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Interview
Deutsche VersionInterview mit ALooP (23.12.2005)
HH: Hi! How are you? I think, not a lot of people already know your band. So, would you please start telling us something about your history? What was the reason to form the band?
Thais: Fine, thank you. This is Thais (drummer) from ALooP.
Thomas and Bexy have been playing together for several years, but in the year 2000 they decided to form a band called ALooP. Obviously for no reason at all... But it was in 2002, when Peter, Bo and I joined ALooP; the idea of recording an album took shape. So here we are and we have a lot of ass kicking to do.
HH: What is the meaning of the band's name? Is there a special meaning?
Thais: No not really. The name actually doesn't have a real meaning, but we are convinced that people will remember the name, if not the music he-he.
HH: What are your influences? I think, I heard a small Dismember influence.
What is your background? What kind of music do you prefer when you are not playing in your band??
Thais: Everything! I haven't heard Dismember since 1998, so I don't think that's it - he-he. What really inspires me is technical and advanced music, like Dream Theater, Cynic and Meshuggah. But I listen to very different kinds of music, both rock, jazz, hip-hop and of course metal, so my influences come from a lot of genres. Also I have been playing in a lot of other types of bands, which didn't play metal. I think it's our strong point that we have different musical backgrounds.
HH: What kind of reaction did you achieve with your album? Have you expected them?
Thais: Not at all! I've been hoping, and my hopes have been more than fulfilled. We had no idea, that the reviews would be so positive, because we think that the ALooP style is a little different from the "mainstream metal". We use all the aspects of metal that we can think of and the reviewers like it, and it has really given us a boost of self-confidence.
HH: Are you still satisfied with the result? What would you like to change??
Thais: Yes indeed. We like the sound, the songs and we keep listening to them. But if we were to change something in the process of recording an album, it would definitely be to have more time in the studio. Maybe we can "have" that next time.
HH: What are the songs on your debut about? Fiction or do they belong to reality??
Thais: Well, the lyrics are mainly reflections on how we see the world as it is. There are a couple of songs that are pure fiction and they represent dreams/nightmares. I'm not really in to the lyrics. My only contribution was when we wrote 333 – Inner Nightmare and it was in the studio during a demo recording. It was late and I can't be blamed he-he.
HH: What are your plans for the next future; let's talk about the next three years.?
Thais: Getting filthy rich! But it's probably no very realistic, if the only income is from making and playing music. It would be fun to tour some of Europe and of course Denmark and we are working on it right now.
HH: The record companies are suffering about lower sales. As a reason for this, they mention downloading MP3 via internet. What's your opinion about this topic? Do you think, internet can help younger bands to become more attention??
Thais: I think it's wrong to blame the internet, the new formats and those who share music. The reason why the sales are getting lower is, in my opinion, that music is mass produced and a lot of it is a pile of crap. Not to criticise the record industry as a whole, but a lot of artists are only making music to get more money. Therefore the quality of the songs is worsening and I believe that the music is supposed to be written in a rehearsal room and not in a studio. On the other hand, the internet has really been a great opportunity to ALooP, because we are heard all over the world through our web site and we get a lot of good response to that. We use the internet as a tool to promote ourselves and I believe that young and up-coming bands should use that opportunity to get some exposure.
HH: Do you think metal bands should be more into politics or not? Especially when you're watching what's happening around us in the world.?
Thais: That's not for me to decide. If a band wants to get involved in politics one way or another, it's their choice. It's good though, that some bands do it to show their opinion and make some statements. ALooP is not politically orientated in any way and I don't think we'll ever be.
HH: What do you think about the media in general in these days, TV, radio and so on regarding the influence on the masses??
Thais: I don't know, because we're all a part of the masses somehow. But I believe that if the media didn't tell us what's going on in the world, how could we be critical to the media? The media, of course, decides what they want to show and tell, so of course they have a certain influence on how we conceive the situation.
HH: If you should describe your music as a drink (alcoholic or non alcoholic). What kind of a drink would it be and how would it taste??
Thais: It would probably taste funny, because there would be beer, cola, vodka, gin, water, milk and wine in it. ALooP is all about mixing a lot of different musical "ingredients". I wouldn't drink that!J
HH: What are the ultimate five CDs/LPs that should not be missing in a fan's collection??
Thais: Hmmmm... Metallica - ...And Justice For All, Faith No More - Angel Dust, Killswitch Engage - Alive Or Just Breathing, Pantera - Vulgar Display Of Power, ALooP - Global Crisis.
HH: Thanks for answering my questions; the last words are up to you.?
Thais: You're welcome. Grab your wallet and run to the nearest record store and buy Global Crisis. You won't regret it.