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Interview with KMFDM!
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March 20, 2008, 05:30am
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Interview with KMFDM
By DeathWish
For the last 24 years Sascha Konietzko, nicknamed Kapt'n K, has brought a musical revolution right into our CD/tape/vinyl players named KMFDM ("Kein Mehrheit Fur Die Mitleid" or roughly translated "no pity for the majority"). Getting initially started with what used to be industrial's, now legendary, label called Wax Trax, they made their own niche quickly with their first release in '88 entitled Don't Blow Your Top. They instantly etched their name amongst the greatest artists (past or present) as one of the most sincere and determined bands, offering a world of new sound blending everything from techno, metal, funk, and punk into such a perfect melting pot, one would have to say they were born to do this. Their albums' lyrics were so unique in the fact they never seemed to be talking DOWN to their fans, but rather right to them like equals. Always encouraging them to stand and take notice of the world around them and strive to make a difference.
It is with great honor and pleasure that on the last stretch of the countdown to their 25th anniversary, I managed to sit down and have a great chat with Sascha and discuss all that is KMFDM: past, future, and present. So sit down kiddies and give it up for the man they call Kapt'n K:
DeathWish: I often wonder, so many artists talk about a moment in time (i.e. concert, an epical album release) what moment in your own time made you personally stand up and say "this is what I want to do for the rest of my life?"
Kapt'n K:It's kind of hard to say, there are probably a few moments that were very important, though at the time it was hard to see how important they truly were.
I mean I started this whole KMFDM thing more like a joke, the intention originally was to make music that we actually liked. In the 80s there was a lot of music out there that just didn't grip me, it was kind of lame and I wanted some good hard pumping music. However I never thought it would be my career or anything serious. It just happened that one thing led to another, though one of the key moments was when we got to open up for Ministry, we did a huge tour in 1990. At first I was a bit reluctant to tour the U.S., I thought "why should I do that?" Once we arrived and the tour got underway I had to say "wow, this is pretty cool." There were a few other key moments, but that was the first where I felt that everything was falling into place and that things were moving along.
DeathWish: On that note, Ministry is actually just kicking off their farewell tour (C U LaTour), being that they were one of the first you toured with, what do you think about Uncle Al and Company calling it quits?
Kapt'n K: Well they certainly achieved a great deal in their career, they were very influential and a great deal of people will always remember them.
DeathWish: Wow so it has officially been 24 years of KMFDM, what emotions does it stir inside you to look back on almost three decades of artistic creation?
Kapt'n K: Honestly I am just thinking to myself: "Man time flies." (both of us start laughing). Not too long ago I was 22 years old doing my thing and not thinking much about it. It's certainly been one hell of a ride.
DeathWish: In that time span you have watched a great deal of musicians/bands/artists come and go, the rise and fall of Wax Trax, and yet KMFDM is still here kicking ass. What do you attribute KMFDM's longevity to?
Kapt'n K: I think really that it's because KMFDM cannot be pigeonholed and is completely different than anything else out there. Now don't get me wrong when I say this but, it was done in a very serious manner but we have never taken ourselves too seriously. There various incarnations that have always helped to move forward, especially in the early years it was a very important factor, it kept it fresh and always changing.
DeathWish: As testament to your longevity you are re-releasing all 23 of KMFDM's original singles on vinyl, alongside a whole new 24th single LP. What made you decide to do this? Any hints on what the 24th will be?
Kapt'n K: The idea was to kick off something that would start at the 24th anniversary kind of like a countdown, the motto for us became "24/7" we became 24 and the albums are 7". All the classic tracks, even the singles that were not available on vinyl before are going to be released on 7".
DeathWish: Speaking of new releases you just released BRIMBORIUM (Metropolis Records, 2008), a collection of remixes done by the likes of (16 Volt, DJ? Acucrack, Zombie Girl, and Combichrist). What was the process like for putting this album together, and how did you feel about the final product?
Kapt'n K: I believe the concept came from the fact that we were not ready to tour for Tohuvabohu (Metropolis Records, 2007), the way that Hau Ruck (Metropolis Records, 2005) and Ruck Zuck (Metropolis Records, 2006) interplayed went really well. So we wanted to do another release and a remix album really seemed like the right thing to do, I mean we never really planned to do anything like it and it came together rather painlessly. The real joy was to sit down with the finished product and listen to it all the way through. I rarely got to hear other people's interpretations of KMFDM songs, there really aren't that many outside remixes done in the past.
To tell you the truth BRIMBORIUM has been in the CD player of our car now for three months and has not been taken out yet. It is a great record, I don't even think I have a least favorite on there.
DeathWish: Seeing some of the artists on the album had me reminiscing about some of the hay days of industrial, and gave me the realization of how much musical history you have witnessed. How do you feel about the continuous changes through the years? What do you think of where it is today?
Kapt'n K: Well to the first part these are some great classic industrial acts, most of which we have toured with in the past, we haven't toured with Die Krupps before but there is some strong history there between us. I did some remixes for them about ten or twelve years ago.
As far as the second part, I think the industry today is exactly where it belongs, the whole "Independent" versus "Master" record labels has trampled itself to death. Major record labels definitely deserve what is happening to them, they are trying to work the situation as hard as they can to no avail. They missed the train, as everyone thought they would, they should have embraced the whole .mp3 thing long before, they would be in a very different world today if they had.
DeathWish: You also recently re-released both albums of Excessive Force. What sparked you to remaster and release them?
Kapt'n K: Well lets go back in time first Wax Trax was bought out by TVT Records in the early 90s, and TVT bought the rights to KMFDM's previous and future material. We were under contract with Wax Trax at the time for 10 albums which the last one was Adios in 1998, well the Wax Trax/TVT deal was in recess where they would have sell out rights every ten years, in normal circumstances our contract would be with Wax Trax in care of TVT would end by the end of this year. But in the meantime the President of TVT Steve Gottlieb was a bit litigious and he lost a few million bucks. The collateral he had was the Wax Trax catalogue which someone else ended up inheriting the rights, so they started talking to me about re-releasing the material. I told them I would appreciate it if they would let me do it, as they probably would have looked to release a "greatest hits" album. All of us were looking to release it in a special way for posterity sake. In the end everything went through and I bought the rights to all the material including the Excessive Force material. Once all the KMFDM material was released it only seemed a natural progression to re-release the Excessive Force material. Now we are releasing the vinyl, and then there will be some more special material to be released.
DeathWish: Are there any plans to bring back XF for one more album?
Kapt'n K: I don't think so, I mean the name was actually assumed by a band out of Canada that are kind of a white power, hate monger group. I wouldn't want to confuse anyone out there, Excessive Force was really a product of it's time and could have only existed with the way that Wax Trax was made back in the day. The band was Buzz McCoy, of My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, sitting around being bored and needing money. We walked over to the Wax Trax office and said "hey how about if we start a project? Would you give us some money?" all we were told was "yes" and as they pulled out the check book they asked "how much do you want?"
DeathWish: Well you certainly can't argue with a response like that.
Kapt'n K: Absolutely, we just wanted to start a Chicago underground little project, we decided to name it Excessive Force and some years later someone else decided to use that name. They were completely a diametrically opposed mindset away from us.
DeathWish: Speaking of the Wax Trax days, one aspect that reigns true is how all the bands interchanged members and worked together to write some amazing material, such as Excessive Force for example. Now I see you with your new line up and things seem to be much more relaxed and that you are enjoying yourself again, would you say this line up has brought that spark back in you?
Kapt'n K: The new lineup is like a change of course for myself, it's a huge trade up from a group of people that you are never sure who will stay and who will go to a smaller group of long term members which you get to build a dynamic with. When touring it is nice to have a group of people who get along together, who in a way gel together. If you have an all star kind of lineup on tour, like Pigface, everything gets to be somewhat topsy-turvy and ends in chaos.
KMFDM like many things in life has a natural progression to it: There were the early years, the medium years, the current years and you never know what the future will hold the band could end as soon as this interview ends or it will carry on for many years to come, you never know.
In the early 2000 years we decided to tour quite heavily, it just so happened that the band got along really well. There really wasn't any time to think about outside collaboration and it really wasn't necessary.
DeathWish: Speaking of past collaborations you have worked with some of the best (Nivik Oger, Tim Skold, etc.)
Kapt'n K: And some of the worst (both of us start laughing)
DeathWish: Well there does have to be that balance. Which artist inspired you the most?
Kapt'n K: Hmmm... wow that is actually a loaded question (both of us chuckle). Honestly I was very inspired by working with Peter Murphy (Bauhaus front man). In my mind right now it stands out as one of the most outstanding and inspirational collaborations I have done. There are so many facets to that statement, first of all being a pretty big Bauhaus fan when I was a wee young lad and then I was sitting there with him drinking a beer it was like "wow this is fucking great." And then there is the fact that he is so much different than I am that was just so inspirational, he converted to Islam many years ago and got into the whole metaphysical thing, and I am such an opponent against organized religion, as you may know. (both of us take a laugh) We certainly butted heads about it, but in a very positive way we certainly learned a lot from each other. Musically he is a genius and has such an amazing voice. Ok now I am starting to gush. (laughing).
DeathWish: It's ok, that is allowed (laughing)
Kapt'n K: Another artist that sticks out would have to be Nina Hagen (female vocalist from Germany who sang the track "Witness" on KMFDM's Adios). Though a completely different experience than Peter Murphy, it was still very "wow."
And of course now working with the band is very inspiring as well. There are so many levels of cross pollination when you work with other people it's quite surprising.
DeathWish: I have to wonder, as I am sure your fans do as well, how has 24 years in the music business changed you as a person?
Kapt'n K: You know what I don't really think it has, because I don't think I ever allowed myself to be a part of it, I never wanted to be a star fucker or sucker. (both of us start laughing). You know with all the times I defied the mechanisms of the industry more times than not, and at times suffered financially just to keep my own integrity. I just didn't want, I don't think sell out would be the term, but I just didn't want to do certain things for money over the years. It certainly it didn't help to further KMFDM's career, quite the opposite actually. But that is what you have to take when you subscribe 100% to the underground.
By the way you asked earlier about some of the best moments, and I have to say one of the best moments must have been in about 1995; we played a festival somewhere in the boonies of Wisconsin. It was a total mud fest, the weather was terrible, we were sitting on the bus and Joey Ramone all of a sudden comes on and just sits down. All of us turned to each other and said "oh my god, it's Joey Ramone." That was fucking great, nobody could even say a word, except "hey Joey you want a beer?"
DeathWish: We have covered some of the positive aspects so far of the past 24 years, however I want to change pace real quick and ask you; do you have any regrets?
Kapt'n K: PHEW! (both of us start laughing) No, I would do certain things differently if I had the chance to. For example, I would have never started smoking. As far as KMFDM is concerned I would do it all over again without a doubt.
DeathWish: Recently you moved the base of operation from Seattle back to Hamburg, Germany. What brought these changes on?
Kapt'n K: Well actually I just moved my own ass and Lucia here. It was just the right time to get out of the US, it's like rats leaving a sinking ship (chuckles). Our three English boys however are still back in the US. One is even in Florida and just got married.
DeathWish: You have often said your distaste for the current administration (well perhaps even lack thereof), are you keeping up with the current elections here in the US?
Kapt'n K: Of course. All of my business is in the US so I can?t start doing business till the evening, as even right now I am sure the west coast is just waking up (just for the record it was about 9am on the west coast, so yes we were barely waking, while in Germany it was about 5pm). But yes I am definitely immersed in what is going on there.
DeathWish: Do you have any candidates that based on what you know you would vote for?
Kapt'n K: Yeah I think team Obama and Edwards would be great. Who do you like yourself
(This is where a quite extensive conversation about political elections occurred, that have been taken out, but just for the record I would definitely not vote for the Republicans or Hillary.)
DeathWish: In the spirit of upcoming events, when will KMFDM be hitting the road next?
Kapt'n K: There will be an extensive tour, and some special surprises leading up to it. So be ready
DeathWish: Speaking of tours and reminiscing, through all the years of touring with numerous acts. What would you say was the best and worst tour moments you have had?
Kapt'n K: The best tour that we have done with anyone, would have to be the one that we did with Combichrist, it was very strong and a lot of fun to do. The one we did with Rammstein though there were not so many dates on that one.
The worst one was with Korn.
DeathWish: Really?
Kapt'n K: Yeah they were the worst band I have ever seen open for KMFDM, and it is the most idiotic people in that band, I mean what a bunch of fucking poseurs. (I could not contain my laughter).
DeathWish: Can I quote you on that?
Kapt'n K: Absolutely. I mean at the time they were nobodies and we gave them the chance to go on the road, and they were such jerks.
DeathWish: So one aspect that stands out about KMFDM is your loyalty and appreciation to your fans. Nothing I think shows this better then the final track on BRIMBORIUM features messages left on voicemail, made accessible via a compition. The title of the track is "What We Do For You". How did it feel to sit down and listen to all the voicemails?
Kapt'n K: It was pretty fucking hilarious man. (both of us start laughing). The funny thing is we could have made this a double album with all the messages that were left, I had to edit it down. I think that I had a half a day full of messages. Some were funny but too long and some were just plain dumb.
DeathWish: Did you ever feel like you were on the set of American Idol?
Kapt'n K: At times actually yes I did. At times like Jerry Springer too (laughing) But it was great, you could even hear the quiver in some of their voices while they were leaving the message.
DeathWish: It must be amazing to know you have the power to make people behave that way just leaving you a message.
Kapt'n K: (laughing) What they don't know is that I do not eat small children for breakfast.
DeathWish: So to top things off. On such a notable day as your 24th anniversary, what would you like to say to them?
Kapt'n K: All I can really say, even at risk of repeating myself, is thank you. Thank you for repeatedly and consistently coming out to see us and support us. I honestly cannot think of that many bands with as great of a fan base as this one, made up of intelligent and good people.
DeathWish: Well I have to say as a fan myself it was always great to have a band like KMFDM that not only pointed out the faults of this world but also encourage their listeners to make a difference and giving them hope. Would you say yourself that you helped make a difference in this world?
Kapt'n K: That would have to be something someone else could testify, but I can certainly say that I hope I did. I always knew as a child growing up, that one should be careful growing up in a world like this, but it was my dreams, aspirations, and fantasies that fueled me to do something with meaning at least for myself. Now I am on stage, and I feel a certain type of responsibility where if I am just saying everything is shit I am not getting anything done. I mean if the world ended today I would still go outside and plant a seed for an apple tree, and that is the spirit of it all.
Now go check out their webpages: KMFDM's Myspace, Official Webpage, Official KMFDM VampireFreaks page
posted by
Sic79
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Snap-it-kill
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Haha, nice slight against Korn. That ruled
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Uriel_de_pompadour
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awesome intervieuw guys. and snap it kill said it allready  fun to hear you guys bash on korn
Woops guess I just visited you
Grtz from Uriel
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Leviathin
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haha. KMFDM was my first real obsession.
that was like. 4 years ago. ever since they have rocked my life.
Good interview!
_______________________________________________
blind and unknowing we wept so well.
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Nojoy
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Come to where I live!
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Nojoy
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Come to where I live!
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DeathBed
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I've been listening to you since I broke away from my moms rock and listened to my own music. I think it was after the mortal Kombat soundtrack I first remember your name and followed your bands music.
And as for for the korn bashing. I dont know them personally but you all should have knew there idiotic. Thats what makes them... them.
Quote from Monkey "I love planes... you know, it's like your moving but not moving at all."
Ummm yea. See my point. You can expect them to be serious some time or they would have never made it this far but naturally you shouldn't expect them or take them seriously when there nothing but jokers having fun drunk and high on life.
But opinion is opinion.
 Bear+New Computer= Power
Bears+Original_NYG Family= Love
Beras+NY Prodigy=
NEW YORK TAKE OVER
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Pajayjay
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Gotta love Kmfdm
[Super Nova] Chewbacca!!!
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ToxicNightmares
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KMFDM is amazing.
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Existingviolation
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what an intresting insight to korn's stage behavor
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zerkov
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love your freind ship with rammstien and your german lyrics
??????????
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Timmy_And_The_Lords
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Nice interview. KMFDM love it or hate it. They will always be there.
Life is like a video game with no chance to win.
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ProjectX
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okey nice interview. Good music.
About the Korn thing, well opinions are opinions, i don't know why the tour with them was worst but, well hey thats life. I like the band Korn. But i have to say to this one guy up there that Korn guys are not idiotic, ofcourse they joke and have fun and drink and maybe are high but so fucking what  that does no't make them idiotic. They have lot's of tallent and inteligent lyrics, wich most of the band theese days don't have.
But as i said... opinions are opinions
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Sic79
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"They have lot's of tallent and inteligent lyrics" hahahaha... not even close.
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ProjectX
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well take look and see :P inteligent might not be the right word come to thik of it, cause almost all lyrics are intelgent on their own way. though i like the way he uses the words.
And actually they are tallented :P but if you don't like it I don't think you'll belive me
don't mean to sound offensive. it's all about opinion :P i like it and if you don't... well that's just life
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Necrophoria
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KoRn still deserve it for being such attention seeking bastards...
We love you Kapt'n!
You know what crazy is?
Crazy is enjoying the rules
  
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DeathBed
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Actually I like Korn cause because they challenged there listeners to new sounds. I got into them during the follow the leader album in 4th grade, It was perfect blend of metal with hip hop beats witch I needed then cause I was really into Rap at that time with Big Pun and Pac and Biggs out. Witch is why many people dont like them. The'll go from (80's) Death metal to nu rock to hip hop. And yes Korn is idiotic. Thats a fact. You should not have to all most be locked up by police every time you tour. lol. :P You should watch behind the scenes stuff with them. There not putting on a show for the camera. Thats really them having fun and what strait edge people would say. "Acting like a fool."
Bear+New Computer= Power
Bears+Original_NYG Family= Love
Beras+NY Prodigy=
NEW YORK TAKE OVER
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Necrophoria
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Yeah, but they have become money and fame hungry as of late.
The used to actually have rich emotional lyrical content. Now all their new releases lack that. Now they do what most bands do after their creative material is lost. They make music for a living, not for a pleasure like KMFDM does.
You know what crazy is?
Crazy is enjoying the rules
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DeathBed
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maybe so. But you would have to ask them that. Remember only three/four original members are still apart of korn depending if you count monkey.
Monkey has taken the pressure of writing most lyrics now witch is why there lyrics have changed to such a extent.
I herd there new stuff and I think yes it's different but listen closely and you'll hear that there last release they really got on touch with there beginning work with allot more tormented bass but guitar has a more nu rock style rift.
No lie my fav album is there first (blind) then follow there leader then the one before the last. Sadly I think there first album is better then there greatest hits.
Bear+New Computer= Power
Bears+Original_NYG Family= Love
Beras+NY Prodigy=
NEW YORK TAKE OVER
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RBKoRn
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I love KMFDM and KoRn hahahaha. I could see how a band like KMDFDM would dislike them at any rate, with them being on MTV and more mainstream.
However, this is abouyt KMFDM, not KoRn or their habits so I dont feel the need to rant.
End result? KMFDM fucking rocks.
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catalyst_245
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KMFDM is awesome.
Korn? Well, no comment, to each their own;
But KMFDM is still awesome, and you just can't disagree with that
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DrugAgainstWar
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KMFDM is a great band, only one that i can listen to forever
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DARKROSE54869
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KMFDM rocks
life is what keeps us all alve. 
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Mrs_Vengeance6661
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wow...i didn't think that Korn would be a bunch of dickweeds, but i don't think KMFDM would lie...God i love there music...FREE YOUR HATE...ANARCHY
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lipsinopium
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anyone think Tim Skold might perform in the future with KMFDM??
(perhaps sing "Anarchy"!!)
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Zerolizer
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KMFDM forever sucks!!!!
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Zerolizer
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KMFDM forever sucks!!!!
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Anubis_Terror
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Great interview. Honestly I felt very happy about the great things Sascha had to say. :-)
I remember I had seen Korn live during the Christmas Chaos thing in Florida and I told everyone that I was going to see other bands such as Mudvayne and Drowning Pool and no one could really believe that I said I didn't really want to see Korn. In my opinion they sucked it up, the mosh sucked and so did the show. Jonathan Davis lost his voice as usual...
I can't wait until you guys hit the road (hopefully you hit up the US), I've never seen you guys live but I know that seeing KMFDM live is near if not at the top of my list of things to do before I die.
KMFDM is an inspiration in life and in musik.
KMFDM will never die. :-)
Pain is inevitable; Suffering is optional.
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DocThommahawk
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I've been a fan since the early 90's. I know for sure that it's a "Power You Can Trust"! They surely help one to think outside the coffin.
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DocThommahawk
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I've been a fan since the early 90's. I know for sure that it's a "Power You Can Trust"! They surely help one to think outside the coffin.
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SM_MORF
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when are you guys gonne take over the world?
 Me Is Angwy Agwesive Hamsteww
::cutii::Rawr::Rawr::MORF::-^^-::FROM::rwaR::rwaR::iituc::
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