You started implant in 1992, 15 years ago, what are your memories of that early period?
When you get these type of questions in an interview, it’s never a good sign. It kind of proves
that you are becoming an old man, who can’t let go and is still trying to make music.
15 years ago, I was very naïve when it comes down to music making. And although I had a feeling
I was my best critic, I now think some of the tracks we released back then are a plain shame. I also remember the scene being very different then it is now, more about the music and not about
dressing up :)
Now we have arrived in 2007, in what way did the making of music changed for you?
A lot has changed since over the past 15 years. The studio is slowly becoming the studio I always
wanted. This gives me a lot more freedom while composing. Also, the software has changed a lot
over the past years. And that is a blessing too.
Important is the fact that the people with who I work changed too, and that has an impact.
I think Implant is a band that constantly renews itself, why is this important for you?
Music is a hobby for me. It’s not my job (although it’s consuming more and more of my free time).
It has never been my goal to create music to please a certain crowd. In studio I tend to make things challenging and fun for myself. And this results in a lot of different experiments. Every once in a while,
I group these experiments and call it a new album :)
You are quite famous for all remixes you did, is there a band you personally would
love to do a remix for?
My ultimate remix would be NIN. I know I could have done this in one of the previous remix contests,
but I don’t really have time to participate in a remix contest. So I guess I’ll have to wait for trends
e-mail LOL
How important is the “dark scene” for you these days? You also seem to have a lot of fans
outside this scene.
True, implant is one of those bands that go beyond this so called dark scene. But this doesn’t make
the dark scene less important to me. It’s where it all started, my so called roots. The soundtrack of
my teenage years. But I don’t find the dark scene that appealing anymore. It doesn’t offer me a lot of challenge as a listener. I have a feeling that a lot of talent still remains, but they use it in the wrong way. Musicians tend to make things that sound alike, and dj’s tend to play the same stuff over and over,
because it’s easy to mix similar things. I also think there is way too much music being released.
Anybody picking up a synth is bound to have a release soon. There are so many labels / compilations
that you really have to be a fool not to have at least one released track. I think the role of playing the
filter that all labels should have, has kind of left.
But I don’t want to distance myself from this so called black scene, I still discover some very interesting bands. And I’m grateful for the opportunities I got as a musician operating in this scene. My little battle
has been focused on not falling for the same trap as a lot of in-scene bands, and try to challenge my audience.
What is your secret, you work with all these gorgeous and very talented females?
I’m the real stud :)
No, honestly, I don’t know. Most of these collaborations are not a planned thing, just something that happened because of various circumstances. Jennifer, Myriam, Els, Sofie, Anne it all just happened.
I never judged them because of the looks, always on the voice or the attitude. But I’m a healthy male ;)
I don’t mind looking while in the studio :)
You also started a new project called 32crash, can you tell us a bit more of it and what can we
expect in the near future?
An EP will be released before the summer and the first full length will be out in September. The project
is some sort of electro-rock-punk sounding, and all lyrical content deals with SF-poetry. A lot of live
shows are being booked right now. I think fall 07 32crash will be there to stay :)
Front 242 is one of the bands that inspired you, how is it to be in a same project with Jean Luc,
is it a dream come true?
Yes, working with jean-luc is one of those unexpected but highly rewarding experiences.
I’ll tell you a little secret, when I was 16 I had 3 posters in my bedroom (front 242, anne clark and
front-line assembly). I already worked with jean-luc and anne, so only leeb to end my list LOL
What can we expect from an Implant concert and do you have planned anything special for the
summer darkness concert?
We’ll might use the occasion to test a few new tracks. But it all kind of depends if we feel they are
ready for some exposure.
For the rest, you’ll get the normal dose of dance driven electro with jan on drums and me on
synth / vocals. We’ll pretty much do the standard gig with maybe a few surprises in the setlist.
Your music is so divers, we are wondering to what music do you listen mostly yourself?
I’m a sponge when it comes down to music listening. I tend to check all out that even sounds remotely interesting. Off cores, I have my favourite bands. I love the new NIN album (again), and I listen to a lot
of electro-clash lately. Resumé (citizen record compilation) is a good start to discover e-clash. I also
hear a lot of music in the studio for mastering or productions. In my car I play a lot of progressive stuff
I get as a dj mix from a dj friend. And my wife is into trip hop and absolutely hates all I’ve ever done musically (except 32crash). While my kids are into K3 and “kabouter plop”. So I even have to play this stupid music once in a while.
Any last words for the readers?
Do you know where your parents are right now ?
Website:
http://www.implant-music.be/