Lüders Band rocks the School Party
Meet the band that started as a group of music-loving doctoral students and quickly evolved into an energetic rock ensemble. With a unique blend of original songs and covers, they have taken the SCI school's parties by storm. Armin Halilović, one of the band's founders, talks about the band's journey, how they choose their songs, and some memorable moments from the stage.
Tell us about the band.
"Lüders Band started when Philip and I met as newly minted doctoral students at KTH's former Department of Solid Mechanics. We shared a passion for music and had access to a music room at the school where we could play together daily. Soon, Erik, another musical doctoral student who learned to play the bass, joined us. We started with covers but quickly discovered the joy of writing our own music. During the pandemic, we wrote a lot, and Erik's childhood friend Victor joined as a guitarist and singer.
In the winter/spring of 2022, the school's administrative manager, Helene "Sheriff" Rune, contacted us. She had heard rumors about our band and wondered if we wanted to play at the SCI school's summer party. We immediately said yes! Helene mentioned that Klaus Kröncke, an associate professor in mathematics, was also a jazz pianist and suggested he could play with us. We were initially hesitant to mix jazz and rock, but after rehearsing with Klaus, we quickly realized it worked brilliantly. The collaboration with him went great, and the performance was a huge success!
With that experience and several original songs, we wanted to play more, so we agreed to the 2023 school party. Singers Helena, Paloma, and Alina joined. Klaus couldn't participate, so we got help from Erik's sister Sofia on piano and his brother Magnus on saxophone. This year, the lineup has changed, and those of us playing are: Philip Croné, Erik Jungstedt, Klaus Kröncke, Helena Samara, Paloma Ruiz de Castroviejo Teba, and Armin Halilović."
What kind of music do you play, and how do you choose songs for the school party?
"Our thoughts on song choices have evolved over time. Previously, we wanted to get the audience going quickly after a long three-course dinner by starting with our most energetic and lively songs. We've now realized that this might not always be the best approach, even though it has been appreciated by the older gang of the SCI school. In short, we adapt our song choices based on who is in the band and what we think the audience will appreciate. We mix our own songs with covers and vary genres from rock to soul and disco."
What is the most unexpected song on your playlist right now?
"Unfortunately, I can't reveal that; you'll have to see on June 4th."
Do you have any special pre-show rituals before going on stage?
"Unconsciously, yes! We usually gather outside on the terrace at the Proviant restaurant just before going on stage. There we warm up our voices, get the blood flowing in our legs, and chat a bit in general."
Can you share a memorable reaction from the audience at one of your previous performances?
"Yes, there are plenty! But above all, we remember one time when someone in the audience wanted to sing along to one of our songs (I think it was an Ebba Grön song). He came up on stage, took my microphone, and managed to knock over my stand with notes and picks that flew all over the dance floor. It was very harmless, and we laugh about it today. A big thanks for that memory!"