Join Pipeman in conversation with Mick, Nicky, and Daniel from Expello live at Wacken. The episode dives deep into Expello's journey through metal contests, performing at international festivals, their approach to community in music, issues of hate, social media, personal authenticity, political perspectives, and their plans for the future. Humor and insight abound in this candid discussion that moves effortlessly from band stories to broader social topics.Main Topics Covered
Expello’s Journey to Wacken and International Metal Battle Success
Philosophy on Music, Performance, and Audience Connection
Dealing with Social Media, Hate, and Personal Authenticity
Perspectives on Politics, Privilege, and Social Responsibility
Band Anniversaries, New Music, and Merch
Community, Friendship, and “Be Kind or Be Quiet” Ethos
Key Discussions & StoriesExpello’s Path to Wacken
Mick recounts the band's initial reluctance toward contests and how their manager encouraged them to try again after a disappointing first experience (01:00).
The process of competing in the Swiss Rock ‘n’ Metal Battle, performing against top national bands, and unexpectedly advancing and winning (02:17).
Playing Without Pressure
The band reflects on their “just play” attitude, believing their prize was simply to perform at Wacken, not win, which let them play with less pressure (04:38).
Pipeman credits this lack of ego as a key to success (05:28).
Community & Audience Connection
Mick and Nicky describe the band’s relationship with their audience as a friendship or family, preferring “friendos” over “fans” (07:02).
The powerful and surreal experience of hearing audiences sing their lyrics back (08:28).
Discussion of music as therapy for both artists and listeners, and the importance of allowing audiences to find their own meaning in songs (10:01).
Social Media & Hate
Stories about reactions to Nicky’s painted nails and rainbow guitar strap, and Mick’s visible muscles, highlighting body shaming and hate online (17:00).
Commentary on internet culture, social media amplification, and the influence of negative political leaders (20:08).
Political & Social Viewpoints
The team discusses the importance of good political leadership, building bridges, and the realities behind clickbait headlines (22:04).
Mick details working with politicians from different camps and the hope found in collaborative community-level politics (24:11).
Dialogue about privilege, wealth, and fair distribution of resources, with comparisons between Swiss and American attitudes (31:08).
Examination of religious tithing, charity, and complexities in addressing poverty (36:20).
The “Be Kind or Be Quiet” Ethic
Discussion around not generalizing or spreading hate, with memorable quotes about kindness and the value of silence when kindness cannot be offered (43:19).
Band Anniversary & What’s Next
Expello is celebrating their 20-year anniversary with a special show in Zurich (45:25).
Plans for more international shows and engagement, including hopes to tour in the United States (46:45).
The challenges and reluctance around content creation for social media as musicians (49:06).
Encouragement for fans to connect on TikTok and Instagram (@Expello Official), and instructions for ordering worldwide merch (48:02).
Notable Quotes
“We also don't refer to people who listen to our music as fans. It's more like our friendos, our friends. We see ourselves like as some kind of a big family.” — Mick (07:02)
“True musicians just want to play music. The people that try to be rock stars are the ones that never are rock stars.” — Pipeman (06:03)
“It costs you nothing to just be kind. And even if you can't, for the love of whatever, if you can't bring it upon yourself to be kind, then you can at least be quiet.” — Mick (43:19)
“If a king has to say ‘I am the king,’ he's no king.” — Nicky (21:20)
“Be kind or be quiet.” — Pipeman, encapsulating the band’s message.
Worldwide merch available via link in bio on social platforms.
Connect with Expello on all major streaming platforms like Spotify.
For event info: Anniversary show in Zurich (end of November, check socials for details).
Pipeman mentions covering US metal festivals and support for booking Expello in the United States.
Mention of Expello headliner at Headbanger Stage at Wacken.
Pipeman in the Pit is a music, festival, and interview segment of The Adventures of Pipeman Radio Show (#pipemanradio) and from The King of All Festivals while on The Pipeman Radio Tour.
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