How are you doing Alexys?
A - Pretty good thanks
Between this interview and the previous one is a gap of two years, what did you do in these two years?
A - I've had a career shift and now work full time as a prosthetic make-up artist in films. It's actually going to back to what I studied 15 years ago.
Lately it was quiet around Inertia, was this the reason for you to start a new act together with Reza?
A - No, Reza has been busy with Killing Joke as well as receiving a lot of production and mastering work in the studio. Inertia hasn't been on the road like we would have years ago, but in the past two years, we've been recording two albums.
The new act is called Electro Falco, can you give a brief introduction it?
A - Electro Falco is an EBM tribute to Austrian rock star Falco.
For the few people who don’t know Falco, can you tell us a bit about him?
A - Falco, was from Austria and came onto the music scene in 1980 when he had his first hit 'Der Kommissar'. His biggest hit to date was 'Rock Me Amadeus' which went to number 1 in America as well as several European countries. Sadly, he died in a car crash in 1998 just short of his 41st birthday.
You are a huge fan of Falco, when did you hear him for the first time, how did you get into his music?
A - It was 1983 when After the Fire covered 'Der Kommissar' in English. It kind of brought attention to the original ultimately bringing the German version to the radio. I loved both versions but loved Falco's charisma with his version.
Can you describe what Falco means to you, even today?
A - In the beginning it was more incentive for me to continue speaking German when I was a child. I had lived in Germany only a few years prior to me learning who he was. I had hoped it had helped bridge the gap between my mother and I, you know, give us a common ground. Needless to say, I still don't get along with old Mutti, but I grew more and more attracted to the songs Falco had produced. I'm not sure why I like him so much; aside from his dashing good looks and strong statements in his lyrics....I guess it's also because he was one of the first white rap artists in music.
Sometimes fans can become really obsessed, do you have an obsession for Falco, in what way does this show?
A - I think I'm a little too old for 'obsessions'. I like other bands just as much although Falco seems to hold a stronger place in my heart than many of the others.
How would it feel for you to have an “überfan” yourself?
A - I've had a few crazed and obsessed fans in the past but I'm very flattered by it.
With Electro Falco you transform his songs to the current electroscene, how did people react to it, some might say it’s blasphemy while others might say it’s a unique tribute?
A - We first performed with EF at the Falco Convention Night III in Vienna in February 2010. It was to the anticipation of the headline act called
Falco Tribute Band. Their lead singer loved our version of 'Monarchy Now' (which is also on the new Inertia album) and played it on Viennese radio. The listeners loved it too. After the gig, we were bombarded with excitable Falco fans who loved the show. It was a very proud moment for me. I was really terrified that they would boo us off the stage or just not applaud. It was a warm welcome from hardcore Falco fans. The day after, I visited Falco's grave and thanked him for letting me do it.
What is the hardest thing in transforming his songs, what is the most difficult thing?
A - The hardest thing was learning how to rap and sing very quickly in German and English. He clipped a lot of his German when he sang and then added English, sometimes Spanish, French and Italian...phew! Other than that, the music just flowed naturally to me.
Is it your goal to try and keep an authentic feeling in the music and how do you do this?
A - I wanted to interpret my own version of Falco's songs not just copy them. I did however mimic a few of his moves on stage and threw in a few embellishments the way he would have.
You will do some live shows really soon, what can people expect of Electro Falco?
A - We've taken it live a few times already as well as performing at the FCN III last month. I would hope to be booked again in the very near future. Electro Falco is a high energy show, think Nina Hagen meets Nitzer Ebb.
What would be your favorite song to perform live?
A - I love them all. It would be difficult for me to choose which one I prefer live the most. The first song we recorded was 'Monarchy Now' which also features on the new Inertia album so that one is very special to me because it's the first as well as the first I sang entirely in German.
You are now the frontgirl instead of drummer, does this give more pressure for you? How does it make you feel?
A - No pressure at all. I used to sing live for Hexedene and the Circus of Horrors as well as taking the occasional lead with Inertia. I think I prefer to be up front than just discarded in the back of the stage.
Many people consider “Jeanny” to be the best Falco song but it’s not part of the setlist, why is this?
A - When we were asked to perform along side Falco Tribute, I purposely arranged the set list to not clash too much with what they had already recorded and were performing. The only song that was the same was 'Der Kommissar' although our first London gig had us performing 'Rock Me Amadeus' instead of 'Tribute to Falco (Falco Superstar). When we release the next EF cd we will probably include ‘Jeanny’ as well as ‘Vienna Calling’ and a few other not so well known songs.
Inertia was on hiatus it seemed but now there is a new album “Kloned” what can you tell us about it and is Inertia back again?
A - 'Kloned' is a covers album that has been in the works over the last year and a half. Inertia were never on hiatus, I personally took a break while Reza continued to record and perform without me.
You are a make up artist as well. Recently did the make up for a zombiefilm? What is the fun thing about making zombies and what makes a zombie a good zombie?
A - I've worked on a succession of films over the last 5 years, most of my work being on the last Harry Potter film due out this Christmas. Along side that, I've done effects make-up for a number of horror films and creature building for commercials. I've only had a shot at 1 zombie film which premieres on the 8th of March called 'House Party of the Dead V'. Zombies have always been my favourite horror creature. I think it goes back to seeing 'Return of the Living Dead' in 1985 in the cinema. I was only 11 years old and for what ever reason, the Tarman always tormented my mind. He inspired me to indulge in more zombie films taking a shine to mostly George Romero films. A good zombie is one that has been dead and rotting for at least 10 years. They need to be melting from the oxygen hitting their rotting flesh and have an unlimited hunger for human flesh.
Why are zombies sexy?
Just because I said so.
Any last words for our readers?
Electro Falco ‘Das Ist Showbiz’ EP out now through www.cryonica.com
www.myspace.com/electrofalco