Elevator Boys about new projects, Christmas traditions and social media
“There are theseUgly Christmas Sweater. We have onePretty Sweater” – rich red with beautifully curved writing in white. It couldn't be more classic. Jacob Rott, Julien Brown, Tim Schäcker, Luis Freitag and Bene Schulz – together online and offline– are definitely in. “Each of us threw something around, and in the end we got the best out of this large pool of ideas,” they tell me, speaking from the living room in the Elevator Boys Mansion in Berlin – all of them wearing sweaters of their own design, of course.
Together with Amazon, we not only created the Christmas sweater, but also a cover of the hit “Jingle Bell Rock”. If you haven't heard the version, adapted for the younger generation, you canAmazon Musicdo. The Christmas sweater has been available exclusively since December 3, 2024amazon.deavailable for 59 euros. While there was immediate agreement on the color scheme, distressed look and Y2K star details, it took some time to choose the lettering. Everyone is happy with the end product, after all it can be combined in many different ways. Bene has a “pro tip” ready. “If you want to look smart for your grandma at Christmas, wear a shirt or polo underneath so the collar shows. Styling like this is always well received by older generations.”
“Elevator Boys x Amazon Music”-Christmas-Sweater
From TikTok phenomenon to boy band
For more than a year now, the Elevator Boys have been working together not only on social media, but also musically as a boy band. Now there’s the first Christmas song – a cover of “Jingle Bells Rock”. The original by Bobby Helms was released in 1957 and has been featured in almost every Christmas playlist since then. Would you like some thought support from Luis? The dance scene. But why reinterpret this song? “It's an absolute classic. We all associate the Christmas season with it. And the song itself just puts you in a good mood,” answers Julien.
While fun and passion are always at the forefront of producing - many of them have been singing and playing instruments since childhood - I asked the five boys where they encountered difficulties. “The biggest challenge is not the production, but deciding which title to publish,” Jacob tells me. “Each of us has our own individual tastes, and coming to a common denominator is not easy. Everyone should support the song and like it so that we can perform it together for many years to come.”
Sebastian Mowka / saymyname; Getty Images; Collage: Condé Nast Germany
A project for a good cause
Music accompanies us all through life. She is the oneto beautiful moments, but also acts as support when we are feeling bad. The Internet and social media have made everything more intense, faster and more anonymous, which is already too muchhas led. A topic that is particularly important to the Elevator Boys. They have been supporting HateAid, a non-profit online human rights organization based in Berlin, for several years. As part of the Christmas project with Amazon, they are donating 20,000 euros to the aid network.
“We also experienced negativity early in our careers, but we are not alone in this,” they say. Instagram, TikTok and Co. are a world of their own in which active civil courage is unfortunately not yet the norm. “We see ourselves as having a responsibility to set a good example not only for our community, but for the entire social media space. “So many young people follow us, so it’s important to us to support as best we can and make social media a better place for everyone,” emphasizes Jacob.
“Take role models in real life!” – this is how the Elevator Boys manage their lives online
Social media is the constant companion of Jacob, Luis, Bene, Tim and Julien. As much as the five friends have achieved through their online presence, they also often had to struggle with the dark sides of social media. Over the years they have been able to find ways together to deal with hate comments etc.
“What helped us a lot was realizing that the people who come across us on social media only know a picture or a video of us. Nobody can grasp and understand you as a holistic person in a few seconds,” says Jacob. “For many people, this anonymity online is a kind of shadow in which they can operate and project negativity. As hard as it is, you have to try not to let something like that get to you.” They have each other, they say, and find stability within their group. I asked her for tips and tricks on how we can all use social media in a positive and healthy way.
- Use social media in moderation
- Don't reach for your smartphone immediately after getting up
- Establish an everyday routine in which screen time is kept to a minimum
- Use digital detox apps like “One-Sec” or “Focus Lock” that regulate your social media consumption
- Look for role models offline in order to stay away from unrealistic ideals of beauty
Christmas with the Elevator Boys
Every family has its traditions,chosen familiesincluding. The Elevator Boys, together with their parents and team, reflect on the year at the annual get-together before everyone enjoys the holidays at home. Even though this year the choice for the Christmas look will fall on the sweater you designed yourself, I wanted to know from you which Christmas song is your personal favorite. Of course, choosing your own was not allowed. The result?
Die “Elevator Boys”-Christmas-Playlist:
- Jacob: “Mistletoe” von Justin Bieber
- Luis: “Ave Maria”
- Good: “Snowman” von Sia
- Tim: “Jingle Bell Rock” (Original)
- Julien: “All I want for Christmas is You” von Mariah Carey
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