Novosibirsk, Siberia, may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of death metal but it’s from that land that Defect Designer originally hails. Their formation has taken quite a few twists and turns, namely the number of line-up shifts that has left Dmitry Sukhinin the lone original member and of course the band leader. He’s also relocated to Norway, to avail of a work opportunity. “We have quite a complicated case about the band,” says Dmitry. “[Novosibirsk] is a million and a half by population but we’ve always struggled with musicians in the city and…
From November, 2013
Die Happy: “Discover The Power Of Our Fans”
Die Happy are celebrating 20 years of band history with a Pledgemusic campaign. And their fans are ready to back the new album – Die Happy have reached more than 130% of their goal and still 97 days left to pledge. I talked to Thorsten Mewes, guitarist of the band, about the direct-to-fan experience and the new album … 50K MUSIC MAG: It’s been a while since we heard of Die Happy. Your album “Red Box” came out back in 2010. What happened since then? Thorsten: After touring the album and an incredible accoustic tour 2011 we had to celebrate…
Go Around The Globe With Capitán Tifus
Capitán Tifus (Captain Tifus) is a person, well a pirate, but not a bad one. This guy travels the world searching for a treasure, but he does it on the best way possible, by making music. Back in 2004 the guys behind The Captain got together in Buenos Aires not only to form a band but to create a new persona, he has is own personality and like any other human being he has a mission. A mission that took him in three tours around the world. Vicky told us about this pirate, where did he come from and where…
John Allen: “The Most Amazing Adventure I’ve Ever Had”
I’ve discovered the music of John Allen literally by accident. A few days ago I’ve come across a post on Facebook pointing to an interview with John Allen. Since I am a fan of Jon Allen‘s music (no typo!) I was anxious to read it and surprised to I read about John Allen. So it happened that I got in touch with John for some Q&A – and I’m really happy about discovering his music … 50K MUSIC: Who is John Allen? Where do you come from? What are your (musical) roots? John: I currently reside in Hamburg, Germany and…
The Imaginary Suitcase: “I’m An Old Fart And I Love It…”
A while ago I’ve discovered the music of The Imaginary Suitcase which affected me in a curious way. When you listen to their songs you maybe understand this. It’s also the reason why I asked Laurent Leemans, the musical head of The Imaginary Suitcase, to answer a few questions about their work … 50K MUSIC: Who is The Imaginary Suitcase, where do you come from, what are your roots? Laurent: The Imaginary Suitcase is a moniker for the music made on his own by Laurent Leemans, Belgian citizen currently living in Tubize, a small town approximately 30 kms southwest of…
Civilized Tears: “We Don’t Want To Deliver Anything Mediocre”
Tim Bennett and Bambi Monroe (Civilized Tears) are busy working on their new EP and shooting videos at the moment. I talked to Tim about what the video and the upcoming EP will bring … 50K MUSIC: It’s been a while since we talked last time. How have you been since then? Tim: Busy! Patiently planning towards the release of the new material and video. 50K MUSIC: You’ve been successful with the funding of your upcoming video. Have you started shooting it yet? Tim: We had hoped to work with a director from NYC but there’s not enough funding for…
Canja Rave: “It Was An Emotional Roller Coaster For Us”
A while ago Canja Rave completed funding for a travel to Osaka to perform at the famous Minami Wheel Festival thanks to the support of more than 80 Raisers on Musicraiser. I talked to Chris Kochenborger, one half of Canja Rave, about their Japan as well as the crowdfunding experience, living in Berlin and their future plans … 50K MUSIC: You’ve just returned from Osaka where you performed at the Minami Wheel Festival. How come that you’ve been invited? Chris: Since Canja Rave met the Japanese band Bo-Peep at South by Southwest 2009 and 2010 (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, we…
Hannes Grossmann: “It’s More Direct This Way”
It’s not exactly uncommon to find a musician with multiple itches that need scratching, where the full-time band, or “day-job” if you will, isn’t hitting the all the spots. Take the case of drummer Hannes Grossmann of Germany’s progressive death metal maestros Obscura. He also sits behind the kit of tech metal super-group Blotted Science alongside one Ron Jarzombek and Cannibal Corpse’s Alex Webster. Add in Hannes’ time with Necrophagist and you have one busy guy. It is however not quite enough and the stickman is looking to bring his solo compositions, in The Radial Covenant, to life. The new…