Local Band IF17 on Writing Original Music and Finding an Audience

Just before 10 p.m. on June 18, the streets of Schleswig were already filled with music as the city’s annual Schleswig swingt festival moved into its evening program. Among the performers preparing to take the stage was the band IF17, a local band from Gettorf, a small town near Kiel, in northern Germany.

Formed during their school days, IF17 have spent years developing their sound through cover songs, live performances, and increasingly, original music. Ahead of their show, THE UNSEEN sat down with the local newcomer band to talk about how the group came together, the songs they are preparing to record, and the challenges smaller artists face in finding their audience.

IF17 consists of five members, four of whom joined our conversation ahead of the show. Melvin, known within the band as Melmad, plays guitar and also takes on vocals as needed. His twin brother Cedric, better known as Ütsch, plays bass, while Kevin, or Kev, is both a singer and guitarist. At 19, Tom is the band’s youngest and newest member, having joined only a few months ago after recently graduating from high school. Their fifth member, Luca, was unable to join the conversation. “We’re sadly missing our fifth band member, Luca, today,” Melvin explains. “He plays the piano, but since he is also working as a pilot, he is kind of busy and, unfortunately, can’t join us today.”

The beginnings of IF17, a band that was previously named ‘Iron Forest ‘, reach back to a time when several of its members were still learning how to play their instruments.

Here's the Full Conversation:

Melvin: Our very first days of making music together probably started when we were eleven or twelve. That was me, Kev, and Ütsch at the time. We were still learning how to play the guitar back then.

Kevin: We became a proper band in 8th grade, I would say, when Luca, our pianist, joined us.

Their newest band member, Tom, entered the picture much later, after meeting the group at an open-stage event in Gettorf. What began as an evening of improvising with local musicians quickly turned into a permanent place in the band.

Tom: I've been part of IF17 for about four months now. I met the band at an open-stage event in Gettorf, where local musicians get together to improvise. We had such a great time playing together that I became the band's permanent drummer. As mentioned, the band had already been together for quite a while, but was looking for a drummer at the time.

Today, IF17’s setlists move between familiar cover songs and the band’s own material. Their sound draws from both rock and pop, with Oasis and the Red Hot Chili Peppers serving as two of their clearest musical reference points. The transition from playing covers to writing original music began during the 2020 pandemic. Without the usual possibilities for live shows or rehearsals, some of their earliest songs were instead created during relaxed sessions by the sea.

Cedric: I would say producing our own songs started during the pandemic; we often went to the beach and made music while sitting in the sand.

Kevin: Most of the time, it's one of us who randomly comes up with something, writes a song, and shares it with the group. Then everybody adds their bits and pieces, either with new ideas or just some nuances, and then we play along and appreciate what the other has written.

Melvin: Yeah, oftentimes Kev shows us an idea, and every one of us then tries to find something fitting for the song, like a bass line or a cool guitar riff or back-up vocals, etc.

Tom: We also plan to start recording at my place, and I'll be helping with production in Ableton Live, which I've used as a hobby for several years.

Although their original songs are not yet available to stream, they already form an important part of IF17’s live shows. When asked to choose a favorite, the answers differ depending on the atmosphere, lyrics, and personal meaning behind each track.

Melvin: I would say that it's hard to choose; I like the different notions each song carries, like sentimental or good-energy songs, etc. When we perform the songs live on stage, I would say my favorite ones are “Desperados” and “Say that I love you”, as “Desperados” has kind of become our signature song, and the other one just has a lot of energy. When I listen to the songs at home alone, I really feel drawn to "Just in case" as it just touches something inside me, like my emotional side. Lyrics-wise, I think "Life is a game" and "Who am I" are masterpieces.

Cedric: I have to name the song “Say that I love you” now, since I came up with it, haha, but to be honest, I like “Who am I” and “Desperados” the most. “Who am I“ has a very groovy sound and really rocks, “Desperados“ gives me chills, and I like the melodic vibe of the songs! Truly two masterpieces by Kev!

Kevin: I think each song is kind of special in its own way. But I really like "Do you know how it feels like", especially the way we perform it together as a band. "Say that I love you" has a really nice vibe as well. On a personal note, I really like "Just in case" and "Life is a game" because they hold deeper meaning for me.

Tom: My favorite IF17 song is "Desperados." It has such a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It really reminds me of watching the sunset and spending a great evening with friends.

Listeners may soon have the opportunity to decide on their own favorites. Recording the songs has been a plan for some time, but the addition of a permanent drummer and access to a home studio have finally made the project feel more realistic. When asked whether they plan to release any of their original songs in the foreseeable future, the band confirms that this is definitely their intention. Getting music from an initial idea to a streaming platform, however, is not as straightforward as it may appear. For smaller bands, writing and performing songs is only one part of the process. Before audiences can listen, they first need to know that the music exists.

Kevin: I think the main struggle is being recognized, as there are so many talents out there.

Cedric: I’d agree; there are a lot of great artists and talented musicians, so it is really hard to stick out.

Tom: Yes, with so many talented musicians out there, it can be quite difficult to reach an audience.

Kevin: On top of that, everything nowadays doesn't work without social media marketing, which requires a lot of time and effort if you really want to make something out of your music, and we’re not necessarily experts when it comes to those things.

Tom: I think in general, making music, recording songs, and organizing live shows all require a lot of time, effort, and often money.

Melvin: Yeah, it's definitely not always easy, but I believe that every small band or artist that is just starting is struggling with these things. But besides that, our approach of starting as a tribute/cover band to get people's attention and then adding some of our own songs to the setlist is working out quite well, I'd say.

The crowd already waiting for their performance at Schleswig swingt suggested that the strategy was working. Still, music is not yet a full-time occupation for the group. Most of the members balance rehearsals and performances with university, teaching, or other jobs.

Cedric: Melvin and I are both currently studying to become teachers while simultaneously working as assistant teachers, social workers, and fruit sellers in the summer months to make ends meet and buy new equipment for the band.

Kevin: It’s pretty much the same for me; I'm studying to become a teacher as well and still have a few years to go, unfortunately. Besides that, I have a part-time job too.

Tom’s situation is a little different right now. Having recently graduated from high school, he is looking forward to having more time available for music.

Tom: At the moment, I don't have a regular job because I recently graduated from high school. However, up until now, balancing school, the band, and my other hobbies has already been quite challenging. Now, I’m really looking forward to spending more time on music.

With five people following different schedules, arranging rehearsals can sometimes become almost as challenging as the music itself. The members have more responsibilities than they did in school, and finding a time that suits everyone now requires considerably more planning.

Melvin: Finding time in between all our different schedules can definitely be quite challenging, but we usually figure it out somehow.

Tom: Fortunately, we're all passionate about making music, which makes it worth the effort.

Their passion for making music also reflects in the advice that they have for other emerging artists. It showcases an awareness that progress does not always need to be measured through streaming numbers, social media followers, or immediate financial success.

Kevin: I'd say just enjoy making music together and focus on the fun and the good times you spend with your friends while doing so.

Cedric: Exactly, there are always struggles, but the most important thing is to worship the spirit and the friendship within your band! Music is there to connect people and have a good time!

Melvin: It should not be seen as a job to make money, but as a pleasure and privilege to actually have the gift to make music. It should not be taken for granted to have good friends who share such a mutual feeling and understanding of music and the enjoyment of doing that.

Tom: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Even if you're inexperienced or nervous, go to open stages, meet other musicians, and tell people that you play music. It's completely okay if something goes wrong during a performance; most people won't even remember the mistakes. The important thing is to keep going, because amazing opportunities can come from simply giving it a try.

Before IF17 headed towards the stage, each member chose a song for  THE UNSEEN'S Artist’s Faves playlist.

Tom: Since our own songs haven't been released yet, I'd like to recommend "Crawling" by Linkin Park. They're one of my favorite bands, and I think it's one of the most emotional songs ever written. It expresses so much feeling while still being incredibly powerful to listen to. Also, "Drag Path" by Twenty One Pilots is a song you definitely should have listened to!

Melvin: As soon as our songs are out, definitely listen to “just in case.” For now, I would say "Idler's Dream" is a hidden gem and "Knutschen" by Niemals, a local band that I really like.

Cedric: I recommend "Slide Away" by Oasis and "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Kevin: Sticking with our influence by Oasis, I'd have to recommend “Don’t Look Back in Anger”.

Shortly afterward, IF17 took the stage at Schleswig swingt, bringing both their covers and original material to the festival audience. Their own songs may still be waiting for their official release, but with recording sessions now planned and a completed line-up in place, IF17 are getting closer to sharing the music they have so far only performed live.

LISTEN TO THE UNSEEN'S ARTIST FAVORITES PLAYLIST HERE: