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By: Sander van den Driesche
Austrian metal outfit Kontrust have been making a name for themselves in Europe with their hook laden anthems and interesting music videos. After being very impressed with the latest release Explositive, Andrew Rawslinson decided to find out more about the band themselves and asked singer Agata some questions.
(((o))): So, according to your biography you formed in the early 2000’s, how did the band originally meet?
Agata: Well, Kontrust originally formed in Upper Austria, back in school years. As the line-up changed in the course of time the rest of the gang finally got together in Vienna until 2005. These probably were the most important years for the band, where the foundation was laid for everything to come. Most of us still live in Vienna – it’s just an awesome place. That’s actually why we dedicated a song to the city on our new album.
(((o))): Your new album Explositive is a very impressive collection of song writing and energy. Did this turn out the way you originally planned?
Agata: Pretty much, yes. On Explositive we definitely wanted to return to a more straight and “in your face” style, without losing the ability to experiment with different sounds and elements. We kind of bethought ourselves of our roots. The end result is a recording full of pure Kontrust-energy: Very explosive and positive – therefore Explositive.
(((o))): Your ‘sound’ has a very ‘American’ feel mixing alternative and nu metal, Was this always the plan as Kontrust or just how the song writing of the band evolved?
Agata: Well, we could argue with that as people always try to compare and compartmentalise. Most of the time those suggestions turn out to be rather weird and just not capable to capture the whole. That’s how we realised that we created much more than just another band to be classified within a certain category. The truth is Kontrust is unique in every aspect, with a unique line-up, unique sound, unique style, unique songs… So, you can call us whatever you like! We stopped worrying about labelling music a long time ago. Instead, we like to work with what matters most: the music itself.
(((o))): Apart from the obvious bands who or what else has influenced you?
Agata: The question for us here would be what bands actually are “obvious” to have an influence on us. Everybody experiences music differently. That’s the beauty about it. So every other person listening to Kontrust will come to a different conclusion trying to find our influences or rather forming an opinion about them.
When it comes to song writing, all of us are somewhat “influenced”. Sometimes it is music in general, sometimes it is certain bands she or he listens to at that particular moment, sometimes it is everyday life issues, sometimes it is vegetables. There is no “one fits all” answer.
(((o))): What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Agata: Oh there have been plenty of them. But one of the most memorable moments for all of us definitely was our show at the Przystanek Woodstock Open Air in Poland in front of 300.000+ people. It was amazing and we’ll never forget this one.
(((o))): Your music videos are always interesting and eye catching, what is the process in creating this?
Agata: It’s a similar creative process as with writing new songs actually. At first there are many ideas. After finding THE best one, we narrow down to style and possible techniques. Then we decide on the teams we’d like to work together with. So far we’re very satisfied with the results.
(((o))): Lederhosen appear to have become a prominent part of your image, what brought this about?
Agata: The music video on ‘Bomba’. We actually just wanted to shoot a funny clip for the song and the idea was in our minds for quite some time before already. So it was not intended to become a YouTube hit as it did. This in fact was the least expensive music video we ever produced. Now it’s a part of Kontrust and always will be.
(((o))): What are you favourite three Kontrust songs that someone new to the band should check out first?
Agata: That’s a tough question. Most of our fans have a very individual taste. Rather than naming three particular songs we suggest listening to all of our albums and deciding on your favourites for yourself (laughs).
(((o))): What can the uninitiated expect from a Kontrust live show?
Agata: Pure awesomeness! It’s loud, it’s sweaty and a whole lot of fun.
(((o))): You’re given the opportunity to create your own festival. What would be the first five bands on your list?
Agata: Oh there are too many to answer this one. There are just so many brilliant artists out there, it’s too hard to limit them down to only a few selected… Sure, everybody in the band has his/her own all-time favourites. Naming only those would add up and exceed the festival-capacity by far.
(((o))): What are your goals for 2015 and beyond and do you have any plans to tour the UK in the new future?
Agata: We would love to come to the UK as we get a lot of positive reactions and great feedback from there. So we hope to play a few selected shows there in the near future. Just last year we´ve played our first gig in Belgium and before that we were already doing a festival in Luxemburg. You can say we are making progress and – slowly but steadily – work our way towards you guys.
