Truth be told, German indie music hasn’t had the best reputation lately. And it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about indie rock or indie pop here, both have been getting a lot of slack, are being called pretentious and cringe – even more so if the songs in question mention Berlin or Vienna. Megan’s new song ‘sommerregen in wien’ is an exception here. Because while she does sing about the latter – the city name is even featured in the title which translates to “summer rain in Vienna” – the track is an authentic portrayal of Viennese charm and youthful recklessness. Moreover, the track doesn’t necessarily only fall into the indie category, as there are a few rock and alternative elements to it.
Even if you don’t speak German, you’ll certainly feel the nostalgia in the song that captures the vibe of the city perfectly. The lyrics tell the tale of a summer full of juvenile silliness; it’s light-hearted and fun but at the same time, it carries a heavy sense of nostalgia.
However, the catchy beat, the airy chorus and the backing vocals give that nostalgia a positive spin. Yes, those fun times are over, but reminiscing about them is just as fun; the effortless flow of the lyrics intensifies the carefree feeling of the song. In addition, Megan sporadically throws in typical Viennese words. So, although technically, the track falls into the German indie category, there is a strong Austrian, specifically Viennese vibe to it.
In fact, ‘sommerregen in wien’ sounds almost like a song by Christina Stürmer, a music icon from the early 2000s, who is somewhat of a pioneer when it comes to Austrian pop rock. Megan’s style is not too dissimilar. Talking of style, this is yet another reason why “sommerregen in wien” stands out in the sea of indie songs. Not only does she have a distinctive voice, her fashion style matches that uniqueness and gives her star power.
It can be said that ‘sommerregen in wien’ is a special love letter – to the city, to the past, to summer.
Written by: Melanie Falkensteiner
Edited by: Nèri Cliteur
