Mindstrip

The beginning of the Mindstrip history was rather accidental in 2009 when Chris improvised on his acoustic guitar and Marco contributed spontaneously some lyrics.The coalescence of electronic sounds, guitar melodies and melancholy vocals was quickly named as Mindstrip.

In the same year the duet became a trio. In search of a sound tinkerer and programmer to give the songs the last grinding Marco thought of Dirk, a comrade-in-arms from old days with whom Marco had collected live experiences in the 90ies with his first band, Dekalog, III. Here is an interview with the new band called Mindstrip.

Tell us a bit about the genesis of the band, whose idea was it to get things together? Had any of you previous experiences in playing  with any other acts before this?
Marco: Chris and I founded the band in 2009. Chris improvised on his acoustic guitar and I contributed spontaneously some lyrics. Straight away it was obvious to us that from this jam session had to become more.In earlier days Chris played guitar for the rockband Someone's Sons. His play was influenced by bands like The Church and The Chameleons. I had published two albums as a singer and keyboarder with the Electro-Duo Twin Machine.In search of a sound tinkerer and programmer to give the songs the last grinding I thought of Dirk. He was my comrade-in-arms from old days with whom I had collected live experiences in the 90ies with my first band, Dekalog, III.

Which is the current line up?
Marco: Chris plays the guitars, Dirk handles with synthesizers and computers. I am singing and making the mixdown.

Your music is electro/pop with some more elements. Can you describe  your music sound for the people that never heard of you before?
Dirk:I would say the typical Mindstrip-Sound is a mixture of numerous electronic sounds, guitar melodies and melancholy vocals. I like Dancemusic and Drum’n‘Bass as well as World Music. I think I was influenced from all that stuff when I was programming the beats.

What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music?
Chris: We all grew up with electronic pioneers like Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Soft Cell and others. Nevertheless I’m listening to nearly all kinds of actual indie-bands. Understandably I’m not disappointed when I hear the sound of great guitars. Archive is a band that combines perfectly electro and rock, therefore I’m a big fan of them.

You are working now for your debut. Can you give me some more details?
Marco:Currently we‘ve completed nine songs for our debut-album. It will be titled „Polymere“ and will contain at least 13 tracks. There ist still some work to do.
Chris: "Polymere" is the shortest possible description for the content of our album. Each one of us contributes his personal creativity to every song. The result is a new sound, a synthesis with an unexpected special characteristic.

Which are the main themes of your songs? Who writes your lyrics?
Marco:Chris and I write the lyrics. The songs are about guilt, loneliness, anonymity, unfullfilled love. Some lyrics do have concrete references. For example the song „Birdy“ is influenced by the same-titled movie.

What is the process of your recording? Do you usually write the lyrics first or record the music first?
Chris:In the beginning is always an idea. This could be a piano-melody of Dirk or a guitar-riff, some lyrics or a vocal melody. Often Marco and I compose a song together and make a demo with acoustic guitar and vocals. We are always wondering how it sounds after Dirk put his hands on it. It’s really exciting!

How did you reach the decision to make an album without the support  of a label?
Marco:Nowadays it’s not that unusual to produce an album this way. Indie-labels usually don‘t pay for long studio-sessions. In our own studio we got the time we need and have the freedom to realize our ideas.

How important is the internet for your band?
Dirk: Can you imagine a world without the net? It‘s a good and simple way to get in contact with people all over the world. It gives us the possibilty to exchange our ideas even when we’re not at the same place.

Your first gigs are planned for 2011. Do you feel a little anxious to go on stage?
Marco: We plan a show with visual effects. It’s not easy to bring all our ideas on stage. I would say: We are eager, not anxious.

Would you like to add anything?
Visit our website www.mindstrip.net, listen to our songs and leave a comment.

Kostas Sotiriou