Today, we sat down with Scheppe Siwen to discuss inspiration to write music, heroes, and much more. Be sure to check out the music of Scheppe Siwen below after the interview!
Interview:
What is your inspiration to write your music? Is it your surroundings?
Absolutely! Our music draws from the heartbeat of life in Luxembourg, from the echoes of village celebrations and the spirit of gathering at local bars, to the vibrant street sounds of our hometowns. We’re inspired by topics that spark strong emotions—memories, ideas, or moments that hit close to the heart. Musically, we’re a potpourri of everything we love: it’s upbeat, easy to listen to, and meant to put a smile on your face. When we see people of all ages dancing, cheering, and connecting at our shows, it’s like hearing our surroundings sing back to us.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
Each of us has such a mix of musical influences that it’s almost a musical buffet! Some of us grew up on Luxembourgish bar songs and local brass band music, while others had their hearts in punk, hardcore, and even classical music. We’re a melting pot—our bassist might tell you he was into metal and punk, while our trumpet players grew up on jazz and fanfare sounds. All these sounds come together like pieces of a puzzle, creating the style that makes Schëppe Siwen what it is today.
Is there someone you looked up to as a hero?
If you asked each of us, you’d get different answers, but we share respect for people who carve their own path. We admire those who start out alone, following their vision even if no one else sees it yet. When people finally join their journey, it’s like a spark turning into a flame, shaping how we see reality and even history. Whether they’re in music, literature, or any other field, we’re inspired by those who stay true to themselves and redefine the world around them.
In a way, our heroes are also the people we see coming to every show, singing along with us and helping us fulfill our vision of spreading Luxembourgish around the world. By doing so, they’re keeping this very small language alive and making it resonate far beyond our borders. Their support turns our music into a shared journey that keeps our roots strong and our culture thriving.
If you weren’t musicians, what would you be doing today?
If we weren’t musicians, we’d probably still be storytellers, just through different outlets. Maybe we’d be wandering poets, travelers exploring cultures around the world, or festival organizers celebrating live music. A couple of us might be pulling pints in pubs, talking about the “good old days.” But honestly, life without music is hard to imagine for us—it’s in our bones!
What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create music?
First off, do it your way. Take in all the music around you, from bar tunes to folk songs, and add your own twist to it. Music should feel like an extension of yourself, something you’d still be proud of ten years from now. And when you play live, give everything you’ve got, every single time. Most importantly, stay humble and be real. Music isn’t just about notes; it’s about connecting with people and leaving a piece of your soul in every song and every concert.
Music:
