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Medlz

Medlz

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medlz: The Great A-cappella Band from Dresden Between Sound Art, Charisma, and Best-of Energy

A Dresden success story that shapes a whole world of stage from voices

medlz is one of the most distinctive female A-cappella formations in the German-speaking world. The band was formed in 1999 in Dresden under the name “nonets” and was composed of singers who received their musical training in the Philharmonic Children's Choir of Dresden. From this shared background, an ensemble developed that early on distinguished itself through precise multi-part harmony, independent arrangements, and a strong stage presence. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

The group's journey demonstrates how consistently craftsmanship and artistic independence can be combined. From the children's choir to their early performances as "nonets" to the renaming as medlz in 2005, the band evolved into a fixed entity in the A-cappella scene. Particularly remarkable is the blend of pop, humor, musical finesse, and a clear regional connection to Dresden. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

The Early Years: Training, Team Spirit, and Discovering One's Own Voice

The roots of medlz lie in an intense musical socialization. In the Philharmonic Children's Choir of Dresden, the later band members developed their vocal technique over the years and cultivated a fine sensitivity for intonation, ensemble sound, and musical dramaturgy. This training continues to shape the character of the group today: cleanly set harmonies, rhythmic precision, and a sound that is remarkably dense even without instruments. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Early on, it became clear that medlz intended not merely to continue classical A-cappella traditions but to transfer them into a modern pop aesthetic. The band worked hard to establish themselves with initiative, performance, and stylistic versatility in a position that was often described in the press and concert announcements as extraordinary. Thus, the development of the group contains not just vocal technique but also a clear artistic profile. ([hefehof.de](https://www.hefehof.de/hefehof/presse/presse-2009/medlz-a-cappella-konzert.html?utm_source=openai))

From the Name "nonets" to medlz: The Step into a Professional Career

In 2005, the band changed their name from "nonets" to medlz, marking a visible sign for the next career step. In June 2005, the group signed an exclusive artist contract with SONY BMG, followed by an album in 2006. This step marked the transition from an up-and-coming vocal formation to a professionally established artists' band with label structure and broader public perception. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

In 2009, the contract with SONY BMG was amicably terminated. Rather than entering into dependencies, medlz founded their own label and studio "samtweich". This decision exemplifies artistic sovereignty: The band took control over production, repertoire, and aesthetic development. Particularly in the area of A-cappella, this is a strong signal for authorship and independence. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Stage, Line-up Changes, and the Art of Reinventing Ensemble Sound

The history of medlz is also a story of change. In 2013, Lydia left the band, followed by Maria in 2016, and another lineup change occurred in 2020, with Juliane Köbe joining as a permanent member in 2021. Since November 2024, Bianca Dolabella has been a fixed member of the band. Despite these changes, the artistic core has remained intact: the focus on arrangements, stage effectiveness, and a distinctive female ensemble sound. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

It is particularly fascinating how medlz utilizes lineup changes not as breaks but as part of their artistic development. Each new voice changes the color, breath, and balance of the ensemble. In a genre where the slightest vocal shift is audible, the band demonstrates great flexibility while maintaining a remarkably stable profile. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Discography: From "samtweich" to the Christmas and Saxony Programs

The discography of medlz showcases a band that has continuously expanded its musical signature. The albums and releases include "samtweich" (2003), "mëdlz" (2006), "Aufgetaucht" (2009), "Weihnachtsplatte" (2009), "Unsere Zeit" (2010), "Bekannt aus Film und Fernsehen" (2014), "Wenn es Winter wird..." (2014), "Von Mozart bis Mercury – LIVE" (2016), "HEIMSPIEL – medlz sing deutsch - LIVE" (2018), "(das) LÄUFT BEI UNS!" (2020), "(das) LÄUFT BEI UNS! VOL. 2" (2021), "Frau Holle - auf sächsisch" (2022), "Schneewittchen - auf sächsisch" (2023), and "Weihnachtsleuchten Vol. 3" (2024). ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

These releases illustrate a stylistic range between pop, German-language programs, live formats, and seasonal concept albums. Especially the "auf sächsisch" projects highlight the band's playful engagement with regional identity, language, and entertainment art. At the same time, the live albums prove that medlz not only fully realizes their impact in the studio but primarily on stage. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Musical Development: Pop, Composition, Arrangement, and Sound Dramaturgy

At the center of medlz is the art of arrangement. The band works with finely balanced voices, rhythmic precision, and a sensitivity to dynamic increases, which makes their productions appear "band-like" and dense, even though everything is vocal. Critical voices from the music press emphasize exactly this quality: The songs do not come across as mere cover versions but as independent, musically elaborated interpretations. ([acappella-online.de](https://www.acappella-online.de/kuenstler/medlz/album/aufgetaucht?utm_source=openai))

Moreover, the original compositions and proximity to their studio "samtweich" show a clear production aesthetic. medlz does not sound like mere reproduction but like arranged pop culture with vocal identity. This makes the group interesting for A-cappella fans as well as for listeners who seek dramatic tension, catchy qualities, and emotional depth in music. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Achievements, Awards, and Festival Presence

Significant milestones for the band include performances at the Dresden A Cappella Festival, which medlz hosted for the first time in 2007, as well as concerts with renowned partners and on established stages. In 2012, they received the "Freiburger Leiter", an award from the professional audience of the International Cultural Fair Freiburg for the best performance in the music category. In 2013, they followed this with a gold diploma and second place in pop at the International A-Cappella Competition in Graz. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

In the following years, the band remained active: in 2018, medlz performed for the first time at the Zelt-Musik-Festival in Freiburg im Breisgau, and in 2024, they celebrated their 25th band anniversary with a large best-of tour. This continuity shows that medlz is not just a scene phenomenon but a lasting concert brand with a loyal audience and robust live format. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Current Projects and New Highlights

For 2024, the anniversary with the best-of tour and "Weihnachtsleuchten Vol. 3" is particularly in focus. This positions the band both retrospectively and currently: on one hand, they look back on a long career, while on the other, they keep their program lively through new members and fresh concert formats. Maintaining this balance between memory and renewal is crucial, especially in a vocal ensemble. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

The recent lineup changes also underline that medlz continues to advance their artistic development and constantly adjust their stage formats. The result remains an ensemble that draws on experience, professionalism, and precision. For the audience, this creates a concert evening that sounds both familiar and surprising. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Cultural Influence: Female A-cappella Culture with Profile

medlz has carved out its own place in the German-speaking A-cappella landscape. The band represents female vocal art, humorous presentation, stylistic openness, and a high musical reliability. Press and event announcements frequently highlight how charismatic and versatile their performances appear and how strongly they appeal to both audiences and professionals alike. ([hefehof.de](https://www.hefehof.de/hefehof/presse/presse-2009/medlz-a-cappella-konzert.html?utm_source=openai))

Their influence lies not only in the quality of the singing but also in the way they present A-cappella as a vibrant pop culture. medlz demonstrates that vocal music does not have to be elitist or static, but can function as entertaining, modern, and audience-oriented. This is exactly where their cultural significance lies: they combine musical craftsmanship with an accessible, emotional, and clearly outlined stage presence. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

Conclusion: Why medlz Are Particularly Exciting Live

medlz are more than just an A-cappella band. They are a developed ensemble with history, sonic identity, and a career marked by independence, awards, and consistent stage work. Those who experience the group live hear not only perfect harmonies but also a vibrant form of pop, theater, and vocal artistry. This is where their special charm lies. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

A concert by medlz is worthwhile for anyone who wants to experience music not just as a consumer but in all its craftsmanship and emotional depth. The band combines precision with warmth, wit with skill, and tradition with the present. This is why medlz remains one of the most exciting addresses for demanding A-cappella culture from Germany. ([medlz.de](https://www.medlz.de/band))

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