Otto & Astrid: A Q&A with Berlin’s Multi Award-Winning Sibling Rock Duo

Berlin’s loudest (and possibly most dysfunctional) sibling rock duo, Otto & Astrid, are storming Jackson’s Lane with The Stages Tour as part of London Clown Festival. Known for their chaotic gigs, killer costumes, and dangerously catchy punk-pop anthems, the pair have built a cult following everywhere from Edinburgh to Glastonbury. Fiercely DIY and never fully in sync, their show is a cabaret and comedy show that parodies a music gig. Here, Otto reflects on sibling rivalry, glam rock inspiration, and why he still refuses to call it comedy.

Your show is incredibly physical – how much of the comedy is tightly choreographed versus discovered live?

OTTO: We are a very serious art rock band. I’m not sure why we keep getting booked to do shows at comedy venues and festival.  Maybe people are laughing because they are enjoying themselves so much, they can’t help it.

Your costumes are iconic – how important is the visual element of your performance?

OTTO: My sister Astrid and I have always been obsessed with make-up. When we were kids, we were inspired by artists with a distinctive look—KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Marc Bolan, Nina Hagen, and David Bowie were all big influences. We think if people can hear us with their eyes, then we’re doing it right.

Sibling rivalry is central to the show – how much of that reflects in real life?

OTTO: What happens on stage is no different to what happens in the rest of our life. Astrid is the most important person in the world to me—but we are very different people. She says I’m too sensitive. I say she’s too everything else.

You’ve played stages from Edinburgh to Glastonbury – how does space or audience culture shape the way you perform?

OTTO: Whether we’re in a theatre, a sweaty club, or knee-deep in mud at a festival, all we want to do is connect with the people in front of us. It’s amazing to play for fans—but there’s something really special about winning over someone who was dragged along by a friend and now we’re their favourite band.

What draws you to glam rock as a vehicle for comedy and storytelling?

OTTO: I still don’t understand why you—or anyone—thinks we’re trying to do comedy. Would you ask that question to Leonard Cohen?

What can audiences coming to Jackson’s lane expect?

OTTO: We’re gonna play the greatest rock ‘n’ roll concert anyone has ever seen. We’re playing songs from all our albums—all killer, no filler! Unless Astrid puts in a deep cut. She writes the setlist.

Otto & Astrid are bringing The Stages Tour to Jackson’s Lane Theatre on the 2nd July at 7:30pm as part of London Clown Festival. Tickets are available HERE