KMFDM

Hello Sascha, how are you? First off I would like to thank you for taking your time to answer this interview.
- "Thanks, I am fine. I am actually not a fan of email-interviews at all, they tend to sound stiff and lifeless, but hey, I'll give it a try. Here we go..."

Tell us a bit about 'WTF?!' and what the main theme is behind it.
- "There's no main theme behind 'WTF?!'. As with all KMFDM albums it is not a rock-opera or something to that extent, but a snapshot of what KMFDM is / was all about during the timeframe in which the album was created. Once the new material gets worked into the live-set, this snapshot becomes the actual reality, as it transforms itself and transcends throughout (at least) a touring cycle and, over time becomes a firm part of KMFDM, as the band grows with every album and finds new facets of expression."

What inspired you to create the new album and what is your major drive or influence.
- "It is almost a self-dictating process, the previous album (to whatever new album) was released some time ago, touring was done and before you really know it, it is time to start recording again. Ideas get piled up and pressure builds and finally the steam gets released in the process of actual creation. I am the quintessential Germanic, all the drive and inspiration comes from within. Since I am very focused on what I am working on, and I am never out of work, I also live a rather isolated life, there's no idea in my head of what's cool, new, modern... what people listen to these days... what the newest trend is... how to dress fashionably... etc. And it works just that way: on tour you live excessively, faster than real life, you suck it all in and ride the bomb, so to speak, and after the touring is done, you spit it all back out in the studio, however, it has undergone a process of digestion in the meantime, and that is the motivational momentum for me."

How has KMFDM evolved throughout the years?
I am probably not the right person to be asked that question, as I am too close to it in order to have a perspective. This can only be answered by someone from the outside, who has some sort of idea of a scale by which to measure EVOLVE. All I can tell you is that KMFDM has lived it's own life throughout the currently 27 years of existence, all along self-determined, independent and filled with energy and action. And sure, if I listened to the first albums KMFDM has ever done, I would probably see that it actually HAS evolved. But then, I never look back..."

If you go back about 10 years, what are you most proud of, The new KMFDM or the old one?
- "There ain't much to be proud of when it comes to what you refer to as the old KMFDM. A bunch of miserable fucks we were. There was no good time to be had back then. Clearly, since the reformation in 2001 we have had a great time, did almost twice the amount of touring we did with the old line-up, and have become like family to one another. Sometime in the very near future the point in time will be reached where new KMFDM has existed longer than old ever had. And there's no sign of stopping."

Do you think its necessary to evolve too much as a band? A lot of bands now days tend to take some drastic steps when evolving and often ending up in a total different genre.
- "No, obviously not. I have said so many times, it even is part of the lyric of one of KMFDM's songs. If bands are trying to do something completely new and different from what they are known for it usually is futile and they'd be better off starting a new project altogether. Also, to be known for your own sound is an achievement that should not be underestimated. Anyone can make a recording or an album or two with software stuff on a computer, but to actually have a sound that is recognizable and continues over time, is a major feat."

Do you have any big tours planned? Visiting Europe maybe?
- "We are currently evaluating whether or not KMFDM will tour the US this year, a rather large European tour is being booked right now and is coming together nicely so far. We're looking to do this in Oct/Nov of 2011."

Is there anything else you would like to add or tell us about?
- "Well, like what? Talking about the weather perhaps? No, seriously, here's something that fits the occasion: After a tour I always take the time to listen to all the many CD's people hand me. One such CD stuck out of the pile, in fact it's become one of my favorites: A band, apparently from Gothenburg, named The Morlocks. Totally totally super-great stuff, check it out. They may probably be found on one of those otherwise ridiculously unnecessary social networking sites."

Thank you for taking your time and I am looking forward to your new work.
- "Thank you."