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
Sleep
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All borders and no light
Because God is a nothing phantom and a pocket light
Because it's late for the one reason, the sun was up all night
And I put my arms around you, but to hold you tight
On and on and on and on
Someone has to have sleep for me
On and on and on and on
Someone has to have sleep for me
Or is it all just letters and poems?
People unite for the wrong reasons
These borders hold no light
Because God is a nothing phantom and a pocket light
Cause I stayed for the one reason, the sun was up all night
And I put your arms around you, but to hold you tight
On and on and on and on
Someone has sleep for me
Or is it all just letters and poems?
On and on and on and on
Someone has sleep for me
Or is it all just letters and poems?
On and on and on and on
Someone has sleep for me
Or is it all just letters and poems?
On and on and on and on
Someone has too much sleep for me
Or is it all just letters and poems?
The lyrics to The Notwist's song Sleep are open to interpretation, but they appear to touch on themes of insomnia, a sense of displacement, and a search for meaning. The first verse seems to suggest that the singer is struggling with sleeplessness, and feels disconnected or separated from the world around them. They mention God as a "nothing phantom and pocket light," perhaps implying that they feel like they are searching for something that is not really there. The second verse shifts focus slightly, suggesting that others may also be united for the wrong reasons, and that borders or divisions are ultimately meaningless. The repeated refrain of "someone has to have sleep for me" seems to imply a desire for help, either in the form of someone else taking on their responsibilities or in finding some other way to relieve their burden.
Overall, the song seems to capture a sense of uncertainty or confusion, both about the world and about the singer's place in it. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic, but they offer a haunting meditation on the human condition, and the difficulty of finding peace or comfort in an often chaotic and confusing world.
Line by Line Meaning
I was late for the wrong reasons
I arrived late but my reasons for being late were unjustified or not valid.
All borders and no light
There are barriers and restrictions that prevent progress or understanding, and there's no clarity or insight.
Because God is a nothing phantom and a pocket light
The concept of God is intangible and insignificant, and only provides a faint glimmer of light or hope.
Because it's late for the one reason, the sun was up all night
It's late for an unusual reason, one that contradicts the normal order of things.
And I put my arms around you, but to hold you tight
I embrace you physically but with a strong emotional attachment and protection in mind.
On and on and on and on
Continuing without pause, repetitively.
Someone has to have sleep for me
I need someone else to take on my sleep or rest for me, to alleviate my responsibilities or burdens.
Or is it all just letters and poems?
Alternatively, are these words and expressions just symbols with no real substance or significance?
People unite for the wrong reasons
Individuals come together for misguided or harmful purposes.
These borders hold no light
These boundaries or divisions create darkness and ignorance, rather than illumination or enlightenment.
Cause I stayed for the one reason, the sun was up all night
I remained for one unconventional reason, one that defies the expected norm.
On and on and on and on
Repetitive movement or action, unendingly.
Someone has too much sleep for me
Somebody has too much rest or lack of activity compared to my own exhaustion or busyness.
Or is it all just letters and poems?
Perhaps there is no true substance or meaning behind these words and expressions.
Contributed by Adam S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.