Lust auf eine kleine mentale Reise, wenn es schon nicht in echt geht? Dann kommt mit uns ins schöne Brasilien, Heimatland der Alternative-Rockband Ego Kill Talent. In unserem Interview zum neuen Album „Dance Between Extremes“ nimmt Sänger Jonathan unsere Redakteure Kevin und Jacky gedanklich mit in das südamerikanische Land, in dem er uns von der brasilianischen Kultur in Form von Musik und Essen erzählt. Unter der Reisesperre litten die Jungs von Ego Kill Talent aber auch selbst, da eigentlich Touren mit unter anderem Metallica geplant gewesen wären. Was Jonathan dazu zu sagen hat, lest ihr im Interview.
Frontstage Magazine: Hey there, we hope that you are doing good.
Jonathan: Very good, thank you so much. Everyone in the band, extended to our families, everybody is safe and sound.
Frontstage Magazine: Good to hear! Your new album „The Dance Between Extremes“ was released yesterday. How did you celebrate this release under the current circumstances?
Jonathan: Firstly, we were very excited and thrilled to be releasing this album. To celebrate, we prepared a listening party for the fans, those who’ve already signed up to our Newsletter. It was via Zoom call and I think it was fun.
Frontstage Magazine: Before the release of your new album, you published two EPs. Together, all three pieces of work form a unit. How do they relate to each other and in what way do they differ?
Jonathan: Actually, it’s an album that was sliced into three parts. Due to the pandemic we decided to split the album, that was supposed to be released in May (2020). We thought of splitting the album as a way to stretch the releasing campaign, keeping our fans fed with new releases. Otherwise, we would had released the album in one shot and after some weeks of press, it would be forgotten. But answering to your specific question, the difference between the EPs is in the nuances that we present into the very album. The track list of each EP follows the same order of the full album. Each EP has its own nuances.
Frontstage Magazine: Unfortunately, your last big successes could not take place due to Corona: the planned tours through South America and Europe with Metallica, Greta Van Fleet and System Of A Down. How did it feel when you found out that you were going to tour with these bands?
Jonathan: We felt very blessed for two reasons: one is because we’re fans of these bands and two, because this is the kind of opportunity that can be a game changer for a band. In 2018, we had the opportunity to tour with the Foo Fighters and Queens Of The Stone Age on a five stadium tour in Brazil. It was awesome! We’ve learned so much from that experience. And by the way, we played with SOAD at the Arènes de Nîmes, in France and it was really cool. Playing again with them would be amazing.
Frontstage Magazine: For sure! But at the moment all these shows were cancelled. Do you think that concerts with over 30,000 people will ever feel the same after the pandemic?
Jonathan: It’s hard to say, but I think we’re going to appreciate even more. We’re going to value these moments big time! We (human beings) love to gather up. What’s cooler than to be surrounded by 29.999 people that share the same passion as you do for that band on stage, everybody singing along, altogether? We need this!
Frontstage Magazine: We are agreeing absolutely! At the moment, what do you miss the most?
Jonathan: I miss to be on stage, I miss touring with my friends, going from town to town. This is what we are, and I miss it so badly.
Frontstage Magazine: Has Corona changed your views on the music industry? Do you think livestreams will play an increasing role in the future?
Jonathan: In some ways, yes. I think livestreams will have their own space, maybe with new assets, new tools. But, in my opinion, it would never be a substitute for live concerts.
Frontstage Magazine: We think so, too. You are a Brazilian rock band. Another Brazilian rock band that is well known in Germany is Sepultura. How much rock is represented in Brazil? Are there other genres that might be more present? On the other hand, do you know German rock bands in your country?
Jonathan: Brazil is a continental country with a huge cultural variety. Nowadays “Funk Carioca” and “sertanejo” (Brazilian country music) have more space in the media. But we love rock music. When bands come down here, they tour stadiums. And we also have the festivals, such as Rock In Rio, Lollapalooza (that happens in São Paulo), João Rock Festival (more into the countryside of São Paulo), Planeta Atlântida in the southern part of the country and so forth. And we have a lot of emerging bands, like Violet Soda, Far From Alaska, Project46 and the veterans like Angra, Krisiun, for instance.
German bands? Yes, sure. I really like BAP. I used to listen “Verdamp Lang Her” on the local radio. (My city is one of the very first German colonies in Brazil: Neu-Hamburg / Novo Hamburgo). I also have their “Pik Sibbe” album on CD. And I love Rammstein too! I’m a big fan of them.
Frontstage Magazine: Thank you for this beautiful answer! Here is already the last question: Which Brazilian national dish would you not recommend to anyone, but which one should be definitely not missed?
Jonathan: I wouldn’t recommend “Buchada de Bode”, for sure! But I’ll do recommend a well done and traditional “Feijoada à Brasileira” with a caipirinha to drink.
Frontstage Magazine: When we ever come to Brazil, we will give it a try! Thank you very much for your time and answers! We wish you all the best and regards froms Germany!
Jonathan: Gerne! Vielen Dank!
Fotocredit: Pressebild
