Die Braut
... Interview by Jason L. Anderson ...
... Interview by Jason L. Anderson ...
Die Braut are one of the most dynamic and exciting harsh EBM bands today. With a blend of raging, atmospheric dancefloor fillers and emotionally charged and socially conscious lyrics, this Chilean duo is set to release their third album 'Psychotherapy' on Orion Records and Noitekk/Black Rain this month. Katia and Christian took the time to answer a few questions for us before the release of the album, and reflect on where the band has been, and what the future holds.
Hello Christian and Katia- thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Please tell us where in the world you are?”
KATIA: HI...We are from Chile in South America.
What is the origin of the name “Die Braut”? How did your interest in electronic music begin?
KATIA: Honestly, the name comes from an e-mail address I made for myself with a special reason many years ago... You know how many strange names some people use, but certainly the name ‘Die Braut’ (the bride) represents the female presence in South American elektro music, denoted especially that a woman is singing it.
CRISTIAN: We both have different musical tastes, and when we got together as a band in 2006, those tastes came together as well. That is the reason we have influences from Hocico and Suicide Commando, but also from the German EBM that we express in our rough lyrics.
Your previous albums Unsehbar and World of Lies drew comparisons in some press to Hocico, Amduscia, and even Suicide Commando. Yet, I always felt that the feminine presence of Katie presents a very unique voice to the harsh ebm formula- how does Die Braut differentiate itself from the typical harsh EBM band?
KATIA: We don't like to talk about the differences between Latin bands but rather what unites these bands and the result is that we are creating a movement of music in Latin America that is being noticed more and more in Europe and is mainly due to the sound quality, warmth and naturalness that may sound a theme. Our albums are quite dynamic; you can hear a very fast song and then go into depression with the cadence of another. All the time we are experimenting with the sounds and we try to give naturally to our songs.
You are set to release your newest album ‘Psychotherapy’ under Black Rain/Noitekk- how did that deal come about?
Christian: The deal came through the important distribution of Orion Records in the world, with Black Rain being its most important distribution partner. Gerald wanted to release this album under his label, and here we are- waiting for the upcoming release.
In what ways will ‘Psychotherapy’ be different from ‘World of Lies’?
Christian: Very different! WORLD OF LIES is more political, MUCH faster and more direct. Psychotherapy IS MORE CONCEPTUAL, It’s not strictly a “dancefloor” album- it’s more mature and calm- it is to listen and understand what we try to tell the public. Of course, in sound quality it’s very clean and doesn’t lose the aggression that characterizes us.
Die Braut released a promo track called ‘A New Man’- tell us a little bit about this song- what is the meaning behind it?
Christian: In Chile, we live with a president disguised as civilians, imposing tyranny, but speaking of democracy, social support, and equality that never arrived.
Tell us about the artwork for 'Psychotherapy'- who designed it? What are some ideas behind it?
Christian: The art of psychotherapy was designed by a fan of our band of Greek origin, Nikkos Markogiannakis, who has also worked with bands such as Die Sektor. The ideas behind the design is completely conceptual and abstract, always emphasizing two poles of the way of seeing things; the rest are creative ideas and talents of Nikos. His myspace website is www.myspace.com/zilla.
Die Braut is making its first video as well. What can you tell us about it- who is directing, what is the concept, etc?
Christian: Well, this video is something we did to professionalize our work and give a bonus to our listeners: it was directed by Carlos Toro (director of ‘Abysmo’), and the video’s concept is the social crisis of our daily reality.
How was your European tour experience? Where did you play and how did the fans respond?
Christian: The experience was great and new to us, earlier we’d played to Brazil and Peru- Europe clearly marks a different experience for the culture and the concept that our music has on that continent, quality and public response, the shows were totally full, and the technical quality of the spaces where we played- it was rewarding and beautiful. The audience responded very well, always attentive and listening to us; after two or three songs the real party began between them and us. We show our Chilean flag proudly and enough people appreciated our visit from the other side of the Atlantic. We have wonderful memories of it- from both Spain and Germany, which were the countries where we did our shows.
Going back to the previous albums for a bit: what were you exploring on 'Unsehbar'? Did that record achieve what you wanted it to?
Christian: The recording process for ‘Unsehbar’ was hard. That record showed all our faults and there’s lots of musical experimentation; it’s a wonderful album- very sad, and it tackled very strong issues like abuse of children and women. However, it is the most wanted album for us, for the search, exploration, and understanding of how we should make music and find our way as a band. Thanks to ‘Unsehbar,’ people knew us in Europe and all across the world. IT'S PART OF THE PAST, BUT IS ANYWAY WE dearest.
'World of Lies' is significantly harsher than the first cd. It's faster and explores more emotional themes- what were your influences writing that record?
Well, we believe that "UNSEHBAR" was more emotional- ‘WORLD OF LIES’ is much more straightforward and speaks against bad policy: it protests torture and injustice in our countries, and complains against many issues and discontent. THE INFLUENCES WERE AGAIN: THE TELEVISION, THE INDIVIDUAL, THE LITTLE TOLERANCE OF PEOPLE AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE TOUGH SITUATIONS.
Katia- why is it important to have a female presence in harsh EBM? What kind of perspective does this add to the music?
Katia: This genre has always been marked by the woman who beautifully makes the chorus and rough vocals or behind the vocalist, or sometimes the woman is used as an object of fetish dance like some bad bands that exist in Europe; or they are subjected to beatings, abuse and other things. We always want to highlight the figure of a fierce female presence with a commanding voice, just as we highlight the presence of men, are a team and therefore both give what belongs to each. That is more important than genre itself.
What are some new bands coming out that really impress you?
Christian: Few, in fact: we like classic bands such as "Prager Handgriff" and Wumpscut- we never get tired of listening to them. Heimataerde is a band we love that’s relatively new; Agonoize as well, and of course Say Just Words, who besides being our friend and compatriot, is an excellent musician.
KATIA: HI...We are from Chile in South America.
What is the origin of the name “Die Braut”? How did your interest in electronic music begin?
KATIA: Honestly, the name comes from an e-mail address I made for myself with a special reason many years ago... You know how many strange names some people use, but certainly the name ‘Die Braut’ (the bride) represents the female presence in South American elektro music, denoted especially that a woman is singing it.
CRISTIAN: We both have different musical tastes, and when we got together as a band in 2006, those tastes came together as well. That is the reason we have influences from Hocico and Suicide Commando, but also from the German EBM that we express in our rough lyrics.
Your previous albums Unsehbar and World of Lies drew comparisons in some press to Hocico, Amduscia, and even Suicide Commando. Yet, I always felt that the feminine presence of Katie presents a very unique voice to the harsh ebm formula- how does Die Braut differentiate itself from the typical harsh EBM band?
KATIA: We don't like to talk about the differences between Latin bands but rather what unites these bands and the result is that we are creating a movement of music in Latin America that is being noticed more and more in Europe and is mainly due to the sound quality, warmth and naturalness that may sound a theme. Our albums are quite dynamic; you can hear a very fast song and then go into depression with the cadence of another. All the time we are experimenting with the sounds and we try to give naturally to our songs.
You are set to release your newest album ‘Psychotherapy’ under Black Rain/Noitekk- how did that deal come about?
Christian: The deal came through the important distribution of Orion Records in the world, with Black Rain being its most important distribution partner. Gerald wanted to release this album under his label, and here we are- waiting for the upcoming release.
In what ways will ‘Psychotherapy’ be different from ‘World of Lies’?
Christian: Very different! WORLD OF LIES is more political, MUCH faster and more direct. Psychotherapy IS MORE CONCEPTUAL, It’s not strictly a “dancefloor” album- it’s more mature and calm- it is to listen and understand what we try to tell the public. Of course, in sound quality it’s very clean and doesn’t lose the aggression that characterizes us.
Die Braut released a promo track called ‘A New Man’- tell us a little bit about this song- what is the meaning behind it?
Christian: In Chile, we live with a president disguised as civilians, imposing tyranny, but speaking of democracy, social support, and equality that never arrived.
Tell us about the artwork for 'Psychotherapy'- who designed it? What are some ideas behind it?
Christian: The art of psychotherapy was designed by a fan of our band of Greek origin, Nikkos Markogiannakis, who has also worked with bands such as Die Sektor. The ideas behind the design is completely conceptual and abstract, always emphasizing two poles of the way of seeing things; the rest are creative ideas and talents of Nikos. His myspace website is www.myspace.com/zilla.
Die Braut is making its first video as well. What can you tell us about it- who is directing, what is the concept, etc?
Christian: Well, this video is something we did to professionalize our work and give a bonus to our listeners: it was directed by Carlos Toro (director of ‘Abysmo’), and the video’s concept is the social crisis of our daily reality.
How was your European tour experience? Where did you play and how did the fans respond?
Christian: The experience was great and new to us, earlier we’d played to Brazil and Peru- Europe clearly marks a different experience for the culture and the concept that our music has on that continent, quality and public response, the shows were totally full, and the technical quality of the spaces where we played- it was rewarding and beautiful. The audience responded very well, always attentive and listening to us; after two or three songs the real party began between them and us. We show our Chilean flag proudly and enough people appreciated our visit from the other side of the Atlantic. We have wonderful memories of it- from both Spain and Germany, which were the countries where we did our shows.
Going back to the previous albums for a bit: what were you exploring on 'Unsehbar'? Did that record achieve what you wanted it to?
Christian: The recording process for ‘Unsehbar’ was hard. That record showed all our faults and there’s lots of musical experimentation; it’s a wonderful album- very sad, and it tackled very strong issues like abuse of children and women. However, it is the most wanted album for us, for the search, exploration, and understanding of how we should make music and find our way as a band. Thanks to ‘Unsehbar,’ people knew us in Europe and all across the world. IT'S PART OF THE PAST, BUT IS ANYWAY WE dearest.
'World of Lies' is significantly harsher than the first cd. It's faster and explores more emotional themes- what were your influences writing that record?
Well, we believe that "UNSEHBAR" was more emotional- ‘WORLD OF LIES’ is much more straightforward and speaks against bad policy: it protests torture and injustice in our countries, and complains against many issues and discontent. THE INFLUENCES WERE AGAIN: THE TELEVISION, THE INDIVIDUAL, THE LITTLE TOLERANCE OF PEOPLE AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE TOUGH SITUATIONS.
Katia- why is it important to have a female presence in harsh EBM? What kind of perspective does this add to the music?
Katia: This genre has always been marked by the woman who beautifully makes the chorus and rough vocals or behind the vocalist, or sometimes the woman is used as an object of fetish dance like some bad bands that exist in Europe; or they are subjected to beatings, abuse and other things. We always want to highlight the figure of a fierce female presence with a commanding voice, just as we highlight the presence of men, are a team and therefore both give what belongs to each. That is more important than genre itself.
What are some new bands coming out that really impress you?
Christian: Few, in fact: we like classic bands such as "Prager Handgriff" and Wumpscut- we never get tired of listening to them. Heimataerde is a band we love that’s relatively new; Agonoize as well, and of course Say Just Words, who besides being our friend and compatriot, is an excellent musician.
Thank you Katia and Christian for taking the time to talk to us! All the best with the new album!
www.myspace.com/diebrautproject
www.myspace.com/diebrautproject