Seiler und Speer: The Unconventional Folk-Rock Duo from Austria
Seiler und Speer are an Austrian folk-rock duo known for their witty, dialect-driven songs and energetic live performances. Hailing from Styria, the pair achieved massive commercial success in the German-speaking world, with their 2016 album "Ham kummst" reaching number one in Austria and going platinum.
Early career
The duo formed in 2011, consisting of singer and lyricist Vitus "Seiler" Maria Kreiger and multi-instrumentalist and composer Bernhard "Speer" Speer. Their musical partnership began informally, blending Kreiger's background in poetry and theater with Speer's expertise in folk and rock instrumentation to create a distinct, narrative style.
Their first official release was the 2012 EP "Seiler und Speer," which introduced their signature sound of acoustic guitars, accordion, and bitingly humorous observations on everyday life. This early work laid the groundwork for their grassroots following, built through relentless touring on the Austrian and German club circuit.
Breakthrough
The year 2016 marked their explosive breakthrough with the single and album "Ham kummst." The title track became an inescapable hit, its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about a chaotic party resonating widely. The album "Ham kummst" topped the Austrian albums chart for weeks and was certified triple platinum, selling over 60,000 copies.
This success was solidified by their major-label partnership with Columbia Records, a Sony Music imprint, which provided a larger platform for their music. Their follow-up album, "Für immer," released in 2018, also debuted at number one in Austria, proving their breakthrough was no fluke.
Key tracks
Ham kummst — This breakthrough single defined their career with its anthemic chorus and became a platinum-selling staple at festivals.
Bist du depad — Another major hit from the "Ham kummst" album, this track showcased their ability to craft intelligent, conversational lyrics within a folk-rock framework.
Schifoan — A later single that became a winter sports anthem, demonstrating their deep connection to Austrian culture and its chart dominance during the ski season.
Für immer — The title track from their second number-one album highlighted a slightly more polished production while maintaining their core lyrical wit.
Continued success and style
Seiler und Speer have consistently avoided mainstream pop conventions, instead building a loyal fanbase with their authentic, sometimes rough-around-the-edges presentation. Their concerts are celebrated as high-energy events where the audience sings along to every word of their dialect lyrics.
While not known for high-profile collaborations, their work is deeply collaborative within the Austrian music scene, often featuring other local musicians. Their discography includes several live albums and EPs that capture the raw, communal spirit of their performances, a key element of their enduring appeal.
Their musical genre is best described as modern folk-rock with strong punk and singer-songwriter influences, all delivered in their distinctive Styrian dialect. This specific regional flavor, combined with universal themes, is central to the Seiler und Speer identity and their cross-generational success in Austria and Germany.
Fans of the Seiler und Speer style who appreciate regional dialect and folk-infused rock might also enjoy Hubert von Goisern, a pioneer of modern Austrian folk music. The narrative songwriting of Wanda shares a similar energetic and witty approach, though with a more rock'n'roll foundation. For another perspective on German-language folk-pop, explore Annemay Cooperative. The raw, acoustic-driven energy of Tocotronic also provides an interesting stylistic parallel in the German music landscape.
The music of Seiler und Speer is a regular feature on Austrian and German folk-rock and hit radio stations, as well as on various online radio streams dedicated to European alternative and indie music. Their biggest hits receive constant airplay, ensuring their songs remain part of the cultural conversation.
Listeners can discover the unique folk-rock sound of Se
