17 Hippies: Berlin's Eclectic Folk Orchestra

17 Hippies are a genre-defying acoustic ensemble from Berlin, Germany, renowned for their vibrant fusion of folk, chanson, and world music. Since their formation in 1995, the collective has built a substantial international following, releasing over a dozen albums and performing at major festivals across Europe, solidifying their status as cult favorites in the alternative folk scene.

Early career

The group's story began in the mid-1990s in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district, born from the city's lively underground music scene. Their name, a playful misnomer as they typically feature between 12 and 14 members, reflected their eclectic and non-conformist spirit from the start. Their self-titled debut album arrived in 1997 on their own label, Hippieland Records, establishing their signature sound built on an unusual arsenal of instruments including accordion, violin, brass, and the Turkish saz.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough to a wider European audience came with their 1999 album “Wer ist das?” and its 2002 follow-up “Heimlich”. These releases, distributed by labels like Virgin and later Buda Musique in France, captured their energetic live essence and intricate arrangements. While not achieving mainstream chart success, these albums earned critical acclaim and significant airplay on European world music and public radio stations, expanding their fanbase beyond Germany.

Key tracks

“Guten Morgen” — This upbeat, brass-driven track from the album "Heimlich" became an early live staple and a perfect introduction to their joyous, communal sound.

“Ifni” — A song showcasing their international influences, blending Balkan rhythms with Western European folk melodies into a compelling instrumental piece.

“Marlène” — A track highlighting their skill with French chanson, featuring delicate vocals and wistful accordion lines that underscore their stylistic range.

“Ride Me” — A later-career track demonstrating their playful lyrical style and ability to craft infectiously catchy folk-pop tunes.

The band continued to evolve, releasing albums like “El Dorado” in 2007 and “Phantom Songs” in 2013, each exploring different facets of their collective musical curiosity. Notable collaborations include working with British singer-songwriter Christopher Richard Barker and sharing stages with diverse acts from across the global folk spectrum. Their consistent output and relentless touring, particularly in France and Central Europe, have cemented their reputation as a formidable and unique live act.

Fans of 17 Hippies' pan-European folk fusion might also enjoy the music of Die Hochstapler, another Berlin-based ensemble reviving vintage jazz and swing with a modern twist. The playful cabaret style of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band shares a similar communal, brass-heavy energy. For more intricate Balkan-inspired rhythms, explore Fanfare Ciocarlia, the Romanian brass masters. The eclectic acoustic spirit is also echoed by The Pogues, who similarly blended folk traditions with punk attitude.

The innovative and festive sounds of 17 Hippies have earned them regular rotation on a variety of specialty radio formats. Their music is featured on independent music radio stations focusing on world music, as well as on public radio programs and online radio streams dedicated to European folk and acoustic discoveries.

Listeners can discover the rich, genre-blending catalog of 17 Hippies through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to hear their music on stations that celebrate innovative folk and global acoustic music.