Markus and Michael Acher formed the group together with Martin Messerschmidt in Weilheim, near Munich. In 1990 they recorded their self-titled debut The Notwist, a grunge-metal oriented LP. 1992 saw the release of Nook, which has an indie rock sound, while their 1995 album 12 contains their first flirtation with electronica. Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) joined the group in 1997. Shrink, released in 1998, is a jazz-electro-rock album. The album Neon Golden (released in 2002) put them on the map for American listeners.
In 2003 the band started their own record label Alien Transistor and released a soundtrack for the movie Lichter by Hans-Christian Schmid. On September, 6th 2004 the EP Solo Swim came out, a collaboration between The Notwist, Console and Klimek, which is also the soundtrack for the documentary Kanalschwimmer by Jörg Adolph. Both EPs are only available on vinyl as is the latest EP by Rayon (Markus Acher), released in spring 2006.
Some of The Notwist's songs have been remixed by Four Tet, Manitoba, Console, Loopspool, and others. Singer Markus Acher collaborated with Anticon rapper/producer Alias on the song Unseen Sights.
The Notwist recently formed a supergroup with Themselves named 13 & God, whose eponymous debut was released in 2005. Other acts in which members of The Notwist are participating include Village of Savoonga, Tied & Tickled Trio, Lali Puna, Ms. John Soda, Potawatomi, Alles wie Groß, Ogonjok, Rayon, 3 Shades of Blues, Hometrainer, Bolzplatz Heroes, Alien Ensemble, and Schweisser.
In 2006, Messerschmitt left the band on friendly terms. Markus Acher stated that "it just didn't work anymore".
The Devil, You + Me and was released in Europe in May, 2008. On June 17, 2008 the album was released in North America on Domino Records.
2014 saw the release of Close to the Glass released in the US on Sub-Pop.
http://www.notwist.com
Members
* Markus Acher - guitar, vocals
* Michael Acher - bass
* Mecki Messerschmidt - drums
* Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) - programming
Be Reckless
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get more from life, take more from a few
Be reckless if they ask for more
Be reckless if they ask for more
They'll be reckless for you
There's more to love
Don't you hear from up here up far
Be reckless if they ask for more
Be reckless if they ask for more
They'll be reckless for you
The Notwist's song "Be Reckless" is an exploration of the human desire for greater meaning and fulfillment in life. The first two lines of the song acknowledge the inherent pain and struggle that come with existence, both for oneself and for others. However, the lyrics immediately turn towards a call to action - rather than allow oneself to be consumed by the challenges of life, the song suggests that one should choose to live recklessly, taking risks and pursuing more than what is easily attainable.
The repeated refrain, "Be reckless if they ask for more," is a directive to the listener to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and to demand more from life. The line "They'll be reckless for you" suggests that by leading by example, one can inspire others to take action as well. The following lines, "There's more to love / Never get in to sing along," encourage the listener to embrace their own unique path and not be swayed by the expectations or pressures of others.
Overall, the message of the song is one of empowerment and self-determination. The Notwist encourages listeners to be bold, take risks, and pursue their own individual visions of a fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Tear me apart, same with you
Let's be vulnerable with each other; reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings.
Get more from life, take more from a few
Let's not settle for mediocrity; strive for greater experiences and opportunities, even if it means taking resources away from others.
Be reckless if they ask for more
Don't be afraid to take risks and push boundaries when others demand more of you.
Be reckless if they ask for more
Reinforce the importance of taking chances and not playing it safe.
They'll be reckless for you
Others will be inspired to take risks and follow your lead.
There's more to love
Don't limit yourself to a narrow view of love; there's so much more out there to experience and appreciate.
Never get in to sing along
Don't just go along with the crowd; maintain an individuality and uniqueness about yourself.
Don't you hear from up here up far
Take a step back and gain a wider perspective; listen to the world around you from a distance.
Be reckless if they ask for more
Repeated to emphasize and instill the importance of taking chances and not being held back by fear.
Be reckless if they ask for more
Repeated again to further solidify the message of being bold and daring in life.
They'll be reckless for you
Reiterated to inspire others to follow in your footsteps and take risks that lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Contributed by Scarlett Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.