Using His Stage to Stay Vocal About Positive Change for Over 30 Years
In 2002, when I was a touring merchandiser for bands, I went on my first tour in Europe. One of the bands on the tour was the German punk band, Donots. I actually rode on a bus with them too. As a result, I literally and figuratively became close with them, especially the Knollman brothers: Guido and Ingo. I admired how the band was such a positive, upbeat group of dudes and were able to go on stage every night, encouraging the crowd to pay attention to problems in our world and offer solutions to benefit all of us.
Over the years, because of social media, I've stayed in touch with Ingo and we both casually stayed up to date with what the other was doing. At the same time, in my years working with reuse, I've seen how Germany has been ahead of the game in numerous areas (glass soda and beer bottle refilling, reusable bags, etc). So, I thought I would dip into my past music industry life and reach out to Ingo. And I was reminded yet again that reusing is truly something that everyone in the world can take part in to make a positive impact on our shared planet. Enjoy.
1. You're based in Germany; a place that I visited many times during the 2000s with bands, but unfortunately didn't have much exploring time. I was wondering if used clothing and thrift stores are currently popular there like they are in the US?
Oh yeah, that has always been quite a big deal over here. People love vintage clothes, used stuff and exploring fancy thrift shops. And I have a feeling that it’s luckily getting even more popular these days.
2. With Donots, you have certainly not been quiet about your beliefs and politics. Could you talk about what has inspired you to use your platform to start those conversations?
I guess that growing up in a subculture it sort of becomes an obligation or second nature to ask questions and wear your tongue on the sleeve. It’s in the DNA of punk and you’re being exposed to problems that a lot of people don’t think about. You grow up to question traditions, finding alternative solutions, activating other people, speaking up against all the wrong in this world and you get more vocal in the long run.
Communication has always been the key and diving deep into lyrics and zine articles definitely shaped me to become the person I am today. Our band has been around for some 30 years now so we met a lot of interesting and amazing people along the way. And on the other hand, we saw a lot of bullshit, double standards, conserative structures, right wing shifts and all the stuff that keeps you awake at night; even more so now that we all have families and kids.
But since our band has been doing really well recently and we get to play the biggest shows in 3 decades nowadays, it’d be irresponsible not to use our full scope and range. Playing for bigger audiences of course means playing to younger kids too. And those are the ones you really gotta wanna reach out to. They are still open to new ideas. They’re not spoiled yet and they carry a lot of possible positivity for this planet. That being said, I can’t recommend all ages shows enough!
Also we always try to make this world a better place if only for a couple moments by inviting NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to our shows and have them set up info booths and launch street teams to dish out some much needed information. Music is of course entertainment and escapism in the first place but I love the fact that it can be much more than that. You don’t need to be outspoken politically on stage, but I can’t understand how artists don’t raise their voice in interviews or on social platforms. It’s our interface to a better world, isn't it?
3. As a performer and attendee of many big festivals in Germany, how does sustainability come into play at these events? Do you see reusable drink cups often?
I mean there’s still a whole lot of work to be done and space for improvement but things are getting a lot better when it comes to sustainability at festivals these days. Most of the open air festivals are already handing out reusable cups - and there’s already a couple of open airs that even install bio toilets over here.
4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life?
When it comes to myself and the waste that I produce, I’m afraid I am using my car way too often. I try and ride my bike a lot more to cut down on that sort of pollution. Also, I do find myself forgetting my reusable Descendents cup at home way too often and I love coffee just a bit too much too be honest. Apart from that, I can’t believe how much plastic is being used for all sorts of bull crap.
5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste?
I’m not an environmental expert, but judging from my 48 years on this planet I do see a lot of improvement from back in the day when I was young and nowadays. We did cut down on waste a whole lot more in general, make better use of recycling, alternative energy sources and also waste sorting is much more of a thing today.
6. How do you think Germany could step up the solutions to the waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else?
Well, it might not seem like much, but every little bit helps, doesn’t it? I’m really happy that bottle caps in Germany are now attached to the bottles so they’re not being disposed everywhere. Also the legal grip on people smoking is becoming tighter and tighter which is a good thing.
7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways?
I’d say the most vivid memories would be my parents and grandparents already reusing all sorts of glass when I was young instead of throwing it all away. Like jars for mustard or jam - when they were empty, my parents and grand parents would clean them and reuse them as containers for fruit or as drinking glasses.
8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new?
I just love old furniture: old cupboards, shelfs, tables and chairs, all that. I’d much rather buy used ones in second hand stores. The new stuff is almost always way too expensive. Plus, old stuff just tells great stories!
9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road?
I just can’t walk past piles of vinyl records, old video games or books when somebody puts them in the streets before they’re being thrown away for good.
10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used and why? Got a photo?
I just LOVE the table in our living room which we bought from a thrift store!
Learn more about Ingo and his band on the Donots official site.
And below, you can also listen to the Donots' new single released this week:
"Allein zu allein" (Alone too Alone)
To order a One of a Kind REUSE! T-Shirt like Ingo is wearing in his profile photo,
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