For the first ever Alienhits interview, I’ve got Norwegian synth/pop/rock band Don Juan Dracula, one of the coolest bands out there right now. Best known in Scandinavia (and amongst readers of this blog) for their amazing hits Take Me Home and Run Away With You, the band has just gotten back together after taking some time apart. Read on to find out about their new album, their influences, and “pathetic” battle cries….
Alienhits: Now, I was very upset when I heard that Don Juan Dracula was breaking up awhile ago. Then, I recently read that you guys are back together. What happened?
Don Juan Dracula: Well, after several years just discussing music, women and beer we forgot to talk about deeper issues regarding DJD. We reached a point where we needed to do some serious talking. Well, the result was not very good for DJD, but after a short break we realized that we had to sit down and talk things through and look forward instead of digging in old dirt. Anyway, the whole process taught us more about each other and ourselves. We're now stronger and more inspired than ever. 2007 will be a great year for DJD.
A: Is there a special meaning behind your band name that us fans should know about?
DJD: The bands name is brought to life by coincidence. It is good to have some mystery to the origins of our name. So that is all you will get for now.
A: What DJD song is each band member's favorite and why? (My pick is definitely Run Away With You)
Henrik: Run Away With You
Henning: Run Away With You
Ola: Take Me Home
Thomas: Fashion Girl (It's a fun song to play live)
A: What are some of the band's influences? Who did you grow up listening to?
DJD: We grew up in the 80s. Back then we spent a lot of time listening to bands like The Cure, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, OMD and Erasure.
A: Speaking of influences, are there any current bands or artists that you follow? Any albums that you're looking forward to this year?
DJD: We listen to all kinds of music including country, rock, metal, pop, not just synth music. But we are all looking forward to the new album from Arcade Fire.
A: Are there any good luck rituals you go through before shows?
DJD: Henning must wear his red shoes
We need to share a bottle of champagne
Our pathetic battle-cry must fail before going onstage.
A: Is there a main message or feeling that you try to portray through your music?
DJD: Very short: about life, spinning around with strong emotions, love, happiness and loss.
A: I love the matching white suits in your press photos. Is visual style an important part of the band?
DJD: Yes, it's important to have a visual expression identifying the band. We don't spend much time on our image, but when we're on stage we put a lot of effort into giving the audience something special. The white suits combined with an active live show including tons of lights, smoke and pyro results in a perfect DJD gig.
A: Lastly, I've got to ask you if there's going to be a new album anytime soon. If so, will it continue with the glamorous synth-pop sounds of Young Debutantes II or be something different?
DJD: Yes indeed! We're currently working on our next album. We have lots of great new songs and we're ready to start recording. The next album will sound different from YD2, but it's hard to tell which direction it will finally take. You'll just have to wait and see.... All we know is that we have over 20 strong demos and we can't wait to have the next album out.
Buy Don Juan Dracula's music here .... and you better!
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