The first home-made tapes were recorded and copied in 1994. Lupe was the last to join the band in October scratching his way to create a new version of Thumb. Record companies began to show an interest and EMI signed a deal in March 1995. Six months later on 14th September Thumb’s debut was in the shops. A new star had entered the crossover arena. Genre-related bands Bad Religion, Dog Eat Dog, Henry Rollins and Foo Fighters kept the band company in the next two years at live gigs in Germany. Then it was time for the five to set to work in January 1997 and write the songs of their second album Exposure.
The album duly appeared on 5th May that year and proved to be a great surprise, because Thumb had changed direction. Thumb’s new sound is sharp-edged and at the same time so earthy that the critics are not the only ones to stand there open-mouthed. They have effortlessly succeeded in escaping the crossover stereotypes. The fans appreciate this move and the ensuing live shows lift Thumb above routine into a success story. Their path even leads them to America where they play in front of nearly 180,000 during the 1998 Vans Warped Tour. They played alongside greats like the Deftones, Bad Religion, NOFX and many more at thirteen shows in three weeks. Needing to recharge their batteries, they take a long break - and very nearly don't return from it.
Preparations for the third album slowly got underway at the start of 2000 but were abruptly interrupted when guitarist Axel Hilgenstöhler left the band half way through the year, the shock was compounded by the band's creative crisis. The band was on the brink of disintegrating, however, they were saved when new guitarist Axel Praiat along with the new blood coursing through the band's veins took things upwards again. Everything written and recorded up to that point was axed. Claus looks back on this phase: "It wasn't just a question of finding a new guitarist who could fill the gap. We wanted to be writing proper songs as an ensemble. In the past three years we have kept trying to do just that, but we never really came up to our own expectations." Their new-found strength virtually gave them wings. Anyone who thought that Thumb had reached the apogee of their creative career with Exposure soon had to think again. Whereas their old crossover companions had by now almost all retreated from the scene the Gütersloh crew were back with a heavyweight crossover/hardcore/alternative steam hammer unequalled in its genre and in its home country.
The new album showed progress. Thumb were coming in through the front door and they hadn't bothered to unlock it either. Beefy, powerful, with plenty of groove, intelligent arrangements and blazing anger in their belly they are forcing their way into the limelight. The sound was very dense. There are many ways to approach it and many small discoveries to be made about it. "Thumb's idea was never basic rock," explains Claus. "We always aimed to go deeper. Of course, we needed the sound to back that up. The first release from the third album, 'Down Like Me', is a typical example which shows that Thumb songs are more than just music to stomp to." 'Down Like Me' literally drives its way through the loudspeakers. PHAT! Steffen pushes the song forward with stoic, primal force, Axel's guitar work is mean and insidious, Jan Hendrik offers a nice soft pillow to cry on, Claus joins in with furious polyphonic arguments, and Lupe strings together chains of nuances to fuse the sound together. All this is crowned with psychedelic sounds within sounds and electronic elements reminiscent of Portishead. This single is a tailor-made opener, but the rest of the songs - this much we can guarantee - are in no way inferior."
Deny
Thumb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why would I try to deny where I'm coming from?
Not everytime I hear a beat I gotta move, my man, I'm not a party guy who needs to shake his thang. It's all about the lyrics and the rhymes, you know, about the song itself and not the video. Don't wanna see the tits, the cars make the hits, don't need to see a million people jump up in a pit and shout hip hop hurray - no way - there's only one way to go for me and that's my way ! My way can only be where i'm coming from, i need to see what's up around me and put it in a song. My songs are a cure, gotta keep em all pure, don't wanna have to adapt to the rules for sure. So this one goes out to all of the wannabes, the ones who are trying to be what they cannot be. Just do what you like if it feels right to you - It's only you, your voice and your mic, you fool !
Why would you try to deny where you're coming from ?
In Thumb's song Deny, the rapper describes his passion for music and his desire to express himself through lyrics and rhymes. Despite not being a typical rapper from a major city like L.A. or New York, Thumb feels the need to release everything that's inside of him when he grabs the microphone. He emphasizes that it's not about following the industry's gimmicks or conforming to its rules, but rather doing what he likes and feels is right for him. He takes pride in being true to himself and his music, refusing to deny where he's coming from.
Thumb emphasizes the importance of the music and the message it conveys, rather than focusing on the superficial aspects like flashy cars or scantily clad women featured in music videos. He criticizes the wannabes who try to be what they cannot be and encourages them to do what they like if it feels right to them. He emphasizes that everyone has their own unique voice and should embrace their individuality.
The overall message of the song is to stay true to yourself and your art, and not to deny where you're coming from. It's about the power of music as a means of emotional release and expression, and the importance of staying authentic in an industry that can be full of superficiality and conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
I've gotta say I'm not a rapper to the bone, you know, I wasn't born in L.A., New York or so and my town couldn't be more quiet you see, in my hood noone ever pulled a gun on me!
I may not fit the traditional mold of a rapper, but that doesn't mean I can't still express myself through my music. I come from a small town where violence wasn't a daily occurrence, but that doesn't mean I haven't experienced my own struggles.
But when I grab the microphone I feel the need in me to release everything that's inside of me. I've gotta get it out, don't wanna wait and see, cause what I'm dealing with hurts emotionally.
Music is an outlet for me. It allows me to express my emotions and let go of the things that are weighing me down. I don't want to hold back because the things I'm dealing with can be difficult to cope with.
I never spraid a wall or a train you know. I never got into graffiti, man, I don't know, I never spun on my head, breakdance till your dead, I only listen to the music, cause that's where it's at.
I may not have participated in the more physical aspects of hip hop culture, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the music. For me, the most important thing is the music itself.
Don't wanna fall for no gimmick of the industry, like all the funky clothes, I'm not a wannabe. I do what I like if it feels right to me, It's only me, my voice and my mic, you see?!
I don't want to be caught up in the superficial aspects of the music industry. I want to be true to myself and do what feels authentic, not just what's trendy. At the end of the day, it's just me, my voice, and my microphone.
Why would I try to deny where I'm coming from?
I have no reason to deny my background or the things that have shaped me. They have all influenced who I am and what I want to say through my music.
It's all about the lyrics and the rhymes, you know, about the song itself and not the video. Don't wanna see the tits, the cars make the hits, don't need to see a million people jump up in a pit and shout hip hop hurray - no way - there's only one way to go for me and that's my way !
The message behind the music is what's most important to me. I don't care about flashy music videos or songs that are just about materialism. I want to stay true to my own artistic vision, even if it's not what's popular at the moment.
My way can only be where i'm coming from, i need to see what's up around me and put it in a song. My songs are a cure, gotta keep em all pure, don't wanna have to adapt to the rules for sure.
My music can only come from my own experiences and perspective. I draw inspiration from my surroundings and use my songs as a way of healing and coping. I don't want to be limited by anyone else's expectations or standards.
So this one goes out to all of the wannabes, the ones who are trying to be what they cannot be. Just do what you like if it feels right to you - It's only you, your voice and your mic, you fool !
I'm addressing those who try to emulate others instead of being true to themselves. At the end of the day, the music you make should be a reflection of you and no one else. Don't let anyone else dictate what you create.
Why would you try to deny where you're coming from ?
You shouldn't be ashamed of your background or where you come from. Embrace your experiences and let them influence your artistry.
Contributed by Gianna D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.