Who is Astrid Rot?
I am the drummer and singer in the band Die Roten Punkte, with my brother Otto Rot.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Right now I’m feeling a bit wobbly because I ate too many pancakes. So if I could go back two hours and do things differently, I’d probably have stopped at 5 pancakes and not pushed through to eating all 8 of them.
Who inspires you and why?
I like outspoken people, I like to know what people think and I enjoy hearing clear, strong opinions. I found the recent testimony from Christine Blasey Ford incredibly moving because she is literally going up against the highest ranks of American politics and they will do everything they can to try and discredit her and silence her voice. That is inspiring. I would like to write a song about her.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well if I was a better person and less interested in my own pleasure seeking, then I would do many things! I guess I could volunteer at a local food kitchen? Except I’m not that good at cooking – I am far better at eating. Or… writing a song about Christine Blasey Ford!
Favorite holiday destination and why?
Otto and I try and add holidays into all our touring – even if it just only one day! We take advantage of being in incredible cities and sneaking in some time to explore. Favorite cities (besides Berlin) would have to be Montreal and New York for the food, live music, shows, people, art and the audiences we’ve had there are pretty amazing too!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d start our day at 8.00pm with dinner at Burgermeister am Kottbusser Tor for the BEST burgers in Berlin. Then off to SO36, which is very close to where, Otto and I live to see a few bands, and then we’d head to 8MM for a dance and hang out. By now we’d need a food top up so we’d run to Nil Sudanesischer Imbiss for the best falafels and their famous peanut sauce. Inevitably we’d end up at Berghain. Anything goes there, and I mean anything. We’d play there until at least 10.00am and then have brunch at Café Morgenrot. Then it’s time for a sleepy in someone’s bed.
What are you currently reading?
My Australian friend Nicola has lent me Fight Like a Girl by Clementine Ford – so I’m half way through. It’s making me feel angry, sad and euphoric all at once. She is resilient!
What are you currently listening to?
Otto! Singing in the kitchen. He always sings along with his headphones on when he is doing the dishes. Right now it’s The Smiths – so it’s a bit sad and gloomy.
Happiness is?
When someone else packs away my drums at the end of a concert.
What does the future hold for you?
So much more ROCKing out! We’re getting bendy-rock-physical with Circus Oz this November with our new show together, Rock Bang. Then Rock Bang will tour all over Australia and the world!!
Astrid stars with her brother Otto and Circus Oz in Rock Bang at the Malthouse Theatre for a limited season from 15 November 2018. For more information, visit: www.circusoz.com Rock Bang will also be presented at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres as part of Sydney Festival: 10 – 13 January 2019. For more information, visit: www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Image: Astrid Rot (supplied)