Generation Graveyard, Tres Cavaleras, Star Scream, Dead Sensations
@ The Gaff 24/06/10

The Gaff tonight was running behind by about half an hour, the crowd that were already there didn’t seem to mind one bit as the weather was hot and the beer was flowing.

The first band on tonight were Dead Sensations 7/10 –

Formed by Lee Benz in 2009 with Al Tandy on Vocals, Dave Playboy & Shel Shock on guitars and Danny on Drums. They recently supported Adam Ant, Vains of Jenna, New Gen and Dogs D'Amour to name a few. Tonight’s performance shows us why these guys have been supporting these types of acts, their well-composed songs and guitar harmonies and great stage presence really sets these guys apart from the rest.

The second band of the night were Star Scream 7/10 –

This three-piece band comprise of Adam Lightspeed - Music & Lyrics, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Aoife – Bass, Dom Jenova – Drums. These guys really know how to write brilliant songs, the crowd loving every minute of their set. This band has also supported a few big names in the metal world such as Rachel Stamp, Queen Areena, The Duke Spirit, The Others and Amen just to name a few.

The third band of the night were Tres Cavaleras 8/10 –

These guys are no strangers to the metal scene as they brought you Shake and King Lizard. This is certainly the heaviest band of the night so far, drawing the entire crowd from outside to pack out the Gaff. The vocalist has the energy of ten men as he jumps around the Gaff singing and screaming, in this heat it wasn’t surprising seeing him pour a whole pint of water over his head. The crowd really loved every moment of the set and where definatly left in great spirits at the end of the set.

The last & headlining band of the night were Generation Graveyard 9/10 –

This band comprises of Max – Vocals, Spider – Guitar, Pete – Guitar, Phil – Bass, Jonny – Drums. This band has a lot of metal, rock and punk influences in their sound, they have great energy on stage and gave everyone an amazing show. The crowd by now had really warmed up and there was banter and cheers throughout their set, the band seemingly loving every minute of their time on stage and playing to such a great crowd. It’s easy to see why these guys are the headlining act of the night, their tight set and great song composure really makes these guys stand out.

All in all this was a great night of rock and metal and look forward to hearing more from all of the bands that played tonight.

Photography: Altercarnated Photography

Dirtygirls/Dirtyboys…

Question: What do you get if you cross System of a Down, with Larry Flynt and Walt Disney? Answer: BLOWNLOAD!

This month I want to draw your attention to one of my favourite little known US artists. Despite having a small mention in a rather well circulated popular music magazine I still find myself uttering the name Blownload to my friends, only to be greeted with the answer, ‘That’s too much information man!’.

With a name like Blownload, its very easy to guess straight away what kind of topics will be covered in their music and well, you would be right, sex and lots of it. This is nothing new in the alternative scene, or in music full stop. But it’s the way Blownload go about approaching the topic that sets them apart from other artists. Just by looking at the title of their debut album, ‘Blumpkins Of Mass Destruction’, its obvious that they are taking a comical spin to the subject. But their approach goes far beyond the comical and even reaches as far as the political and this is where the SOAD influence is very obvious.

While you can’t make a direct comparison, as the topics covered in the two bands songs aren’t exactly similar, their styles are unarguably similar. Now, I’m not saying this similarity is a bad thing. Sometimes a band can be ruined by being too like another established act but here, this is not the case. Blownload manage to keep themselves suitably different from, well, anyone else out there.

As we know many of their tracks look at sexual themes in a humorous way, some songs take an almost childish approach to sex, coming across as trying to shock for shocks sake. Normally an approach like that can be a negative thing but for some reason Blownload pull it off perfectly, making you giggle and not cringe. The final part to their perverted recipe is an almost childlike glee they bring to their music. The perfect example of this is the breakdowns that feature in most of the songs. When you hear them, you almost forget what you have been listening to for the last couple of minutes, they come at you like some sort of deviant Disney sing-a-long, you could almost expect them to be in Tim Burtons next animated film.

Blownload will never win any awards or fans for being a serious political band, neither will they get much credit for their musicianship, but what you do get with them is a bloody good laugh and lots of sexy fun, kind of like a Carry On film (but not as camp!).

Interview Eldar – PromoFabrik

1-Hello Merce, hello Marc, you have been around for a longer periond of time, but founded ELDAR in 2004. Initially you have been alone as solo project, Marc. What did change your mind to get Merce aboard?

Marc: It can be defined as an effect of creative growth, we are perfectly attuned, but each of us offers Eldar their own concerns and contribute their own concepts creatively, think Eldar's music has been enriched because of this.
Merce: We have similar musical influences and the two had worked together in the past in another musical project since disappeared, so it was easier to meet again musically.

2-Why did you choose to become musician and not a painter like Goya??

Marc: Well, actually, many years ago, my form of artistic expression was more directed painting or writing toward the music, making music was secondary, but gradually became my main mode of expression, but the different forms of artistic expression have never abandoned me, and I've always tried to integrate them into everything I do.
Mercé: I have always channeled my artistic interests, using various media: drawing, writing or in the form of musical expression. From a young age listening to music, do not understand a life without her, and this inspired me to introduce myself in this world and experience. Anyway I admire and respect any form of art is a concept that I think that humanizes and ennobles us as a species.

3-Why is Goya an important artist in your point of view to dedicate and entire album to him?

Marc & Merce: In all our albums have linked other arts with music. In "Amesha Spentas" we wanted to use the Goya painting to express different aspects of our thinking, we've always been attracted by their strength and symbolism, many of his paintings represent our way of seeing the world. In his art we see social concerns, philosophical and mystical at the same time are concepts that we can move to any point in history. We saw in the paintings of Goya's a constant struggle between opposites, which struck between the people of his era, a vision and Zoroastrian struggle, this is why the title of the album.

4-What was the concept behind his life-time work and what concept do you want to transport to the audience?

Marc & Merce: Music is a form of personal expression, but when filled with concepts and ideas goes beyond the music to become an artistic exhibition that seeks to cause a reaction in the listener, beyond the emotional. Our music is full of symbolism, which are hidden to the naked eye. Many times we can only perceive or feel the emotion of sounds, but behind them there is a whole world full of symbolic concepts and ideas. They make up our mind and thinking, and believe that maybe this might be interesting for others, it can also affect some people to reach the same conlcusiones us.

5-What does the band name mean?

Marc & Merce: Eldar means "epidemic" in ancient Iberian language of our land, the language of more than 2,500 years ago, according to some authors, since there is no formal agreement on the actual language translation Ibero. We believe that the concepts, when they are transmitted to the public, have an effect "epidemic" that we can not calculate their consequences to see the effects they have caused. But Eldar means very different things in many other places in the world.

6-How do you work together as a band?

Marc: We combine work and creative process, but each album is different. For us it is easy to convey the same concept, perhaps my work is more compositional, and Merce is more concerned with texts and other instruments, but the development of each song we do between them.
Merce: Normally work as a team, each of us brings their own ideas to seek a balance and an optimal result, we readily agree, and before we know clearly the result we want, according to the project in which we work, we propose the terms that will work.

7-I have read that you work with a lot of synths, sounds and materials for creating the music. How do you convert this into a live-setting?

Marc & Markets: The composition is quite different from live performances in the creative process because we both have to record all instruments, vocals, samples, etc ... but we live only two components, so the machines we have to help. Our audience is accustomed to these concerts, as bands of our genre usually have 1,2 or at most 3 components.

8-What do you think makes music superior or disadvantageous compared to other types of art?

Marc: Every artist feels more comfortable expressing their concepts and thoughts in a medium of art. My personality has led me to the music, but I've always tried to combine music with other art media, because I believe that somehow they are all linked. Artistic expression is something universal.
Merce: I do not think in those terms, it is usually always depend on the public, he finally made the success or acceptance of any type of art. Marc says well, any kind of art is universal and people from very different backgrounds can enjoy the same work in any kind of artistic expression.

9-What is our opinion on philosophies capability to influence society?

Marc: The sounds change our behaviors in the brain, the melodies are recorded in our mind, and spirit which caused these sounds and melodies suggest to the public. When the person changes, so do the people around you. This is why our name. But this will only get deeper into what we hear.
Merce: The lyrics are part of the set, sending a direct message and reflective, at that time the music gets to become a concept in the mind of the listener.

10-How do you want to change society? And do you think music is the perfect tool for it?

Marc & Merce: Currently we are in a selfish & consumerist society, we are at the beginning of the end of capitalism. Until people understand that everything we do as individuals, have an impact on whole society, we can not progress to more advanced social systems. Our planet is finite and really small, no owner, it belongs to everyone. Attempt to convey these concepts, wrapped with a spiritual and philosophical vision, which makes our whole message can act in the most hidden of the human soul, one that is linked to everything in this universe.

11-If you were God or similar being, what do you think you will change first?

Marc: Mainly exchange the concept of God that many people have, I think that would change many things in this world.
Merce: I think the philosophical concept of God is so large and diverse one at the same time, perhaps this is what each of us should understand first, in order to understand it and understand ourselves as human beings, positive impact on our environment.

12-Given you are falling from a skyscraper building, what do you reckon your last thoughts would be today?

Marc: I would try to feel peace in my heart.
Merce: You may get carried wherever he went, without resisting.

13-What is your affinity to latin language?

Marc: Every language has its own melody, and fits with certain sounds, surely at some point we will make a song in Spanish, so far we have made in Latin and Catalan, but most of our songs are in English, melodic language it goes perfectly our music, but we would like to open up these possibilities.
Merce: Personally I feel comfortable in my own language, which is Catalan, although I have great affinity with the other Latin languages, the English also better known internationally and we both fit. I love to dare the German language, but I fear that my pronunciation is still not the most correct.

14-How did you find out about that very underground and special genre of Dark Ambient and Martial Music? Why do you think this is the perfect style to present your messages?

Marc & Merce: We have always been very interested in experimental music, music that departed from convention by offering different sensations. The Dark Ambient and Martial genres are names to define certain styles within experimental music, we move among many styles, but mainly we consider an experimental electronic band, every concept can be represented in many musical forms. We believe the Martial Industrial is very open in order to create different sounds and melodies, also a good platform to show our personality.

15-How do you describe your musical style with three words?

Marc: critical, reflective, spiritual
Merce: strong, enveloping, experimental

16-Many of the bands of the genre Neofolk or Martial are said to be polically more right-winged. What is your opinion about this?

Marc & Merce: When we share something with our environment we are becoming a form of politics, politics is the science that uses human beings to live with his neighbor. It perceives everything that surrounds us is political, but there is a tendency to relate to politics and music genres. Not nor us, these genres are just a musical style, and also a certain aesthetic that share other musical genres, all styles of music is political, at very different levels, directly or indirectly, our message has never been a politician only philosophical and sociological, we serve strong sound and a certain aesthetic to give strength to our message.

17-Let’s talk about the re-release of „Amaterasu Shiroi“ eingehen. Why did you choose to rework it again?

Marc & Markets: In the beginning, do not think that Eldar had such an impact, and edit in different media all Demo albums of Eldar. These editions were sold out, we were not happy with the original sound of these demos, so we decided to re-record these songs and re-edit with higher quality and changing various aspects of its composition. They were also very limited editions, and there are many more people interested in having those songs.

18-What topics do you cover on the recording?

Marc & Merce: As with all our albums are many symbols and concepts we try to convey, "Amaterasu Shiroi" mainly is the encounter between Occidental and Asian philosophy, but there are many other cultural and historical concepts in this album. These philosophical  trends were with force in the early twentieth century in our country to the Spanish civil war in which this philosophical process stopped. From all this talk this album.

19-What is the most dramatic difference to the original demo recordings?

Marc & Merce: Mainly production more professional, more clarity in the voices that we re-recorded in its entirety, a much more clear and strong, we have also changed some sounds and samples, also on this album we've added new songs and voices in previously instrumental songs. For us it is a completely new album.

20-What is the main influence for writing the songs for Eldar?

Marc & Merce: We base our creations in a special insight through contemplating the world around us, we try to explain what we see, think and feel. We are not aware of the musical influences, because we don‘t have in mind when we're writing, but we can‘t stop the music we listen and we've heard for years we influence, and the truth is that we hear lots of music and not close ourselves into any genre.

21-You will play live in Germany this year. Are you excited? What can you tell us about your stage performance there?

Marc: The concerts are an experience that we like, but in small quantities, we are very few concerts each year, prepare concerts takes a long time and can‘t devote as much time in our lives to this. Honestly when WGT organization contacted with us doubt our response, we believe that this type of music is more suitable for small spaces, but we concluded it would be a good experience take part in this important festival in these genres, for this reason we are excited at this concert.
Merce: Our staging is always very simple and sober, trying to make people listen to our music, you can listen with closed eyes, the expressiveness of our music is our performance, we do not want to dress up to act now. We agree that other artists resort to this but not our style.

22-Can you reveal more live-dates?

Marc & Merce: At the moment we can not confirm more dates, but we'll have a second performance this year. We just want to make two or three concerts a year at most.

23-Many thanks for answering our questions and we wish you much success for your further career! Any final message or thought you might want to share?

Marc & Merce: Thank everyone that has supported us and continue doing it, and especially those who have believed in our music as Roger, Manix, Harry and Ray. Thank’s for this good interview.

Eldar @ MySpace:

by PromoFabrik - April 2010

Interview Front Line Assembly  - PromoFabrik

Front Line Assembly have been an essential part of the Electro/Industrial-scene in North-America, South-America and Europe for now unbelievable 24 years. Besides some changes of the original lineup, you have always stuck to your individual style.
Please introduce us to your current lineup and tell us something about each band member’s function.

Bill Leeb - Founder and songwriter, lyricist and electronic executioner.
Chris Peterson - Electronic industrial programmer producer
Jeremy Inkel - Programmer synthesizer production songwriter
Jared Slingerland - Guitarist, song writer, programmer,

How does it happen that Rhys Fulber is not part of the current lineup?

Front Line Assembly has always had a open door policy in regards to line up. After extensive touring with our current line up, a unique chemistry was formed between the four of us. Originally, Rhys had intended on doing some work on IED but was busy with several other commitments (Fear Factory being one of them). By the time Rhys' schedule had cleared, we had already completed the foundation of the record and felt that it was perfect exactly the way it was. There is always the possibility for Rhys to return in the future but in this particular case the elements just didn't align for his involvement.

On your new record “IMPROVISED ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, we find some lyrics sung in German again, like on “Civilisation”. May German Front Line Assembly fans interpret this as a compliment or do you feel somehow connected to Germany in any other way?

Well seeing as I was born in Vienna, Austria, I have always considered German to be my mother language. I will always feel a huge kinship towards Germany and Austria. I also wanted to pay homage to all of the German speaking people because I feel that electronic music was born in Germany, the forefathers of electronic music all being there; Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Klaus Knomie, Faust, etc.

Some of the songs, like “Hostage”, sound quite technoid. Some songs, like “Release”, come up in a very rock oriented style. In contrast to this, your last album solely had electronic sounds. How come that tracks on “IMPROVISED ELECTRONIC DEVICE” appear in such a diverse way?

The fact that this album was the biggest collaboration between 4 guys that we've done, the joint effort is where the diversity comes from We each sort of excel in different areas, when you put it all together this is what you get. We also do not want to be a one dimensional band, we like to incorporate all musical elements providing they fit. At the end of the day we don't like to limit ourselves to any particular style or sound, we just let creativity take its own form.

After having listened to “IMPROVISED ELECTRONIC DEVICE” for the first time, I received the impression that this CD sounds like a retrospective of FLA’s productive period. Just a coincidence or purpose?

We have encompassed all of the best elements from the past, but I think we have also thrown quite a new spin on the sound because of all the new angles of input. Having said that, we feel at the same point once you create a certain sound you not feel discouraged to revisit or maintain it. The face and originality of a band is really what's key and important to maintaining a good perspective and reflection of the art.

Just to step back in time – I am an avid fan of your second last album “Civilisation”. What were the reasons for you to release such a calm and quiet album? It deeply reminds me of Bill’s side project Delerium...

That was the strangest time in Front Line Assembly's lifespan because at that particular moment, Delerium was becoming massive and Front Line Assembly was sort of put on the back burner. Everybody had sort of walked their own ways at that particular time. So when Rhys and I decided to do this record, it was literally done in 1 month and because of the huge Delerium phase, some of the boundaries definitely collider or crossed paths between the two projects. It really felt at that time that this would be the last Front Line album, even though deep down inside I hated that thought. Mainly because i thought that the album didn't really represent Front Line at all, plus I was going through a heavy divorce (of which the song Vanished appeared). All in all it was probably one of the worst times in Front Line Assembly's history, personally and musically.

FLA is often mentioned in the same breath as German or North-European EBM. Do you like European EBM and can you identify with it?

There is so many forms of electronic music that I think there's good and bad in each element. I think that good EBM and there is not-so-good EBM. There is definitely the ground breaking EBM like Nitzer, DAF, and Front 242 which are totally classic. I will always pay homage to those influential groups.

How do you consider the future of electronic music in America and Europe?

Electronic music has splintered off in so many different veins, it is really hard to grasp the final outcome. As long as technology keeps evolving, so will electronic music, good and bad.

What do you think you as an artist have achieved so far in a historical point of view?

I hope that we have helped carry the torch in the industrial electronic music genre so that we will inspire future artist and keep this evolution in music going. I hope that we have inspired other artists to continue on in this way.

What is the philosophical background of the FLA concept?

Trust no one, always believe there is more than 1 side to every story. Think for yourself and don't buy into the hypocrisy or the man made laws that try to control our civilization.

Your CDs always come up with an absolutely great artwork. Do you constantly collaborate with the same designer or do you purposefully watch out for congenial artists to implement your own ideas?

We consider Dave McKean as a official member of FFront Line Assembly. We think that he is always at the cutting edge of creating illustrations that relate to what we are doing, we will probably always continue using him. One of the great things of working with Dave, is that we don't really tell him what type of imagery we are looking for, he just responds to the music and it is the greatest type of collaboration between two artists.

On your new album – in which way do music and cover artwork concur?

Again, Dave McKean and us always seem to be responding on the same level. I think the art itself is self evident when you hear the album how the two work in cohesion.

Now let us consider the songs in detail. “Afterlife” is a gorgeous ballad distinctive of FLA, just in the vein of “Threshold”. What is the central theme of this great song?

All the time lost between me and my now deceased father and our one and only meeting after 20 years in Vienna, Austria. We didn't really have enough time to get to know each other again. Hopefully there is more to life than just death.

I dare say that “Angriff” is one of the best songs on “IMPROVISED ELECTRONIC DEVICE”. Here we also find the German lyrics already mentioned above. What was your desire to express with this song?

This song relates to mostly to the fact that the first time we went to Russia it had quite a astonishing impact on all of us. Mainly because of the background of the country and its historical symbolism which really relates to Front Line Assembly's imageryUpon visiting tomb of the unknown solider, the lyrics from Angriff came to be. A very profound trip, Country and experience, and one that will always be remembered.

Due to Al Jourgensen of Ministry, “Stupidity” comes up with a completely different sound compared to the rest of the songs. What was your intention? Did you want to create a powerful, harsh Industrial hit, or is this song a preview of forthcoming FLA-albums?

This song was a real joint collaboration between all respective artists. We had guest guitarist Justin Hagberg from 3 Inches of Blood on the track as well as Al Jourgenson. We didn't intend necessarily on making a powerful industrial hit or previewing a forthcoming direction, we just let Al get his hands dirty and put his own spin on the song. We felt he came up with a harsh industrial hit, intended or not.

In the last years, pirate copying and illegal downloading became more and more important to musicians. To which extent do you feel the negative effects of this?

Our sales has taken the most negative impact of downloading. Good or bad, we can't turn the clock back everything happens for a reason. At this point it does feel like music had become a disposable product that you can get for free on most torrent sites. As for what the future will bring none of us will really be able to tell, good or bad. Until the mindset of people change towards the whole concept of free downloading, technology won't be much use to us. 

What do you think are the most effective things to react to this trend?

Difficult to say at this time, many labels and artists are taking a different approach to selling records by offering extra content with a physical CD, etc. The industry is undergoing a major shift and we will see how it all pans out over the next decade or so.

What has been your source of motivation for now almost 25 years to continue a band project and to collaborate in a highly creative way?

I think that creativity is just something that comes from within you, it doesn't function on an on and off level. I'm a very reactionary person, everyday i get up and see all the different view points in life of which I have to continuously respond to. As long as that feeling continues to get evoked in me I will continue to get creative.

I am really looking forward to your live performances in Europe this year. Do you rather prefer to go on tour in Canada or do you prefer to perform abroad? In which countries do you have the best-attended concerts and where do you have the craziest fans?

We love playing all over the world but Europe is by far where we have the best attended concerts. Russia I would say had the craziest fans, most likely due to the fact that artists such as us have only been allowed to enter the country and perform over the last couple decades.

Can you please give us some details about your live-dates in Europe?

16 Jul 2010              Tivoli             Utrecht, ., NETHERLANDS            
17 Jul 2010             Gothic Festival             Waregem, Belgium, BE
18 Jul 2010             Corporation          Sheffield, UK, GB           
19 Jul 2010             Classic Grand             Glasgow, UK, GB           
20 Jul 2010    O2 Academy Islington             London, UK, GB             Find Tickets
22 Jul 2010             Lucerna Music Bar             Prag, CZECH REPUBLIC    
23 Jul 2010             Majestic Music Club             Bratislava, Slovakia, SK
25 Jul 2010             Amphi Festival             Köln, Germany, DE      
28 Jul 2010    Ikra             Moscow, RUSSIAN FEDERATION     
29 Jul 2010    Zal Ozhidaniya     St Petersburg, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Potentially we will be coming back in October to extensively tour Europe again in support of our new record. Expect a lot of new songs and a lot of old songs.

Where do you also go on tour outside of Europe?

We will possibly being doing a month in North America as well in the near future.

Are there any cities you are especially looking forward to perform in? Why?

At this point we like to think that every city we go and all the fans are of equal importance and special in their own way since we don't tour that often.

What are your future plans? Are there any plans for a video or even something really exciting in order to celebrate your 25th anniversary?

Nasty Byte is actually making a video for us for the song "Shifting Through the Lens'. We have no idea of time of completion though.

Thank you for the interview. Maybe you wish to tell your fans something?

We appreciate all the fan support throughout the years and we hope that you will enjoy the new album and come and see us play when we make it to your city.

FLA @ www

FLA @ MySpace
 

by PromoFabrik - June 2010
­Translation: Enrico Kunze

Interview Das Präparat – PromoFabrik

Hello Nachtschwester K., hello Dr. Hyde! You are now the proud parents of the new album „Unschuldsblicke“. What do you consider the difference to its precursor „THX LD50“?

Dr. Hyde: A private destiny - just before completion of THX LD50 - really throws me off track and I was no longer able to take clear thoughts. Fortunately, time is a great healer and we were able to finish the album. This rock-bottom in my life is reflected in the last album THX LD50.
Now, I regain my balance and my life is excellent. Because of this evolution our new album “Unschuldsblicke” is arise more structure and conscious.
Our music is indeed self-therapy, but it should be a thank you to all fans too. “Unschuldblicke” is much powerful and danceable. On the one hand the lyrics inspire for reflection at home and on the other hand you ‘make whoopee’ on the dance floor.

Looking at your website and thinking about your bandname „Das Präparat“, I guess one of you guys work in a medical profession. Am I right?

Dr. Hyde: Nobody of us works in medical sector. The band name “Das Präparat” is so ambiguously. It is a kind of antitoxin or an elixir against the dreary daily routine and horrible reality.
Our music should open an unknown world. You can imagine that you are doped up - but without side effects.

The title of the album „Unschuldsblicke“ is not related to medicine. How do you combine medical issues with music and lyrics?

Dr. Hyde: It is not our objective goal to write lyrics about diseases or to philosophies about medicine.
Of our current album “Unschuldsblicke” are hidden insinuations to the medical subjects like “Fetus in Fetu” or “Mondscheinkind”. “Mondscheinkind” is a vampire story. A Children is reborn as a vampire and discover the world in a new way. Maybe is that the true genesis of the same name symptom “Mondscheinkind”.

Ok, let’s talk about you in person. Dr. Hyde, what is to be said about Nachtschwester K.?

Dr. Hyde: I love her piano pieces. She is a great musician and person. We influence each other and increase our horizon on this way.

And Nachtschwester K., what can you tell us about the Doc?

Nachtschwester K.: Yes, the doctor. I’m so glad if he is happy, cause his gladness is so contagious! It is really enviable on which self-evident way he goes through life. We respect each other and have a lot of irony and humor. It is a great fun. I loved his large-hearted and positive way.

You came together in 2001. How did that happen?

Dr. Hyde: We were at the same scool in the past, but we loosed sight of. Few years ago we met us again and Kirsten sang the refrain for “Tanz mit deinem Gefühl”. This was the moment I know that I want to make music with her. I was so enthuse about her voice and I ask her, if she wants to become a part of the band. Since that time we make music together.

How do you manage day-time job and music coexisting piecefully?

Nachtschwester K.: It’s not easy. Life has been pretty hectic. But if you really want something you can find a way to bundle your reserves of energy and to regain one's strength. I think it is possible to combine the work and the music.

Dr. Hyde: „Das Präparat“ is more than a free time activity.
Most of the time, it is really hard to combine the work and music. But I work in the media sector and the boundaries can blurred. Because of that I produce a music video for “Emily”, which is published at the first of July on myspace and youtube.

What inspires you, besides medicial topics, to write music and lyrcis?

Dr. Hyde: I’m really inspired of movies, Love, hate, envy and the daily socially madness.

Nachtschwester K.: For every shocking news one song!

According to the press-info, you now combine Jazz and Cabaret with your previous sound. How did you get the idea for it?

Nachtschwester K.: „Das Präparat“ has not boundaries. Because of that we reinvent us every time. On that way we develop new music styles. Original I have a classical music education and after I change to jazz music. I think, that are the reason for these influences.

Your current record bears, as previously said, the name „Unschuldsblicke“. The concept behind it focuses on childhood and fears of childhood. The title reflects it very well I think. Cover and Artwork come together perfectly, too. Are the samples of the girl speaking by the girl on the cover?

Dr. Hyde: The Childs-Voices you can heard of the album are from common classical movies like “Shining” from Stanley Kubrick.

What ist he message of song „Lilith“?

Nachtschwester K.: The song tells a history of a jewish mythology. The demon called Lilith is a awesomely kidnapper and murder of newborns. But simultaneously she is the passionate seductress of sleepy men. Liltih impersonates the fears of the mankind.

The song „Onkel“ is an nearly instrumental piece topped with some melancholic voices. Why did you choose that style of expression?

Nachtschwester K.: It is really terrifying what can happen in front of your own house.
I try to convey the feelings through instrumental songs. I want to say all what I see in the world and I hope that the people make their own thoughts about this. Sometimes it is hard, I know but it is really important for me to create pictures in their minds. With this intention I wrote the song “Onkel”.

„Sucht“ (Addiction) is a very broadranged term.  What kind of addiction do you refer in the song to?

Nachtschwester K.: Today it is really hard to be a child. On the way to grown-up are a lot of threats like the sale of drugs at the school yard.

Dr. Hyde.: „Addiction“ deals with dependence on a certain person, who tries with false promises to gain the power. The problem is, that the addicted persons are difficult to let go the person.
This phenomenon- in a normal way- you can find in “normal” relationships, too. The people tend to the inclination to routine and the love to the things which prove sucsessful.

Why did you name the album after the track „Unschuldsblicke“? What can you disclose about that song?

Dr. Hyde:
The title is so ambiguous. The question behind the song is: “How you can batter and misuse an innocent children?”. All songs have same importance for the album. All songs are a part of the jigsaw and together they give the picture.
The peculiarity of “Unschuldblicke” is the unclarity of culprit and victim. You must think about of the song on your own and you find the response.
Faithfull the german motto “ Kunst die nicht provoziert ist keine Kunst”.

Der Track „Mondscheinkind“ (moonshine child) is also featured in the WELLENCOCKTAIL Remix. There are more guitars in that version. What is Wellencocktail?

Dr. Hyde: Achim Drechsler of Wellencocktail is responsible for he remix. It is a friend of us and I ask him for a remix. So, and a new version of “Mondscheinkind” was born. I say it again: No boundaries of musical styles.

A second remix is done by the song „Folge mir“. What is the special moment in the „Ins weiße Licht“ Mix?

Dr. Hyde: I think it is one of the powerful songs on the album. Because of that I want to try another musical interpretation.

Why did you  place the song „Spielzeugland“ as the final track on the album?

Dr. Hyde: It’s not a song, it is the outro. I record an old musical clock. I find the sound blend in the concept and is predestine for the final notes.

How about live gigs in the near future? Do you have any plans already?

Dr. Hyde: Of course, we present our album on stage. Unfortunately up to now we haven’t any dates. If somebody interested in us - you can book us per E-Mail: drhyde@das-praeparat.com

Many thanks for answering our questions. Maybe you want to finish with some closing remarks?

„Das Präparat“: A big thank you on all fans and for the great support. We have great ideas and plans for the future - so we want to surprise you. You can be anxious to see our new projects.
We want thank you for the interview.

Das Präparat @ www:
www.das-praeparat.com

Das Präparat @ Myspace:
www.myspace.com/daspraeparat 

Interview Girls On Film PromoFabrik

Hello girls, first of all many thanks for taking your time answer the questions as an introduction of a very interesting band and a superb new EP “Mental Image,“ that will be released in Europe now for the first time.

K: Thank you for the kind words.

Maybe we can start off with a short introduction of yourselves. So, Rio, what can you tell us about Kazhmir?

R: She’s incredibly confident and friendly. Wicked multi-tasker. Stupid funny. Dead sexy. Ingenious. Diplomatic. Focused. Fun-loving. Ridiculously talented. Not a good liar.

And Kazhmir, what is important to know about Rio? 

K: She’s one of the most exquisitely funky, creative, funny, talented, selfless, insightful, articulate people I know.  She also has a kick-ass vinyl collection that is “to die for”.

As you are an all-female band, how does it feel, without a rooster in the yard?

R: Ha ha ha ha, “rooster in the yard”!! That’s hilarious! I’m not sure how I could compare it to anything else since we’ve been an allfemale band for so long…I’m sure there’s a different dynamic at play, but I don’t know if that’s really got more to do with the fact that every group of musicians has its own chemistry. We didn’t really do the all-female thing on purpose, but it just seemed to work out that way...we were friends that wanted to play music and we recruited other friends that happened to be women as well. I think we would play with anyone, male or female, as long as we got along and had some of the same interests.

You did start as a band of four, now you are two. What happened in the time in between, can you shortly summarize your bio maybe? How did you find together to form a band?

R: Kazhmir and I started writing together back in 2000 or so, and she taught herself how to play bass in the process. We knew we wanted to be a new wave band, so we bought some electronic drums and searched high and low for a keyboardist and a drummer. After a few early lineup shifts, we wound up as a 4-piece and slowly developed our sound and stage show over time. There were a lot of shows, traveling all over the southeastern U.S., recording, and major drama in between! We were a 4-member band for about seven years, and last year we streamlined to a duo after the departure of our long-time drummer (Machine) and keyboardist (Metro).

Why did it take five releases until you come across the Sea to Europe?

K: Of course we didn’t intend to wait so long, we were dying to make it over! We just had financial issues…which is a nice way of saying that we are starving artists.

When I read the band name for the first time, I was reminded of Duran Duran’s song. Is there any connection to it?

R: We love that song, obviously! Back several years ago when Kazhmir and I were first starting out, I remember flipping through a magazine while on the phone with her, seeing a picture of Duran Duran hotness, and thinking what an awesome band name “Girls on Film” sounded like. I think we both were like, “Oh God, yeah!”

How can you describe your music in three words?

K: “Icy-cold glamwave.” Or how about “Lipstick synth pop.”

What does the title ”Mental Image“ stand for?

K: “Mental Image” is actually a lyric from a song that did not make it onto the album!

On the new EP there are five original songs and four remixes. Kazhmir, what comes into your mind about the remix of „Pitiless Friend“ by Macutchi?

R: Love, love, love the treatment of the vocals! Sorry, I had to cut in. ;-) 

K: this remix is so fresh!  It makes the song incredibly danceable, which always gets me hot.

Is there any feeling you remember when you heard the DJ F Remix of Medicated Mind, Rio?

R: I think I was jumping up and down. DJ F’s remix is really energetic…it changes tempo at one point in the song and turns into this totally sexy sort of slow jam, but then changes up again and makes you want to dance.

Why there is no remix of „Devil’s Lies“?

R: We were fortunate to have some of the best remix artists out there work on our tracks and we originally thought that we would have a remix for each song on the maxi-EP, but in the end, I think we decided that “Devil’s Lies” was so much more mellow than the other songs that it maybe didn’t really lend itself to be remixed.

The production was supported by well-known producers like Geza X (Dead
Kennedys and more) and Paul Roessler. How did they get interested in your band? 

K: We were contacted by Satellite Park Studios (Geza and Paul’s recording studio) to see if we were interested in recording some tracks with them.  They are incredibly supportive of indie bands, and even though they typically work on major-label projects, they took us on as a “passion project”.  It was humbling to work in the presence of such greatness. 

Are there any anecdotes you like to talk about that happened during the production?

R: Well, we went to Malibu as a 4-piece and recorded with Geza and Paul, and the two of them were so fun to work with. It was a little hard not to be in awe of them just because of their accomplishments. They made us feel very comfortable and by the end of the process, we’d had such a great time that we didn’t want to come home! We’re so happy with the record. I also remember being in the studio one day with the rest of the Girls and Frank Infante walked in and we about died…he was super nice, too. Of course there was also some band drama going on….we were having some internal issues at the time.

Okay, let’s take a look onto the details of the songs. What topics do your songs cover – fiction or reality?

R: You know, it’s a little bit of both. One part real, one part made up, and a good dose of fantasy as well. Compromise, star-crossed love, alienation, lust, dissatisfaction, and sometimes general ridiculousness.

What is the song „Metrosexual“ about? How do you define that term for you?

K: “Metrosexual” is a thinly-veiled homage to someone I’m too embarrassed to call out. And for me, a metrosexual is someone meticulous in grooming and personal style.

Who is your „Pitiless Friend“?

R: “Pitiless Friend” is a metaphor for the emptiness left by a long-lost lover.

Can you tell us about your plans after the EP? Will there be a new album the friends can look forward to?

R: We have been working on new songs which will eventually lead to another recording. With all the shuffling of the band lineup this past year, there have been some big changes we’ve been navigating, but so far it’s been a lot of fun playing with the concept of reinventing ourselves as a duo. Vocals and bass are still performed live, as always, and Kazhmir is now writing all keyboard and drum parts. We weren’t sure how we would be perceived at first with this set up, but there has been a hugely positive response so far. I think Kazhmir and I are very closely aligned as far as our musical tastes and styles…the music has come a long way since we started out and I think the jury is still out on how the latest shakeup will change/affect the new music we’re writing.

What can you tell us about the music scene in the Sunshine State of Florida?
Are there many clubs, and what is your favourite one where one can run into you to buy you a drink or two?

K: There’s music everywhere in Florida, and we’ve been fortunate enough to play tons of really, really great venues. There are some cities, such as Gainesville, where electronic-based music is very much its own scene and artists are encouraged to be experimental and just have a blast. There are several clubs I’ve been to that I love, but my personal favourite is surprisingly not really a live music venue…it’s a tiki lounge called Waterworks that’s decorated with totem poles and puffer fish and serves drinks in skull glasses. Fun place to relax and hear good music on a Saturday night.

What kind of music to you listen to besides Girls on Film?

R: Personally, I’m into all sorts of new wave and old wave and 80s and electro and old-school punk, funk, and 90s underground club music. I’m a fan of the Human League and Duran Duran and The Damned.  Kazhmir: In addition to all of the great stuff that Rio just rattled off, I also enjoy a lot of the newer underground dancy electro-indie stuff that has been surfacing (a la 2020 Soundsystem, Ladyhawke, Santigold, Amanda Blank…)

Please tell us how your live gigs are like and what is special about them that they must not be missed!

K: A live Girls on Film show usually involve lots of big aerodynamic hair, weird dancing & synthy dance beats, quirky vocals, heavy makeup, heavy bass guitar, and that thorn in the side of every electro band, the dreaded Technical Difficulties.

Do you think you are more of a live- than a studio band?

R: Hard to say…there’s nothing as exciting as playing a live show, for all its unpredictability and energy and fun. But in the studio and with a recording, you have a much tighter control over how things end up sounding. We definitely put on a show, but enjoy the record-making process quite a bit as well.

Can you disclose some confirmed gigs in the near future?

K: We’ve got several scheduled in and around Florida and Georgia right now which will keep us busy and traveling through the summer.

Will you come to visit and tour Europe now?

R: Of course, we’ve always wanted to! As soon as we are able, we’ll be right over. The logistics will be our only obstacle!

Many thanks for the interview. Do you have some closing words to our readers out there?

K: Many thanks to YOU in return. We are super excited about the European release of our EP and hope to be playing near you sometime soon! 

Girls On Film @ www:
www.girlsonfilm.us

Girls On Film @ MySpace:
www.myspace.com/gof

by PromoFabrik - April 2010

Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power

Far back in the annuals of time, well, 1992, Pantera released their 6th studio album, Vulgar Display Of Power, undoubtedly an immeasurable classic.  At this time these Texas natives were moving far away from their hairspray and spandex days, to a rougher and a more focused image, to a more aggressive sound and metal fans around the globe were grateful. It would be clear, to even a dyslexic asthmatic mouse that this album made a serious impact on heavy music and even to this day it’s influence can still be heard ringing loudly out of guitars around the planet.

The album was the follow up to their Cowboys From Hell album of 1990, an album that earned Pantera radio play and MTV support, possibly that was a more defining album, but it wasn’t until Vulgar Display that the greater populous discovered the band, therefore making Vulgar Display a defining and influential moment upon the general public.

This was around the time when artists like Metallica and Megadeth were watering down their approach to attract a more mainstream crowd, but Pantera’s answer seemed to be simple, to just get a lot harder and a lot heavier and so, they were there with Vulgar Display Of Power. This was also the album that pretty much defined Groove Metal, a style taken on by artists like Lamb of God, Machine Head, Five Finger Death Punch, Chimaira, Throwdown, Gojira, Meshuggah, Stone Sour and so many other artists.

Phil Anselmo first scream of "Revenge!" in "Mouth for War" and the stage is set. Vinnie Paul showcases relentless technical prowess thrashing out complex double-bass drum patterns in "A New Level" while the late great guitarist Diamond Darrell seems to have an endless supply of hard-grooving, blues-inspired hooks. This is highly evident in "No Good" and "Live in a Hole". While through every song Rex Brown gives the sound a sheer driving groove on the bass end.

The Major press even seemed to pick up on this album, Entertainment Weekly on the 3/6/92, page 59, just in case you manage to find a copy, was quoted with this - "one of the most satisfying heavy metal records since Metallica's early-80s cult days...11 caustic songs of unabashed brute force...a fully realized album that goes way beyond metal's usual crunch-and-burn.." - Rating: A

Q magazine then stepped up and included the album in their "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time" and went on to say "Pantera's new, heavier direction...was succinctly summed up by 'A New Level's sludge-thick chorus and the neck-snapping riffage of bile-flecked hate anthem 'F***ing Hostile'..."

Throughout the 90s, MTV’s Headbangers Ball used excerpts from the album for their show's opening theme, closing theme and incidental music.

Perhaps the most prominent sample is that of Anselmo screaming "F*cking Hostile", taken from the end of the song of the same name.

"Regular People (Conceit)" and “Mouth For War" were covered by Robert Prince, for the computer game Doom, and a cover of "This Love" appeared in Doom II: Hell on Earth

So, to sum this album up, it is a definitive metal album, there can be no argument there, possibly the most definitive metal album of it’s time, I know many would argue that point, probably me included, but without a doubt it is a contender for that title.

If you are like the majority of people, only know the track “Walk” and maybe F*cking Hostile” then take a moment out to appreciate the energy and total metal genius that is Vulgar Display Of Power.