HOW I LEFT • S/T • LP

This Charming Man Records

In the middle of southern Germany’s wine country — where small grapes become fine wine — HOW I LEFT have created their very own soothing sound for lovers.

The How I Left sound will give fans of The Weakerthans, Wilco, or Ben Kweller that pleasant flutter in the stomach. It’s slacker folk meeting catchy indie pop: drums and bass rumble along comfortably, guitars strum loosely, an old piano joins in — and from the junkyard, a rescued Philicorda home organ hums its way into the mix. As soon as the vocals come in, the trained ear can’t help but wonder when the vocal fusion of Paul Simon, Neil Young, and Conor Oberst took place.

Lyrically, the songs recall American short stories — everyday situations, quirky headlines, and human encounters blend into literary miniatures. Headstrong, with a dash of wit.

One half of the duo, Julian Bätz (vocals, guitar, piano, organ), is also known as Helmet Lampshade and often collaborates with songwriting gem Marcel Gein in various live and recording settings. He’s toured Europe with Rocky Votolato and is currently working on his solo album with Olaf O.P.A.L. (The Notwist) and Sebastian L. Phillip (Die Wilde Jagd).

The How I Left magic comes to life through jazz drummer Michy Muuf — the duo’s other half. His casually precise drumming swings straight into the heart, evoking memories of Levon Helm from The Band.

Together, the two create music unlike anything else you’ll hear around here — shaped by mixing and mastering mastermind Christian Bethge (Stella Sommer, Messer, Gewalt). It sounds at least as good as the wine from this part of the country tastes. Promise!