Hi Richard and Aga, thanx for doing this interview, how are you doing?
We are fine, thank you. Getting ready for the LEAETHER STRIP gig in 2 weeks!
For those not familiar with Machine Rox, can you give a brief introduction to the band?
Machine Rox started as Richard K Electro/Industrial solo project in 2007. Aga joined in 2010.
Richard, you were a member of Meat Machine and Global Noise Attack, what made you decide to start Machine Rox after these bands and did you have a clear view of what you wanted Machine Rox to sound like?
I started Machine Rox as a solo project in my home studio as a hobby and for my own enjoyment. I never thought of it as a "serious" project (even less to take it on stage!) but when I've put some of my tracks on Myspace, I started to see an interest in people, DJs and Radios which build my confidence to write more music and promote it.
You stated you made the natural transition from gothrock to electro / industrial, why is this feeling natural for you? What are the differences and similarities between both genres or is it today just one big box with “goth” on it?
My music background is very diversified and Machine Rox reflects quite well this diversity. In my youth, I was listening a lot of Rock and Metal. Then early eighties, I was playing in Rock bands influenced by bands like Joy Division and Killing Joke but at the same time was into Electro artists like Fad Gadget, Gary Numan and Front 242. Then with the arrival of bands like Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy and Siouxie and the banshees, the Goth movement started to grow and I was drawn into it. I guess it was my music evolution and it satisfied my taste for the "Dark" side of music. Middle eighties, I started experimenting with drum machine and sequencer and tried to mix the Electro element with Goth/Rock.
Then early nineties, I started listening to Metal Industrial bands like Ministry, Nine Inch Nails and Rammstein (we supported Rammstein on their first gig in London with my band Global Noise Attack) which brought back to my memory the power and aggression of the Metal music I was listening in my youth and sounded very familiar to me indeed. That's why I say that it's been a natural transition. Since I started Machine Rox I've only used Electronic equipment but if you listen carefully the songs, you can hear the influence of Rock music in the song writing and some of the keyboard parts could be easily replaced by guitars. Who knows, in the future I might bring back guitars. I don't have rules. When it comes to music, if it sounds good to me, I'll use it. Today, the term "Goth" might be overused and maybe sometimes misused but I think what's important is that it brings people together to listened and enjoy the "Dark" side of music, be it Electro, Industrial, EBM, Dark Wave or whatever.
Making electronic music has changed a lot over the years, what is the change in making music that you like most, what tools do you use the most?
Making electronic music might have changed a lot over the years but I didn't. I'm still working the same way I used to ten years ago. Still using my old Cubase program, Korg synth and old analogue sound modules (EMU and Novation Supernova). Still taking my guitar or bass to help me in the song writing. Actually, I'm a bit scared about new technology and how to use it.
Most electronic bands use both hard- and software, is this the same for you and how do you find the balance in this?
Well, like I said, I'm still using the same gear I used to use ten years ago. All my gear is hardware apart from my cubase program.
Who are rolemodels for the both of you, people that you admire and / or spurred your interest to achieve a musical career?
Serge Gainsbourg, John Lennon, Martin Gore, Rob Zombie, Prodigy, Peter Murphy, Jim Morrison, Ian Curtis.
How did the both of you met and what is that made you decide to work together for Machine Rox?
We met in a London Rock bar and then we went out together. We never really decided to work together. It was very progressive. First, I started noticing that Aga could sing (she used to sing in a choir when she was a kid), as my vocals are not very melodic, I ask her to do few backing vocals on some tracks to give a bit of a "fire and ice" effect and it seems to work. So we worked a bit more together and then we thought, why not play live? And here we are, playing in two weeks supporting Leaether Strip.
Aga, what did you do in music prior to Machine Rox or is Machine Rox your first band?
Yes, Machine Rox is my first band and I enjoy every minute of it! It gives a sense to my life!
How do you create your music, do you always work the same way or does it deviate?
So far, we've been working more or less the same way. I work in my home studio writing the music and then lyrics. Although, some of the new tracks we working on started with lyrics idea. Also, Aga wrote few lines in our new EP "Driven" and I hope she will carry on writing.
You make industrial that still has a “soul” how do you manage to do this, are the vocals playing an import role in this?
I think the "soul" element comes from my traditional "Rock" song writing. Of course, the vocals are important and though I'm not a great singer, everything I sing comes from the heart (and soul!). And Aga vocals definitely bring an extra human touch in the electro machinery.
When listening to the new ep “Drive” we hear (roughly divided) two kind of tracks. Harsh club anthems as well as more melodic tracks? Is this an ep of a band that is searching for its style or does this represent the different sides of Machine Rox?
We found our sound. We just need to develop it further. Yes, Machine Rox has different sides. Probably because of the different styles of music I've played over the years. Lots of bands have a repertoire of very similar songs (especially in the EBM style) and if they are happy with this, fine, but for me it doesn't work the same. I can get bored easily with music (especially with MY music) so I constantly try to do something a bit different from the previous track. It's not obvious on every track but I try to keep ideas fresh and interesting (at least for me!). It keeps me away from boredom!
You will soon do a show in the Uk with Leaether Strip, System Fx and Concrete Lung, how do you prepare for such a big show and what do you expect from it?
Well, we just rehearse and have fun. For us, a concert is not about money and fame. It's about connecting with people, be yourself, give 100% and have some fun. If you can do this, then it's a success!
What will be next for Machine Rox?
We working on new tracks and next year Ralf Dorper (Die Krupps, Propaganda) might work as our producer.
Any last words for the readers?
We'd like to thank all the people who supported us. We wouldn't be here without them!