COUSINS… The Punchy riffs band!

The Graz-based newcomer band COUSINS delivers edgy rock songs that feel like they’ve always been part of you. Punchy riffs and raw, explosive guitar sounds evoke the analog days of a carefree youth.

The lyrics go beyond lighthearted themes — touching on self-doubt and the feeling of being overwhelmed by yourself and the world.
The distinctive voices of Markus Lill and Alex Lill seem to merge, while Burt Bombast on drums drives the heart of the band with a pulse that rarely drops below 160.
COUSINS are available on all major streaming platforms.
Latest news can be found on social media at @followcousins. (102 words)

In February 2025, the boys released their debut single “Three Different Colors,” which has since racked up over 20,000 streams on Spotify.
After three more releases, their new single “NO ROCKSTAR”, including a music video, dropped on March 27, 2026. Right on time for their performance at Styrian Sounds Festival 2026 at PPC Graz, COUSINS released their first EP titled “FISHGOD”.

From melancholic acoustic tracks to self-ironic feel-good songs, there’s something for everyone – wrapped in the authentic, raw sound fans have come to love.
They went on to win the “Red Bull Stage – Take Off” contest, which earned them an opening slot on the Red Bull Stage at Nova Rock Festival 2026. (113 words)

ABOUT… COUSINS.

COUSINS is a fully DIY project from writing and production to mixing, the guys do everything themselves.
The band was founded by Alex Lill (guitar) and Markus Lill (bass).
Being actual cousins, they don’t just share their last name, but also the mic – as well as their curls.
Later, the “Curli Boyz” brought in Burt Bombast, aka Herbert Schmöller, as their drummer.
Since then, they’ve been lighting up stages with their high-energy live shows in Graz and their home region of West Styria. (83 words)

INTERVIEW – COUSINS

Athenscalling.gr : Markus and Alex… Welcome to Athenscalling.gr!

How did you feel when you found out you had won the Red Bull Band Contest and secured a spot at Nova Rock 2026?

Markus: It was a nice day already, but after we got announced as winners it was simply incredible for me personally. I celebrated with a few friends in a little park nearby.

Athenscalling.gr : Was there a specific moment when it really hit you that this was a major step for the band?

Alex: We had a workshop day with Red Bull at the legendary FUNKHAUS in Vienna. There we learnt a lot about making our setup and equipment ‘festival ready’. Somehow it was then when it hit me: “Wooowwww now it’s getting professional!” Because obviously there is a big difference between playing local clubs and a huge festival like Nova Rock!

Athenscalling.gr : You’ll be sharing the stage with huge names like Iron Maiden and The Cure. Which artists in this year’s lineup are you most excited to see live, and why?

Markus: I always enjoyed and admired “The Offspring” and “Bring Me The Horizon”, so it is awesome to play at the same festival as them. Recently I also enjoyed “The Plot In You” and “Architects” so I’m excited to see them as well.

Athenscalling.gr : What is the story behind your band name, “COUSINS”?

Alex: well, the story is rather simple. Marcus and I are cousins on our fathers’ side. We started playing as a family band at church when we were younger. Then we began writing our own songs. Burt, our drummer, joined us as “non-cousin”. Sometimes we jokingly call him our uncle.

Athenscalling.gr : If someone is hearing you for the first time at Nova Rock, what three things would you like them to remember about your music?

Markus: Energy – Us having fun playing – Our drummer’s boomer jokes

Athenscalling.gr : What has been the biggest challenge so far for you as an emerging Austrian band on your way to a major festival like Nova Rock?

Alex: saving our ears from bleeding because our drummer loves to play way too loud! (Please don’t tell him;-)

Athenscalling.gr : After Nova Rock, what are your next plans? Are you working on new material, an album, or a possible tour?

Markus: Touring Greece of course . No, although that would be amazing, we are currently working on an album coming out at the end of this year. We also try to get as many live gigs as possible, so hit us up!

Athenscalling.gr: Thanks for what you told us… Best wishes Aleko and Marko (Your names in Greek!).

COUSINS: Σας ευχαριστούμε για τη συνέντευξη και σας ευχόμαστε κάθε επιτυχία και ό,τι καλύτερο! Τα λέμε σύντομα.