Interview with Serge Christen, San Dimas (May 19, 2004)

1. Hi, first off I just want to congratulate you on your new album. To new fans could your please fill us in on the history behind it all?

Serge - We started as a metalband in the ninties. The bandname was MUD SLICK and we did three CD's. From one CD to the others, we went away from the “straight metal “ more into crossover metal with a lots of variations at this time. Because of a line up change, we figured it was the best way to start with the new bandname: San Dimas. We did a debut in 2002, which was released in Germany and Switzerland. Now two years later, I think we have found our musical direction with this formation. We are really happy to present this CD. That's what we are and were we are at this time!

2. How has your new album been received by the media?

Serge - We have a lots of really exciting pressreleases. A lots of them like the musical variations on the album. But that is on the other side a problem for people who are focused on only one specific kind of Rock, wich are not open minded to other flavours of Rockmusic.

3. I know artists are not happy to categorize their music, but how would you describe your music to an outsider?

Serge - Guitarriff oriented groovy rock from heavy till indi, with very melodic singing.:-)

4. Where does your inspiration come from, both musically and lyrically?

Serge - There are so many possible ways to get inspiration. Me personally, I produce lots of bands in the studio. They all show up with their favorit bands as references. Is it because of the arrangements, the sounds, the mood or the songs. So I listen to lots of different music, different styles. So, when I pick up my guitar I start to play riffs out of nowere, just depending in what kind of mood I am at this moment. Lyrically our singer Stämpf has some personally experiences that he lays down with words or has a theme that he'd like to talk about.

5. What topics do you deal with in your lyrics and why?

Serge - There's a lot of strange things going on on this planet. We're not pointing at them and got the answer in our pocket. As well, there are a lot of personal experiences from the life of our singer , and I think he's telling strong stories.

6. Who has produced and mixed the album, and are you pleased with the end result?

Serge - I produced and mixed the album, so what should I say ?! I love it !

7. Who has done the artwork? And how important do you feel it is to have a great cover?

Serge - It's a freaky guy from our home town (D.A.S.Ross), and we are very happy with his work! I guess artwork is importent for every Band. It represents the optic vision of the Band.

8. Do you have any touring plans?

Serge - We play cloubgigs in Switzerland. During summer a few Festivals. After the sommer we plan a support-tour through Germany (hopefully all of Europe). We will post everything on our website www.sandimas.ch.

9. How do you feel about the co-operation with your label, and are you satisfied?

Serge - They're doing a good job. Normally they work with much heavier bands and sometimes their reputation is bad for us. Which means, that when journalists gets a CD from Massacre they expect a ultra heavy band. And if that's the only thing they wanna listen to, bad for us.

10. The internet is a very important source for many metal fans - how do you use the internet and how important is it for you and other bands?

Serge - It has a good and a bad side, as we all know! That Internet allows us to present ourselves on the web worldwide is a great deal for everybody. But that everybody is able to download almost everything for free is dangerous and can cause serious problems to the whole music industry.

11. How do you see the metal scene at the moment?

Serge - There are a lot of great bands comming and going. Today they are hip, tomorrow they're gone. Time moves fast. O.K. there is still a huge list of dinosaurus. They didn't dissapear from the stage; and I am very happy about that.

12. To finish things off - could you pls. make a all-time Top 5 or sort of the 5 most important albums in your opinion?

Serge - Hard to say. I have hundreds of CD's and I like many of them. When I first heard Uriah Heep's Salsbury and Fallen angel, I knew that I had to get myself a guitar. When my Brother bought the Vinyl of AC/DC's Back In Black we immediatelly started a coverband and I bought my first distortion-pedal when I was 8 years old. Other rockbands from my young age were: Metallica, Aerosmith, Krokus, Journey, Saga... Then like a hit in the face were Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam.. .which influenced me a lot. Now there's bands like Stabbing Westward (they broke up 2 years ago), Filter, Drowning Pool, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Queens Of The Stone Age, Muse...too many to name

A bit thanx to Serge and San Dimas. And as always a huge hello to Claus (Intromental) for setting up the interview.

San Dimas - San Dimas

Album out on Massacre Records

Click on the album cover to see more info on San Dimas