Interview with Jos from Grendel

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Grendel is recording their new cd. Do you have any updates, like albumtitle, songtitles or anything?

"Our new album, entitled "Harsh Generation", will be released in April 2007 on Infacted Records. No song titles can be mentioned yet, but it can be said that it's definitely a new milestone and brings quite a unique sound and lyric wise also diverts from the previous themes. We've chosen
to focus more on topics relating to the (western) world's daily lives merging with technology, working towards becoming one with it in a way. This could be described as taking a 'cyberpunk' approach, but then in a modern light of day."

You recently joined forces with Infacted, what made you decide to leave Noitekk and what are the benefits?

"The decision to change labels was purely business related and nothing purposefully negative on NoiTekk's behalf. We've happily worked with NoiTekk over the years and wouldn't be where we're at without their help and support. Let that be known. What it comes down to is that we basically wanted to break out of the mold and work on a broader spectrum, plus we needed the boost that a label like Infacted could offer us. Torben, label manager of Infacted, has also supported us from day one which was also a big motivation for us to opt for his label."

Next year Grendel will be around for 10 years. What do you remember from the early days? Can we expect some surprises for this celebration?

"We actually plan to celebrate it in 2010, marking ten years since the release of the first demo cd. When that comes around, we definitely plan to celebrate this. Not sure yet in which way we'll do that exactly, but it will be festive for sure. As for memories, things have come so far since then. I recall having to push my demo CDs to DJs, promoters and club go-ers, performing infront of small crowds and feeling shy on stage, spending more than came in etc.. Luckily some people such as Cybercase (dutch promoter) and Hans D. (Funprox.com) picked up on the demo and got the ball rolling. Since then it's just been growing and increasing strength all the time. Sales have shot up, crowds are big and possibilities expanding every year. The future is definitely bright."

What is your personal album top 5?

"That's a tough one, as I listen to many different styles of music, so I'll narrow it down to Industrial/EBM albums (in no particular order) ::

        - Nitzer Ebb - That Total Age
        - Front Line Assembly - Caustic Grip
        - Wumpscut - Bunkertor 7
        - Skinny Puppy - Mind : The Perpetual Intercourse / Too Dark Park (* tie)
        - Leaether Strip - Solitary Confinement"

You did some remixes in the past. Is there any band you really want to do a remix for?

"I'd really like to do more remix work for artists outside the 'dark scene' or even electronic/dance market, for instance Billy Idol, A Fire Inside or Hatebreed. Something where I have to pretty much build it up from scratch, only working with the original as blueprint and the vocals. I believe that that's when I'd be most able to express some creativity and imagination."

Grendel had some line up changes recently, why is the current line up the strongest?

"With the current line up, consisting of M4RC (drums), MRK.0 (synths) and myself, we're able to do a lot more live on stage. This really opens up the possibility of improvisation and delivering a great performance. We're even considering expanding the line up in the near future to increase
these things."

Grendel is an act who really has depth in their lyrics, are their any subject you would never sing about?

"Of course. There are just some subjects that either jibe with our personal opinions or you just don't want to touch with a ten foot pole anyhow. Although if something really means something to me, I will try to write about it. If it turns out to be too sensitive and really work against me, I will leave it alone. Tact is a valuable thing."

How do you work on the songs? Like do you start with lyrics or a cool beat?

"I usually start out with part of the music, which is most often the chorus line (or 'hook') and then work around that. The nice thing about composing in an electronic enviroment is that you have the flexibility to start wherever you please and maintain overview. So let's say I have an intro, chorus, verse and ending: I can easily work on those and then finish it off with doing the bridge. Not always that easy, but very versatile."

What are the difficulties for Grendel because the members live in different countries?

"The only difficulty we face is timing, when ariving at airports, and getting together for photoshoots. Other than that not much at all. We do all our communication and file sharing via the internet, plus rehearse our parts individually. It always works out very well that way."

Grendel played in many countries, what is your favourite country to play in?

"Our favourite countries up till now have been Denmark, Mexico, Greece, Germany and the US."

In what country you’ve never played in so far would you love to do a concert?

"Right now we're very keen on performing in Russia, the rest of Scandinavia and South America. We've heard many great things about these places, so curious to see what it's like and bring our music to the people there."

Website:
http://www.grendel-base.com/