2008, Sunny Bastards) – Studio Album
Dat soll Punkrock sein?! (2011, Sunny Bastards) – Studio Album
Wurzeln, Seele, Elternhaus (2014, Sunny Bastards) – 7″ EP
Buch des Lebens (2015, Sunny Bastards) – Studio Album
Zweite Wahl (2016, Sunny Bastards) – Compilation / Demos
Brandgefährlich (2017, Sunny Bastards) – Studio Album
Wir sind mehr / Nationalität Mensch (2020, Sunny Bastards) – Split (with Ghostbastardz)
Augen zu und durch (2022, Sunny Bastards) – EP
Stimmen der Stadt (2023, Sunny Bastards) – Studio Album
Eins ist geblieben / Alchemie (2025, Sunny Bastards) – 10″ (with Reinhard Mey)