Doomed Confessionary: Martin Krumpf (Zeit Driver)
Zeit Driver is an alternative/grunge/hard rock band based out of Berlin, Germany.
Born in 2022 from an international mix, Zeit Driver emerges from Berlin with a powerful rock sound. Rooted in the ’90s alternative scene, their music has evolved with a modern sensitivity, embracing punk and metal influences.
Through their lyrics, they share their perspective on the present world, capturing the contrast of this era of shine and decay.
Following their debut EP »Minds Unloaded« (2023), Zeit Driver have released a wave of singles throughout 2024: »In Noir«, »Youth Forlorn«, »Silver Skin«, »Edge Of Someone« and »From The Light«. Join them to ride this wave together!
Zeit Driver are Levin Peetz (drums, backing vocals), Martin Krumpf (bass, backing vocals), Jeremy Maar (guitar) and Jelle Jongmans (lead vocals).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We found each other during the aftermath of the pandemic, through various online platforms that unite the Berliner rock & metal community.
Musically, we’re mainly inspired by the alternative scenes of the 90s, like grunge, stoner rock, and nu metal. We try to bring this sound forward into the 2020s also thanks to our lyrics, by sharing our experience of living in such a contrasting world.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our biggest challenge is probably finding a healthy balance between investing as much time, energy, and money into this project as we’d like, while still having to deal with everyday’s life.
We all wish to just leave our daily jobs aside and compose all day, but we’re not at that point (yet!)
What can you be most proud of so far?
What makes us the most proud is the reception we get from the crowd that come to our concerts.
It’s nice when friends tell you “cool gig bro”, but it hits different when someone you never saw in your life is actually moved by your music, being it at one of the festivals we partook in, or a smaller gig like last Thursday.
What was your biggest regret?
As any band does, we had some misjudgments in terms of investments, spending money in promotions or productions that weren’t worth it. As always, what’s important, is to learn from those mistakes and move on.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Honestly I believe our first gig at Spliff n’ Riff remains one of our most memorable ones. You had to walk through a tiny forest to arrive at a cosy stage covered in smoke, adorned by colourful arts and smiling people, all within the Berliner ring!
It was a culmination of our combined personal journeys that lead us to that moment together, and it felt really magical.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
For me personally, stumbling upon Elder frontman Nick Di Salvo in a street in Neukölln was pretty rad, not gonna lie.
I knew already that they moved from the US to Berlin, but actually seeing him in a casual situation made me realise how lucky I was to have left my tiny Italian hometown to move somewhere relevant.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
We’re currently preparing our own Best of 2024 for each of the band members!
Check our our Artists Playlists section on Spotify to hear what we’ve been listening to in the past year.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Be the worst musician in the room (aka – learn from others around you).
What are your guilty pleasures?
Putting me on the spot huh? 😀
I don’t know how guilty I should feel about it, but Over You by Jacob Collier slaps. Seeing him live was a truly unforgettable experience, would recommend it to any music lover!
Can you say something more about current music scene in Berlin?
Berlin’s music scene is truly wild. On any given day you can go from the craziest party with the darkest techno you’ve ever heard in your life, to a chill jazz bar with phenomenal musicians, and everything in between.
Staying within the rock/metal scene, it’s been a pleasure to play with bands like Death Rattle Disco and Heavy Heavy, and we’re aiming to soon join the stage of Rockfest and Desertfest.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
At the moment, we do not have any gigs planned in the near future, so it’s time to invite you to follow us for our next gig announcement!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently composing the material for our first LP. The recodings will happen in summer 2025, and we aim at a release in early 2026.
At the same time, we’re aiming to partake in the European Festival season, as soon as it kicks in.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
We’re actually going to be in different countries, celebrating with friends.
Happy new year from England, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and of course Berlin!
How can people best support your band?
The best platform to support artists, as you may know, it’s definitely Bandcamp.
We’re preparing new merchandise and we cannot wait to show it to you all!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
If you are resonating with our music, please send us a message or leave comments!
It truly makes our life better knowing that you are out there, enjoying our art and sharing a moment in time together with us ♥️
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well