SONNHALTER
emotive indie/alternative rock
SONNHALTER’s music lives somewhere between indie/alternative rock and atmospheric pop – powerful yet intimate, melancholic yet hopeful. songs that hit with both intimacy and impact.
about SONNHALTER
being brave. living your dreams. freedom. travel. just hitting the road. taking a risk. believing in yourself. being independent.
kai sonnhalter has done all of this. in his mid-thirties, the german engineer quit his job, lifted his head into the clouds, and set off with a backpack and guitar. the result: songs shaped by encounters, travels, and over 30 years of musical experience – honest, raw, and deeply human.
latest release
you’re not alone
single | release: october 10, 2025
second single from the upcoming album change (release: march 2026). a sincere, comforting indie rock song about friendship, support, and compassion in difficult times.
discography
butterfly
single // 2025
hey!blau records
home
album // 2020
hey!blau records
coming home
single // 2020
hey!blau records
dirty ashes
single // 2020
hey!blau records
days of grace
single // 2020
hey!blau records
the journey is the reward
album // 2015
hey!blau records
career highlights
let’s be honest: references are just showing off, dressed up as credibility. but if you’re here for the name-dropping, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
award winner
winner of the songwriter award “prix des aralunaires” at the international songwriter event “festival saveurs culturelles du monde”, luxembourg, 2013
support shows
support act for several artists like PUR (open air tour 2016 a.o.), nico santos, jupiter jones and álvaro soler.
international tv
In addition to several television appearances in his home country of germany, SONNHALTER has also been featured on international tv, e.g., on balcony tv vienna in 2014.
international performances
beyond his home country germany, SONNHALTER has played international shows in spain, portugal, austria, egypt, djerba, cyprus, switzerland, luxembourg, france, and turkey.
press quotes
don’t take our word for it — here’s what the critics say:
“sonnhalter’s songs hit with emotional weight and melodic clarity – a rare combination in today’s indie rock landscape.”
–
indie music blog, uk
“leaving the past behind, arriving, and searching for meaning are sonnhalter’s major themes, which he wraps into beautiful and atmospheric pop songs.”
–
gitarre & bass, germany
“after showcasing his musicality, sonnhalter proved once again that he is an outstanding songwriter with his hymn-like piece “coming home”.
–
sebastian dingler
saarbruecker zeitung, germany
“eyes and ears are alert, everyone hanging on sonnhalter’s every word – here and there, you can spot a few misty eyes. a goosebump moment. when the last note fades, thunderous applause erupts, shaking even the heavy glass chandelier.”
–
michelle pfeifer
the rheinpfalz, germany
press photos
click to open and download
watch – live videos
dirty ashes [live in kirkel]
long gone [live im sauerlandpark hemer]
lost my way [live in side, türkei]
live solo & acoustic
acoustic duo with piano
watch – official music videos
days of grace [official music video]
dirty ashes [home recording sessions]
coming home [official music video]
lost my way [acoustic version]
days of grace [piano version]
Contact Info
let’s chat
get in touch with us!