STOPPE · Stuttgart–EsslingenRiffs. Groove.
Stories.

Riffs, groove, and stories: STOPPE writes original songs in Germany’s Stuttgart–Esslingen area. The five musicians bring together influences from alternative rock, blues rock, folk rock, and punk rock. Vocals, guitars, bass, and drums frame lyrics rooted in personal experiences and social issues. Dirk Stoppe writes the lyrics. The arrangements are a collective effort: ideas become songs in the rehearsal room, with everyone contributing. Dirk handles vocals and guitar, Sven Schwarzmann plays lead guitar, and Matthias Zimmer plays rhythm guitar. Andreas Schäfer on drums and Andreas Streble on bass round out the lineup. STOPPE’s first rehearsal took place in 2022 in bassist Andreas Streble’s basement in Stuttgart-Gaisburg. The four musicians met in secret because rehearsals weren’t officially allowed during the pandemic. Rhythm guitarist Matthias Zimmer joined as the fifth member in 2023. On stage, Dirk engages directly with the audience. Samples connect with the song, the show, or the theme of the night. The band’s shared love of playing comes through in the energy on stage. STOPPE wants to share its stories with the people in front of it.