Can you give a brief introduction to Menschdefekt?
Dom: Menschdefekt is a duo with mind and soul set on creating great music that will make people dance all over the world. Let's just say it’s a clash of Germany and Sweden coming together with a sound of aggression and nice melodies.
What does Menschdefekt mean, how did you come up with the name?
Dom: I was inspired by the german electro band Massiv in Mensch. They released an album under the name Menschdefekt back in 2004. Translated in english it means “human defect” which reflects the social criticism of used movie samples and lyrics.
You started with Menschdefekt in 2004 as a solo project, what was your idea for Menschdefekt back then?
Dom: The idea was to create EBM with nice melodies that keep people dancing in the clubs. It was a long way until this dream came true. In 2007 some songs of “Degeneration” were played in a few german clubs for the first time.
In 2009 Frederik joined you as singer, how did the both of you meet and did you feel you needed a singer? What Frederik contributed to Menschdefekt?
Dom: I started a lyrics/vocals competition in February 2009 for my song “Trigger”. Fredrik was the first guy who participated and I loved his lyrics and voice. I decided to ask him, if he wanted to join Menschdefekt permanently as lyrics writer and vocalist and he agreed without batting an eye. Yes I felt that Menschdefekt absolutely needed a singer. That was the missing link in my sound. We're tuned to the same wavelength and I'm glad that we found each other.
Fredrik: Well from the start I wasn't really into entering a competition but I took a listen to the track “Trigger” and then the lyrics just came to me so to speak and after that ...well you know the rest.
Dom: No, there are 2 albums (Realitätsverlust and Degeneration) and 2 EP's (Psych[a]otica and Projekt Tremor). Well, Realitätsverlust was the first album. I got only few responses from close friends. Anyway, that was the reason for me to continue . Degeneration and Psych[a]otica were very well-liked. The fans loved the sound and DJ's played my stuff more often. Now Projekt Tremor is out and people are absolutely mad on the new songs. Actually Brandon Clark, President of BLC Productions, asked for the first two tracks I did together with Fredrik. “Trigger” and “Scum” will be released with BLC's compilation Interbreeding X Vol. 2 and we're the showcase artist in this output.
What have you done differently for the new EP and in what way does it deviate from the previous EP's? What progress did you make?
Dom: I think the music evolved massively. The song structure and the melodies are more matured. We have a professional Mastering now which was done by Sander (Black Selket) and Fredrik's lyrics and vocals are the icing on the cake of our music. Even if Fredrik isn't directly involved in the songwriting process he has many ideas which I try to implement.
Fredrik: Let's just say that I like what Dom does and he likes what I do, I don't know much about “creating” music except for making basic drum patterns and such so I leave those parts to him and try to focus on my vocals and lyrics instead. But like Dom said I try to come with feedback on what he could change or add and we work something out.
What are your sources of inspiration and has this changed over the years as well?
Dom: Inspiration is everywhere. You have just to turn on the TV or walk across the streets. But there are also some people that inspire me in a very positive way – especially my girlfriend and her two kids.
Dom: Fredrik is responsible for lyrics and vocals and I am for the music. Sometimes the music is developed at first and sometimes I get some lyrics from Fredrik and then I write a matching song. Generally you can say that we inspire each other.
Lyrics seem to be very important for Menschdefekt, what are they about, they seem to be very socially aware?
Dom: Like mentioned before social criticism plays a major role. Fredrik's lyrics are personal, cryptic and sometimes very straight forward. One thing all his texts have in common is that he puts a lot of emotions into it. For everyone who's interested in the lyrics we have them on our website http://www.menschdefekt.de
Fredrik: Like Dom said my lyrics are very personal and in a way they are a part of my soul. Most of the things I write about tend to be about humanity and corruption,destruction. I've heard from some people that it sounds a bit like dystopia hehe.
You also have been featured on several compilation albums last year, how did you get in contact with them, did it give you a good response?
Dom: I did the song “Stalingrad” in collaboration with Stahlnebel vs Black Selket. Ralph & Sander managed everything with Endzeit Bunkertracks and Interbreeding X compilation. The responses were amazing. They played our song in clubs all over the world and we had more than 1500 friend requests on myspace within 3 weeks after the release of both compilations.
So far you have been unsigned, are you negotiating with any labels yet?
Dom: No, there are far more important things than record deals. For us the main thing is to create the music we love and see the people dance to it in the clubs.
Fredrik: We did get a proposition about a record deal but we felt it wasn't anything for us , it didn't really benefit us in any way. And we're not in it for any money, but if we would then we would be playing Pop or Hip Hop. We want people to dance and enjoy our music and if they like it we hope they buy it and of course introduce it to others.
Dom: Menschdefekt was a studio only project from the beginning and I don't think that will change in the future. But who knows!?
Fredrik: I'd love to be on stage again , it's been ages and I think Dom would like it also. We'll see nothing is impossible.
Do you fear it is impossible to be an independent musician with total freedom when being signed to a label or not? Would you consider signing to a label or do you prefer to release your music yourself?
Dom: Well, you will always be dependent on the label in any way when you sign a record deal but we wouldn't reject one inherently. It all depends on the conditions. In the past self-releasing the music always worked like a charm for me/us, anyway.
Fredrik: A couple of years ago it would be nearly impossible to release something all by yourself, but since the internet expanded so much you can realease CD's nowdays without it having to cost a shitload of money. But that is only digital thought. The promotion bit is another story...
Any last words for the readers?
Dom: Thanks to all people who show their support and bring our music to the clubs and radio stations all around the world. Without you this would have never become reality!