Hailing from Bonn in Germany, Last Night’s Keepsake is a project born from collaboration, creativity and the possibilities of modern music creation. Built through connections forged online and driven by a shared appreciation for candid songwriting and timeless rock music, the project has bloomed into something far greater than a simple recording experiment. It’s led by songwriter and musician Philipp Huemmerich, whose compositions provide the base for a sound informed by emotion, reflection and a passion for guitar-driven music.
While Philipp writes and records all of the material, Last Night’s Keepsake shines through the contributions of a carefully assembled creative team. Recognising that bringing his songs fully to life required voices capable of matching their emotional context, he linked up with two distinctive vocalists; German alternative singer-songwriter Clara Clasen contributes her expressive and recognisable voice, while UK-based vocalist, songwriter and session musician Jamie Wiltshire brings additional character to the endeavor.
Together, the trio has developed a creative partnership that allows each song to find its own identity. The origins of Last Night’s Keepsake feel particularly fitting for the current era, instead of forming through local scenes or traditional industry pathways, the project rose through the connective power of the internet. A shared enthusiasm for music gradually developed into a collaborative outlet where geography became secondary to artistic chemistry, resulting in an output that feels unified despite being created across borders.
Their first public release landed in 2024 with a cover of The Beatles’ “Now & Then,” featuring Clara on vocals and since then, Last Night’s Keepsake has continued to build momentum through a growing catalogue of releases. This year has proven particularly significant, with a string of new songs leading towards what represents the project’s most substantial artistic statement to date.
The arrival of their eponymous debut album marks an important moment, bringing together the ideas, influences and creative relationships that have shaped the project from the very beginning. Throughout the record, Philipp’s songwriting remains the driving force and while working alongside Clara and Jamie, he’s crafted a release of emotionally compelling and bittersweet rock songs. Following the scene setting intro piece of “Hello!” the album jumps into a bright rock soundscape on “Her Great Escape” where bouncy drums and slick guitar rhythms underpin Jamie’s expressive vocals to form an energising rock anthem packed full of memorable hooks and poignant lyricism.
Their new single, “Addictive Taste” represents another step forward as the softest song they’ve released thus far, offering a moving jam that flows with rustling percussion and emotive vocal performance, rising into a rousing chorus of splashing drums, intricate instrumentation and belted vocal leads. On “Monster,” Clara takes the mic to spin catchy vocal lines above a lively arrangement of rustling drums and slick guitar work, surging to an infectious chorus brimming with singalong energy.
“Eulogy” lands with crunchy guitar chords before the punch of drums ushers in Jamie’s impassioned vocals to serve up an enthralling alternative rock outing that rolls with exhilarating instrumentation and epic vocal performance. “Beauty In The Broken” lays down an empowering soundtrack for outcasts and misfits, putting Philipp’s songwriting flair and instrumental panache on full display.
“Anhedonia” offers an engaging ebb and flow between moments of gritty guitars and passages of intricate notes while Clara’s alluring voice hovers above to offer a charming rock sound tinged with compelling pop appeal. Closing the album with “Piñata Island,” the band leans into an invigorating pop punk vibe to deliver a superb finale to the incredible debut record from Last Night’s Keepsake.
We caught up with Last Night’s Keepsake to find out more about the project’s journey so far, the debut self-titled album and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Last Night’s Keepsake below.
Hey Last Night‘s Keepsake, how’s things?
Hey, pretty good! This is Philipp. I‘m kind of stuck between coping with the ongoing heatwave over Germany and trying to watch as many World Cup matches as possible, which means losing sleep constantly.
What’s your earliest memory of making music?
I vaguely remember playing random notes on a cheap ass keyboard when I was 13. I tried to write love songs and pretended I was in a boy band with me as the only member. I even tried to record myself on tape and sell the tapes at school.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
I was pretty inspired by the whole punk movement. First wave, second wave, third wave… you name it. But I must give credit to Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion. They were the gift that kept on giving if we talk about inspiration. And also I suppose they taught me some vocabulary.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Usually I just noodle around on my guitar until something comes out that could be a part of a song and I make a video of myself playing it. Then this idea slumbers on my phone until I eventually rediscover it. And if I still think it was a decent idea, I’ll try to turn it into a song. Maybe combine it with other bits and pieces. This is really not so much a matter of inspiration, but a matter of trial and error and also I need to be in the right mood.
What do you love about your local music scene?
I hardly know my local music scene anymore. That was a whole lot different when I was still playing live shows. Back then it was a wonderful experience. There really was no distinction between fans and artists. One night you would be on stage and the other night the guy that cheered you on would take the stage with his band. And of course you would be there to cheer for him as vividly as he did. That was a pretty cool time.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
This album should be listend to while taking a refreshing bath and dropping a toaster… No, sorry. The setting doesn’t really matter, I think. But I always enjoyed listening to music on my headphones while being on the train or bus. Peeking through the windows and watching the places pass me by. Oh and some rain is always appropriate.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
I think I have always tried to keep it simple. First by default and now by choice. But my sound is less provocative now.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
That’s a good question. I would love to have Jenn Fiorentino on one song I wrote. I tried to reach out to her, but sadly she wouldn’t reply. But you should check her out. She is amazing. I mean really amazing!
And yeah, Dustin Kensrue of Thrice, of course. He has such a signature voice. He can turn any song into a magnificent piece of art.
Oh! Wait! Are Babymetal available?
How did you find making your debut album?
It was tough. Honestly. I lost all my motivation serval times in the process of finishing the album. It felt like everything got in my way. Like I accidentally deleted some of my best takes and couldn’t recover them. I even lost a whole song and had to restart the whole recording from zero. But the problems wouldn’t stop there. There were also budget issues, serve mastering problems and Distrokid played a great part in this predicament as well. Let’s just say, I‘m glad it’s out now.
How was it working with singers Clara Clasen and Jamie Wiltshire on the album?
That was probably the most rewarding thing. Working with such outstanding artists and personalities. They really got my spirits up again. Wonderful human beings, both of them.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
Life is short. So don’t waste your time on hatred, pride and accumulating stuff.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Joyce Manor, A Wilhelm Scream, Ghost and The Linda Lindas
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I would love to get them question the state they’re in.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Yeah, don’t do it! Do your own thing, always!
Finally, what do you have lined up next?
Not much to be honest. But who knows… if some one wants to collaborate with me, I’m pretty much down for anything.
Listen to Last Night’s Keepsake below
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