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First
off I want to congratulate you on your new album "Peace Among
The Ruins". Kurdt - you are to many the synonym for
Metal
Church, but with Vanderhoof you showed that you have a lot more to offer
other than "just thrash metal". But now you have a 3rd
band in the running with Presto Ballet - why?
Kurdt - Because I have always loved
this type of music and I wanted to challenge myself as a writer.
I
think this album is sort of you paying tribute to your musical
roots - is that assessment far off?
Kurdt - Not at all. It is very much a 70's
style record. And it was very intentional to make it sound that
way.
You
grew up listening to all of those great 70's rock bands, but the
approach to
Metal
Church
is a lot more aggressive, so are any of these songs left overs
from your long time with Metal
Church? Songs, which simply didn't fit the aggressive playing style?
Kurdt - No, all these songs where
written for Presto Ballet.
I
labelled this album progressive rock (in my review) - but how
would you describe your music to an alien from another galaxy?
Kurdt - I guess I would have to say
that its Rock and Roll with a more complicated arrangements and
many musical moods within one song. That’s a tough question to
answer LOL.
If
the music of Presto Ballet was an emotion, which one would it be?
Kurdt - It would have to be all of
them rolled up into one feeling.
How
has "Peace Among The Ruins" been received by the media?
Kurdt - So far the response has been
incredible and VERY flattering.
"Peace
Among The Ruins" is your first album on InsideOut Music - a
record label known for its strong connection to progressive music
- how important was that to you, when you were shopping for a
record deal for Presto Ballet?
Kurdt - InsideOut is the perfect
label for us. All of the records that I have been buying over the
past 6 or 7 years have all been on that label. They are about
music and not any thing else and that is the way that it is
supposed to be.
Will
you take your new band out on the road?
Kurdt - If we get the opportunity to
tour, absolutely. I would like nothing more than to play this
music live.
I
really like the artwork - who has done it and is there a deeper
idea behind the concept? And how does the angel with the harp fit
in?
Kurdt - I did the artwork myself. No
real deep meaning to it other than wanting to have it reflect the
idea of the title of the album. I guess the angel kind of
represented a peaceful attitude.
Thanks very much, I’m glad you like it!
You
have produced the album yourselves - isn't it sometimes hard to
keep the distance necessary to remain objective to the songs?
Kurdt - Yes, it can be difficult, but
it also can be very satisfying when you have complete control over
the music and how you want it to be presented.
How
is the
Seattle
scene now after the demise of grunge?
Kurdt - There isn’t really a scene
at all anymore. But I think that it’s that way everywhere in the
US
these days.
Which
song do you consider to be the best one you have ever written? My
favourites are "Watch The Children Pray" and "Anthem
To The Estranged".
Kurdt - Man, I don’t know if I
really have one that I think is my best. I do have a few favs and
I guess that would be ”Beyond The Black" and "Speed Of
Time".
I
have just seen the tragic news, that David Wayne is no longer
among us - what kind of thoughts and feelings does a sad, sad
thing like this bring up in you?
Kurdt - It’s very sad of course and
a very shocking thing to happen. It’s too bad that we have lost
such a unique voice.
Any
chance you might make an album all-time top 5?
Kurdt –
Any
famous last words?
Kurdt - KILL HIP HOP!
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