Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with THE JUNGLE
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest music memory was listening to the famous “Red Album” by The Beatles. I was fascinated by the melodies, harmonies and emotions. Even as a kid, I felt there was something magical about music.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
A key moment was watching ABBA perform “Waterloo” at the Eurovision Song Contest. Seeing the energy, the costumes and especially that famous star-shaped guitar made me think: “That’s what I want to do one day.”
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The Jungle originally started in the 90s and became quite successful in Switzerland. After a 25-year break, the passing of our close friend and former band member Didi brought the remaining members back together. It felt like the right moment to continue the story — not only for ourselves, but also for the fans who never forgot the band.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
We play melodic AOR / 80s & 90s inspired rock-pop.
If you like bands like Huey Lewis & The News, Bryan Adams or Extreme, you’ll probably feel very comfortable with The Jungle.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Do what you truly love and never make compromises just to follow trends. Music only works when it feels honest.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
We are still a very traditional rock band at heart — guitars, keyboards, live drums, real performances. But today there are many fantastic digital tools for demos, songwriting and internal collaboration. Thanks to that, everyone arrives at rehearsals fully prepared and already knows exactly what to play.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m very open-minded musically. Genre doesn’t matter to me — quality songwriting does. Last week I accompanied my daughter to a Neighborhood concert and really enjoyed it. They have some fantastic songs with a cool indie vibe.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I think personal experiences influence every musician and songwriter deeply. It’s difficult to measure exactly how much, but life experiences, good and bad moments, definitely shape the emotions and stories behind our music.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
With The Jungle, we want to take listeners on a musical time travel between 2026 and the 90s. After our comeback show, many people told us: “For two hours, you brought us back to the 90s.” That was probably the biggest compliment we could receive.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Without music, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. I was lucky enough to make a living through music — not mainly on stage, but behind the scenes as a music agent, promoter and PR professional.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Playing again at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich in front of 40,000 people — like we did back in 1996 — would definitely be special. But honestly, we are simply happy to play wherever people want to hear us and where the atmosphere feels right.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Aerosmith.
For me personally, they are simply the greatest rock band in the world.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Spotify, Apple Music, Facebook & Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Jungle/100095449447742/
https://www.instagram.com/thejungle1994/
https://music.apple.com/ch/artist/the-jungle/1831960208
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Since this is a comeback for us, it’s all about “wanting to” — not “having to.” We don’t have a masterplan or career pressure anymore. We’re simply grateful to make music together again after 25 years. Right now, we’re focusing on festivals and club shows in Switzerland, and enjoying every moment of this second journey.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That behind all the nostalgia, live energy and guitars, there are simply a group of friends who genuinely love making music together again. I think people can feel when something comes from the heart — and that’s exactly what this comeback is about.
Representative YouTube Video
