Indiepop fans of the WORLD, unite!
Today we have the honor and opportunity to introduce you to a wonderful German duo: The Simple Present. They are an indie pop band from Stuttgart, in southwestern Germany, composed of Cathrin and Sabine. They met at university, where they were both studying to become English teachers. Their love for pop, and indie pop in particular, is evident in the two songs that make up their first single, available for a long time only as a limited physical 7″ lathe cut (KUS-LC 01) exclusively available at Cologne Popfest 2025.
One of the tracks included on the 7″, the first version of Summer Triangle, was released on all streaming platforms on June 22, 2025, and now, exclusively on TRISTE©, you can also listen to the second track, I’ll Take That with Me, which will soon also be available on the band’s Bandcamp page.
Their debut mini-album, which is currently being recorded, will be released on Germany’s top indiepop label, Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten, in late 2025 or early 2026.

What They Say: “Thank you so much for the opportunity to talk about our band and our favourite music. We played Cologne Popfest in April 2025 and wanted to bring something tangible along so we decided to release two early versions of our songs on a limited lathe cut 7”. I’ll Take That with Me was the first song that we recorded with Florian “Flow” Meya in his Confessional Box studio in Blumenthal. Both recordings on the 7” are early studio versions. They’re probably going to sound slightly different on the finished album.“

“Summer Triangle, the other song on the 7”, has become a favourite of ours to play live“.

Their Mixtape: “We’re so excited that we’re also invited to contribute to your Mixtape series. Here are Cat’s picks. We hope you like them.“

Debby Harry & Kermit The Frog – Rainbow Connection (1979)

Rainbow Connection performed by Kermit the Frog, is one of my favourite songs ever. The key change towards the end is beautiful and the lyrics are dreamy and poetic. I think this version with Debbie Harry is really gorgeous. We’d like to dedicate this song to our dear bass player Guilhem whose first instrument is the banjo.

Popa – Mare di Milano (2020)

Mare di Milano is a song by Lithuanian-Italian artist Popa. I love the harp at the beginning, the beautiful lyrics and Popa‘s soft voice. This song was produced and co-written by Carlos Valderrama who is in a group from Naples called Fitness Forever. Our lovely drummer Alessandro is from Ancona, so we’re actually also part Italian!

Gorillaz – On Melancholy Hill

When I wrote our song Summer Triangle I took On Melancholy Hill as an inspiration to start out. I tend to like songs that only consist of verses. Our producer Flow suggested to add some kind of chorus so we came up with the “this is love” part on Summer Triangle.

Sloe Paul – What I Dream at Night (2025)

This song by Sloe Paul is one of the most beautiful and perfectly written new songs I know. The moment when the chorus comes in is amazing. And I like the angelic singing voice so much.

Japanese Breakfast – Picture Window (2025)

Picture Window by Japanese Breakfast is such a touching song right from the first line. Michelle Zauner is an incredible songwriter, writer and musician. I wish I could have one percent of her talent.

Maustetytöt – Syntynyt suruun ja puettu pettymyksin (2020)

I had an instant crush on Maustetytöt from Finland when I saw them live last year. I never get tired of their super catchy songs.

Pearl & The Oysters – Cruise Control

Pearl & The Oysters are my new favourite band this year. They consist of a French-American couple and play the most relaxed and sunny, bossa-inspired music you can imagine. And I love the flute!

Summer Triangle is out now, while I’ll Take That with Me will be out next week on Bandcamp. The Simple Present’s debut mini album will be out via Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten, in late 2025 or early 2026. Look HERE for more information on The Simple Present.