Rainbirds band Then and Now - "Blueprint"

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Rainbirds is a German pop rock band originally formed in Berlin in 1986. The group was founded by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Katharina Franck, whose poetic lyrics and emotive voice have been at the core of the band’s identity throughout its various incarnations. The band’s name was inspired by an instrumental track by Tom Waits, reflecting their artistic and introspective nature.

Origins and Early Success
Rainbirds gained early recognition after winning the Berlin Senate Rock Competition in 1986, which led to a record deal with Mercury Records. Their self-titled debut album Rainbirds was released in 1987 and included the single "Blueprint", which became a major hit across Europe in 1988. This track remains their most well-known song and brought them international attention.

The original trio consisted of:

Katharina Franck – vocals, guitar

Michael Beckmann – bass

Wolfgang Glum – drums

Shortly after the release of their debut album, guitarist Rodrigo González (later of Die Ärzte) joined the band for live performances, further enhancing their live sound.

Evolution and Line-up Changes
The second album, Call Me Easy, Say I'm Strong, Love Me My Way, It Ain't Wrong (1989), marked a stylistic development for the band and included a music video directed by acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn. After its release, the original lineup disbanded.

Katharina Franck continued Rainbirds as a duo with pianist Ulrike Haage, bringing a more minimalist, art-pop direction to their music. This period saw the release of:

Two Faces (1991)

In a Different Light (1993)

Later, drummer Tim Lorenz joined, forming a trio that recorded:

Making Memory (1996)

Forever (1997)

rainbirds3000.live (1999) – a live album showcasing their dynamic stage presence

Following these releases, the band went on hiatus.

Return and New Era
In 2013, Rainbirds returned with a new lineup:

Katharina Franck – vocals, guitar

Bela Brauckmann – drums

Gunter Papperitz – keyboards and electronics

This new formation brought a modern, electronic edge to their sound. In 2014, they released Yonder, an album that featured both new material and reinterpretations of earlier work, signaling a reflective yet forward-looking phase in their career.

Musical Style and Legacy
Rainbirds' music blends pop, rock, and art-pop, often with atmospheric arrangements and introspective lyrics. Their style evolved from guitar-based new wave and post-punk influences to include piano-driven ballads and electronic experimentation. Katharina Franck’s distinctive voice and lyrical storytelling remain the constant thread throughout their discography.
Band: Rodrigo González, Michael Beckmann, Katharina Franck, Wolfgang Glum,
Rainbirds are considered a significant part of Germany’s late-80s and 90s music scene, standing out for their artistic ambition and emotional depth. Their work has inspired a loyal following and continues to resonate with fans of thoughtful, genre-defying music.
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