Magnetfisch

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Interview with Magnetfisch

Published on 1/20/2007

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? It was in my late teenage years: I was wandering in the countryside at night, looking at the bright stars and a forest nearby. It was a diffuse, yet intense feeling of inner peace. I must say that I had rent an old drum kit back then, but was already planning to buy a synthesizer, because you have both the rhythm and the melody, you know. I had no piano and trumpet courses anymore, because I definitely preferred to play music of my own. The aim was and still is to revive this dense atmosphere I sensed during this nocturnal walk on the fields. Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? Well, certainly my parents, in the sense that they listen to lots of beautiful classical music, and pushed me to learn two instruments. And made if financially possible to afford my first keyboard, which I still use! But there are also other musical members of my family, like my aunt (who rent this old drum kit) and my sister, who are never-dwindling sources of good temper. Then of course several friends and fellow musicians of past bands and of course Magnetfisch. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? Definitely The Cure, because of their music's sheer diversity and intensity: really dense atmospheres, as well as exuberant pop songs and romantic love songs. When I was a teenager, the cool look and charisma impressed me: I am still a proud owner of a black coat and doc marten's boots. Then in later years, Simple Minds, because of their energy, their communicative enthusiasm, and singer Jim Kerr's online diaries: well written, not in the "hey I did it look I'm a star"-style, but in an honest, down-to-earth "just do it"-style, which gave me a sense of, like, "go for it!". Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? Our sensibility for melodies, musicality combined with experience, endurance and patience. I am composing music with Patrick (Scherrer, our guitarist) since 1994, which creates an irreplaceable musical dialogue. Friendship, based on mutual respect and a common passion for pop music, has a special place in this band and is the very source of our melodies. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? Under no circumstances whatsoever. And as I know them, I'm convinced my band buddies think the same. In my personal opinion, making music means looking for an answer for our lives, for the world, a never-ending quest for harmony, and giving this to listeners, share it with our fans. I a fan of bands I like not because they pretend something or are shaped by businessmen, but because they give me hope, courage, energy. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? We have our indie label's boss, Heiri Dürst, who is working very, very hard on pushing his bands to the fore, giving them incessant advices, attending their shows, giving constructive critics, presenting them at forums like the MIDEM in Cannes. He is the guy who discovered our singer Seline Kunz, then us, and then had the great idea of bringing both together: the singer-songwriter Seline (stage name Lena Fennell), and the formerly instrumental electronic band Magnetfisch. I’m very thankful for that. Then we have our manager, Janine Arnold, who contacts venues and organizes homepage, newsletter, and finances and discussions about the future. We also have the help of PR specialist and poet Erwin Schreiber, as well as our distributor, thexoomo.net (who placed the albums on itunes and cdbaby, amongst others). And then of course, we can rely on our new producer, sound engineer and live mixer Breandan Davey. Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? I think it is quite important, but I am more at ease when our crew’s specialists do that. Programming, composing, arranging, recording, and last but not least performing songs should definitely remain our main business. Or should I say art. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? Believe, persevere, be true to yourselves and, most important, to your fans. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? The environment. I am an environmental scientist, and so is Rolf Althaus, our bass guitarist. Personally, I feel very concerned by the earth’s (and therefore humanity’s) numerous problems. But there is hope. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



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Interview with Magnetfisch