Interview- Schock

Once again boys and girls I, Zephyrael, bring you an interview with an Awesome band! Sit down and read till your heart's content and be sure to check out the music of SCHOCK!!!!

 

Zeph: How did you come up with the name of your band, Schock? Who are the current members of the band?

Michael: I’m responsible for our bandname, because my name is Schock.
The current members are:

Michael Schock-Vocals
Lars Buchenau-Guitar
Matthias Schneider-Bass
Matthias Fahrig-Guitar
Mirko Ertmer-Drums


Zeph: When was Schock formed and what inspired you to create the band?

Michael: Schock was founded in 2000. Each member had other band expierences before Schock was formed. At the beginning as a project, after 2 years, Schock become a full band.


Zeph: Tell us about your unique style of music and who are your major influences?

Michael: Our style is a mix from different kinds of music. Our main influences musically are gothic, metal and rock. Each member has the possibility to create songs and give up ideas to the writing process. 5 members and 5 different styles of music, they prepare to listen to. The list goes from “A” like “Apoptygma Berzerk” to “Z” like “Zeromancer”.


Zeph: What sort of equipment do you use in the making of your music?

Michael: We use a Pearl Masters Drum Set with Paiste Cymbals and Remo Heads.

Guitar Amps and stacks:
2 x 4x12 Marshall 1960 Cabinets 1 x Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, 1x Peavey 5510-2 , Guitars from Gibson and Pickups from Seymour Duncan, different Effects from the POD XT Live

Bass:
5 String Ibanez K5TKF, 1 1x15 Ampeg Cabinet, 1 4x10 Ampeg Cabinet

Vocals: Shure Sm 58


Zeph: Does Schock play live? If so what are your favorite venues? If not then do you plan to do so in the future?

Michael: Yes, we play live many times. Our favourite venues are the “Sumpfblume” in Hameln, “Grosse Freiheit” in Hamburg and other cool locations. It would be great to play at the “Rock am Ring” Festival.


Zeph: What has been your biggest challenge with Schock thus far?

Michael: To play 4 shows in a day, create and produce our current album “Halt still”


Zeph: What are some of the highlights of Schock and what are your goals for the future... such as where do you hope to be with Schock 5 years from now?

Michael: Some highlights definitely are the tours with “In Extremo” and “The Inchtabakotables”. Also we played at the WGT and the Mera Luna Festival.
In 5 years I hope to have played thousands of shows, become famous, rich and not fat.


Zeph: Are you currently working on or planning any new releases?

Michael: Actually, our new album “Halt still” was released at 6th June.This is the biggest step after the last five years of silence around Schock. One album each 2 years is enough.
It could happen that we record a Live Concert or some songs for an unplugged album. We will see.

 



Zeph: What are your views on the current Goth/Rock scenes?

Michael: A new generation of Bands and Gothic fans is growing up in the last years. This is very exciting, because we are a part of the first generation and it makes us happy, that this scene is getting bigger and bigger.


Zeph: What are your views on collaborations and do you have any collaborations coming up?

Michael: It would be great to play tours with “Rammstein”, “Megaherz” or some other important German band also with international acts like “Down Below” or “Marilyn Manson”.


Zeph: How long have you been in the music industry and how has it changed over time?

Michael: We started with our first record and our first deal in 2000 through the deeps of the Music Industry. Since illegal Internet Downloads is possible, everything has changed. This is a never ending story. In the end, no one is protected to this. On the other hand, people from other countries have the possibility to listen to our music, buy our products and get information around the band.


Zeph: Where do you typically get your inspiration for songs?

Michael: That’s different, because every single member is a good songwriter and composer. My inspiration is my life and all the shit around it.


Zeph: If there were one thing you could change about the music industry today what would it be?

Michael: Every good and hard working band should have the opportunity to get success.


Zeph: How do you feel about the issue of people downloading music and sharing music on the internet?

Michael: Well, it is a big part of the business. But some people dealing with this illegal. That fucking sucks!



Zeph: How is Schock being received by the public? Has the response been good?

Michael: I think, we have a unique style. No one else is doing music like we. Also, we deal with no cliché. For each person is our music interesting, who like gothic, metal or rock.



Zeph: Have you ever played or do you have any plans to play the U.S.?

Michael: No, we never played in the US. But it would be great, if this could be happen!


Zeph: Is there anyone special you would like to acknowledge, and anything you'd like to add?

Michael: Yes, of course. Our new album “Halt still” is out now, full with thirteen powerful and emotional tracks.
Check our website www. schockline. de or our Myspace Profile www.myspace.com/schockband to listen our music or buy some merchandise stuff.
We also offer 2 special Fan packages in our Shop (www. ravendark. de/schock_shop).


Zeph: Thanks Michael. It has been a great pleasure to interview you and I thank you for your time. I hope to speak with you again soon.