I was recently introduced to the music of German metal band Rammstein while riding in an Uber over the weekend. When the Uber driver played “Du Hast,” my friends and I were startled to say the least. I encourage you, the reader of this post, to take a listen. Perhaps I found the song so unique because I am not familiar with many metal bands, but I immediately wanted to know the name of the song as it blasted through the speakers. Our driver described Rammstein as a band known for their clever lyrics (this song makes a pun of “hast” meaning to have or possess and “hasst” meaning to hate) and incredibly daring live performances that feature pyrotechnics. I decided to do more research.
According to Independent, Rammstein was one of the pioneers of the new German hardness movement in the mid-nineties, creating a blend of alt-metal, groove, and electronica that made them “the only example of the genre to reach a truly seismic global audience.” What about this band in particular has caused their rise to fame? If we employ Gardner’s triangular model of creativity, I would hypothesize that the answer lies in the relationship between the work and other people — the ability to appeal to their audience.
Their choice of lyrics and topics over the years have led to plenty of controversy, so much so that in 2009, Rammstein’s album "Liebe ist Für Alle Da" was banned from public display in German stores under the “Youth Protection Law” for images and lyrics that conveyed sadism/masochism and therefore deemed to be harmful to children and young people (see the article from billboard.com). However, the album had already been topping the Billboard charts across Europe, gone platinum in Germany, and reached No. 13 in the United States. Since 1995, the band’s albums have apparently touched on various controversial topics, including pyromania, cannibalism, and even incest. These sensitive topics do not seem to have had a negative impact on the band’s success, but rather have drawn people into their fanbase.
After an eight year hiatus, the band came back together to work on new music and plan live performances for their fans. An article from loudersound.com describes Rammstein’s previous tours as “fantastical” and “downright shocking.” Band member Paul described their creative process as such: “The way we think about it is: what would we like to see if we were watching a concert? How would we like the concert to begin, how would we like the middle section to be, and how would we want it to end?” Based on this statement, it seems as though the band relies on vivid mental imagery to craft their highly anticipated live performances (Guilford). The combination of visual spectacle along with the controversial topics undoubtedly makes Rammstein’s music exciting and keeps fans eagerly anticipating the next surprise.
The work ethic and motivation of the group seems to enhance their creative output as well. “We put as much effort into the music as we do the show. Just as we put as much effort into the photos, the lights, the videos because we know that they all belong together. Every element has its part to play and supports each other,” says Schneider to Independent. His band mate Landers stated, “We try to have more moments in Rammenstein music that make you feel good; if it looks good, then it also sounds good.” Again, the group seems to focus on the sensory experiences of listening and playing their music to guide their creative process, following the direction of what they themselves enjoy. There is plenty of intrinsic motivation behind their most recent album, which comprises part of Amabile's "componential model" of creativity, along with the strong work ethic described by Schneider. Paul explained that it had been “more of a voluntary process” since the band is not under contractual obligation (an extrinsic motivator!) to bring out albums at specific intervals, so they had been “following fate and not trying to determine it.” Richard sums up their source of motivation by saying, “The only pressure we have is from us. That is way enough anyway. If it’s shit, we just don’t put it out!”
Overall, Rammstein’s success seems to be a product of their bold experimentation with music and performance, mastery of mental imagery and sensory experience, and a deep personal desire to produce music that they love to create.
https://www.loudersound.com/features/rammstein
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