First let me shortly introduce you to the germane radio station Welle:Erdball!
Welle:Erdball is a special kind of synthesizer-pop band. Honey, Alf, Plastique and Frl. Venus see themselves as a team of radio music-show presenters. The songs, originating from the broadcasting studios, often address political and social questions in a critical way.
Who is Frl Venus?
Frl. Venus displays 25% of Welle:Erdball.
How did you came up with the name Frl Venus?
Oh I’ don’t know! We all have our nicknames, some follow ourselves since play school, and others evolve with virtual characters in computer games. What I can say to answer this question in a way Venus sounds very similar to my middle name.
In what way is Frl Venus just like you and in what way does she differ?
Frl Venus is a part of my personality or Nina is part of hers. Of course not in the way of a split personality. For me it is not possible to draw a distinct line between them. Both mainly face the same problems. Problems girls always have; you know: not enough shoes and no outfit in the big closet fits “perfectly” for the current situation. Probably Nina will be more frequently and even in a more direct way face injustice and human stupidity. But we will never give up and fight against brainwashing of the people. As a band or as a member of a band you have the chance to address the audience directly and hopefully start a thinking process. You can be indicative of something, Welle:Erdball is supporting animal welfare since many years.
How would you describe your role in the band, it’s much more than being a singer?
It’s even more than that, you are absolutely right. It is being part of a great team.
What is most important for Welle Erdball, the music or the show?
What is the use of a great show if you can’t stand the music? A great show only tolerable for hearing impaired persons is not what a musician wants to be part of. My point of view concerning this question is clear, the music is more important. The visible aspects complete the show and attend it to become a real Welle: Erdball concert.
How do you come up with the cool show ideas, what is the inspiration for it?
Inspiration you can find everywhere around you. Often you have to take a closer look, combine different aspects and create a new perception. This could be the definition of “creativity”. Many things deserve closer attention, so why don’t you just use your brain and tell me where the ideas came from.
Do you create visual aspects and music together as a band or does everybody work on ideas individually?
Each of us participate this work in his or her manner to produce new ideas. Of course you have to combine the input of the individuals to get a concept.
How do you prepare for a show, are you nervous before a show?
Yes, indeed! I can tell you, I am excited!!! As far as I can remember this is a part of every single concert. Often you have no time to care too much about this feeling, but it makes you more attentive, prepares you for the show. Pretty much like the quiet before the storm .The prickle before the surge of adrenalin!
How do you feel right after a show, feel high on adrenaline or relaxt? What is the first thing you do after a show?
First thing coming up in my mind after a show: I need water, something to drink! During a show I completely forget about these things. Maybe I’m a kind of hyperactive after a concert. We have to take care of important things, like stuff on stage and so on. There is no time to chill…. satisfaction comes up later in the hotel room after a loooooong shower.
When I look at a Welle:Erdball show the members on stage seem to have some distance with the crowd, not communicating too much yet you reach them all, how does this come do you think?
The phenomenon you describe, in my opinion is due to the music. One could use the music as an instrument, this way communication is more, not only cross-cultural but even more ubiquitous.
What makes a song a Welle Erdball song?
To answer this question I have to steal Honey’s words, because they suit quite perfect, he accurately related WelleErdball not to be the first retro-band, but to be the last original! Most of the songs do not follows the same pattern, there is no typical structure. We use anachronistic technology and honesty love the Commodore C64 sound.
How does Nina’s favourite night out look like?
My favorite night out - definitely stay up all night! Go clubbing with some good friends and absolutely rock the dance floor, as if there was no tomorrow. Afterwards watch the sunrise over the skyline and talk about trivial things, holding a caramel macchiato in the hand. Than fall asleep and do it again ;-)
Any last words for the readers?
Say not always what you know, but always know what you say.