Interview- Master (with Paul Speckmann)

Paul Speckmann of Master is a legend in the world of hardedge metal music. And with his release of his album, “Slaves To Society", and a mega tour which includes the U.S., Master needs not to explain to his fans what his music represents…just that he’ll be waiting for them all over the world, to check out the CD and to see him perform. Whet your appetite then, with his awesome interview, and let hell’s fire burn you with the music that is…Master. Thanks again Paul for the interview---it was a GREAT pleasure sir. (: 

Grave Concerns: Dark and deathly shrilling greetings Paul, it’s a pleasure sir, to have you with us at the grave. How are things in your life going?
Things are going well these days, with the US tour coming up for 14 days in October as well as a 39-city European tour coming up in the spring of 2009. I am also pleased to announce the re-issue of Slaves To Society in the USA on Ibex Moon records, John from Incantations killer underground label. McEntee really supports Metal and this is a great step for the Master camp.
 
Grave Concerns: Tell us about the re-release of your album, “Slaves To Society.” And how has the feedback been?
At the moment I really cannot say as the release date is scheduled for September 16th 2008. I have actually done my first interview for Metal Maniacs yesterday morning, and this has been years in the making. So I believe it’s a great start.

Some bands just go unnoticed in this genre, even if they were one of the first bands to play this style of aggressive Metal. Perseverance is the key in the success of Master. We refuse to give up. After 25 years in the business there is no turning back.
 
Grave Concerns: What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions about your style of music? This music is only for younger people. Hell, even today my audiences are filled with older people as well. Have you’ve been able to sway those who once weren’t to keen on it; or do you just let it roll, and continue to do what you love?  
I never really thought about this. I play music because I enjoy expressing my often criticized, point of you, take on the world, government and society in general. And what is it about the death metal that is so appealing to you? I never really thought of it as Death Metal. This was just a silly tag that idiots put on Master back in the early days. People are keen to put tags on music as well as art. It’s just another form of musical art.
 
Grave Concerns: When do you find you’re most creative; and do you have a special place to help bring out that creativity with more clarity?
When chaos hits the universe, I like to write about it. I write lyrics while on city buses or in my bedroom, really anywhere. I sit around and play my guitar at home from time to time and usually the creative juices flow, but not always. Sometimes I draw a blank like many other artists talk about. If the music doesn’t come naturally, then it’s worthless in the end.
 
Grave Concerns: What comes first in your creative process of song making? Do you hear the melodies or feel the lyrics? Or do you go back and forth?
It varies from song to song as well as album to album.  There is no particular way that is correct. I just go with the flow. As Kam Lee says on the new Denial Fiend album, I just,” Let The Blood Flow.”
 
Grave Concerns: How do you differentiate a real good song, from a classic?
This is an interesting question. I suppose the critics and people are the judge of this in reality. I write many songs that I think are classics, yet many times people miss these tracks. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one I suppose. In other words, what really makes a song stand out and last? Every album I have ever written has killer songs, just some albums have better productions than others. Many times it has to do with the production or sometimes the recording budget.

And with your music, which song or songs do you feel have met that challenge, have come close to it, or are you currently just enjoying the creative bliss?
Again this is really difficult to answer, you’ll have to ask someone in the media.
 
Grave Concerns: Other than musical influences, what other mediums do you find creative energy from?
Fishing, reading books and working in the vineyard help get the creative flow going.
 
Grave Concerns: Tell us please, about your upcoming tour? This will be your first trip back to America after leaving 5 years ago to live in the Czech Republic…please share with us, why that choice was made to leave, and what was it, that had changed your mind to return?

I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts as well as my music with the American public. I left the USA after being offered a chance to join and tour with a band from the Czech Republic called Krabathor. I will travel anywhere to further my career in the music industry. Many people are afraid to leave their own backyard. There is a big universe out there and I always take every opportunity to enjoy the world and the gifts it has to offer. I was offered a tour in the USA and this is the reason for my return and that’s about it. Europe has a better scene of course, but people tell me that the USA has had a resurgence in the Metal community, so of course I look forward to seeing if this is really true.
 
Grave Concerns: What are some of your most fond places to go to in the Czech Republic?

I visit the mountains as well as the castles that are prevalent here. The landscape is filled with forests and lakes. I often visit the woods and gather mushrooms to cook with my various sauces and stews.
 
Grave Concerns: How long did it take for you to readjust to a new country…and how about the language barrier…was that difficult for you to overcome?

I adjusted rather quickly I must say. Home is where the head lies. As for the language it was difficult in the beginning, but I learned to adapt. English is the most sought after language in Europe today so things are quite alright for me these days. When I am not on tour I share my English skills with many of the heads of the various Czech companies across the city I live in. I spend about eight months a year on the road with various periods in between. During these brief interludes, I teach.
 
Grave Concerns: On your tour, you’re going to be playing at The Church, in Boston, MA on Sunday, October 19th…very cool. Have you visited Boston before?
We actually just had a stop in Boston back in the early eighties, while waiting for the manager of Vital Remains to meet us for the few shows we had together back then. I remember this was a beautiful city, and of course I look forward to my return there. I am looking forward to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, as well as my native Chicago. There is no doubt that I enjoy traveling the American Highways, this will be a pleasurable experience, if we can avoid the police. I certainly remember the police patrol the highways and bi-ways of the USA in great force. America is definitely a police state run by the corrupt US government.
 
What then, are some of your favorite cities in American that you’ve missed?
There are certainly too many to count. I never said anywhere that I hate America, I just hate what the government has turned it into. I really hate having to discuss the problems of the USA with Europeans, as they don’t understand the beauty of the USA. They only read and hear about the negativity portrayed on the European news. But on the other hand, this is what I enjoy writing about in my music. I write about real life, I refuse to only write about fantasy. I realize that the youth of today are fascinated with Satan and this sells, but I will leave that for someone else. If it were only about money, I would have given up music long ago.
 
Grave Concerns: If you were able to put on a concert for charity, which one/s would you be supporting, and which artists would you like to headline?

A concert supporting Birth control would probably be the best solution. Over population is becoming the biggest natural disaster today. If all the poor people of the impoverished nations would practice birth control, then I wouldn’t have to see all the poor kids on television suffering from malnutrition every day. Metallica, and Wasp along with the Rolling Stones would be good for this charity concert.
 
Grave Concerns: Impressive ink, my friend. How many tats do you have…and anymore planned?
I have a few, and I really haven’t had anything done in the last ten years. My last Tattoo was done in Paris when Dave Culross from Malevolent and I visited Luther.
 
Grave Concerns: You’ve got awesome posters up on your MySpace photo page---LOVE the one called, “The Spirit Of The West”. That just rocks with coolness. How did that come to be?

Someone just sent it to me. We recorded the Spirit of the West in 2004 and it went relatively unnoticed in the USA, but it’s a killer album nevertheless. I am a big fan of the old Western flicks, and so I dedicated a whole album to the concept.
 
Grave Concerns: Being a member of MySpace, how has it helped, or hindered your musical endeavors?
This has helped me in a big way. It’s certainly a faster way to get the music as well as your ideas to the masses. I have recently added free downloads to the sight and this is the best way to get the support from people. MySpace definitely has helped many artists break through.
 
And which countries do you feel have embraced your music the most?
All countries have been introduced to Master.
 
Grave Concerns: What do you feel are the top 5 important issues a president should be able to make his/her country run with confidence?
Healthcare
Equality
Population Control
Freedom
Security
 
Grave Concerns: You’ve been asked to design a mask to represent your greatest sexual desire…what does it look like?
The Devil.
 
Grave Concerns: OK---we’re going to play a card game---poker. Deal yourself 5 cards. The 9 of hearts is wild. Discard what is not wanted, and pick off of the deck, the card(s) needed to complete your final hand. What did you get? I’ll tell you my hand when I post your interview.  

The Ace of Spades, The nine of Diamonds, The Ace of Hearts, and the King of Spades.
GC: The 10 of Hearts, The 10 of Diamonds, The 7 of Spades, The 6 of Diamonds and The 2 of Diamonds. You won my friend! Nice! (:
 
Grave Concerns: A fictitious record company (you can even name it too, if you like) has the tough decision of choosing only one band to sign, out of three possible ones. The bands are ALL fabulous, the decision then---is to choose the band based on their name.
1. MINDless Chatter
2. Nailflesh
3. The Forgotten Sisters of Devil’s Cave
 
Number one is the best, because the world experienced Mindless Chatter ever time George Bush takes the podium.
 
Grave Concerns: You’ve been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame---whose name are you next to?
Bela Lugosi.
GC: Excellent pick…love him.
 
Grave Concerns: Is road rage an issue you’ve encountered before? If so, how did you deal with it?
When people drive like shit sometimes I’ll slam on the breaks. My wife gets pissed, but that’s life. The Czech Republic has the worst, most dangerous drivers in the world on its roads. It’s still new to them, and they think they are invincible.
 
Grave Concerns: So, how long is your beard? 

I never measure it, but quite long I suppose.
 
Grave Concerns: Do like to bowl, play pool, hike or go to amusement parks? How about museums, the ocean or the mountains? Please share some of your hobbies with us.
Hiking is killer. I also go for long walks in different cities across Europe between shows whenever possible. My new 1970’s American style house takes a bit of time as well these days, as we are trying to fix it up and remodel the entire place.
I also go for bike rides throughout the year as often as I possibly can. I tour with other bands throughout the year every year as a tour manager or a merchandiser, so this takes up most of my time these days. I have to say that I have had some killer times with the American bands that come through from time to time. I have had the pleasure of touring with Vital Remains, Incantation, Jungle Rot, and many other killer American groups over the last few years.
GC: I love to hike too. Sounds really wonderful, as well as, such a cultural learning experience to visit so many places. I bet it’s so inspiring and peaceful too.
 
Grave Concerns: Favorite foods and drinks of choice?
Czech Pivo, Slivovice.
Mexican Food, Czech specialities like cabbage and meat, Seafood from New Orleans.
 
Grave Concerns: Thanks so much---we needed MORE kinds of greeting cards with a metal and kickass attitude to them. What’s the name of your greeting card company, and what are your three top selling cards? Death Is Near
 
Strike Your Idols Down
Kill The President
Support Anarchy
Support True Freedom
GC: Lovin’ your last answer…so awesome!
 
Grave Concerns: Are you an organ donor? How about giving blood---ever done that?
Yes when I was in Chicago and needed money.
 
Oh, and here’s a goodie---I LOVE getting my blood taken at doctor appointments! I actually look forward to it. I have my sleeve rolled up before I even sit down. Love watching the needle prick my skin, then, watching as the blood sucks up inside the needle. I should have been a Phlebotomist. (;
Interesting.
 
Grave Concerns: What’s the BEST kind of kissing? French.
GC: Likening that answer.
 
Grave Concerns: If you could have a movie director direct your next video, who would it be and why? And which song would it be?

Quentin Terrantino. Slaves To Society.
GC: Quentin is such a mega talent…he amazes me…love him. Superb man he is! Cool!
 
Grave Concerns: I love the intricate looks of Labyrinths, and the mysteriousness of what lies within them. If you were to create one, how would it look?
Don’t know.
 
Grave Concerns: You’ve been asked to create your own signature sandwich at your favorite hometown eatery. What’s your sandwich going to be called, and what’s in it?
Speck sandwich.
Steak, onions, peppers, and spaghetti sauce.
 
Grave Concerns: What is something about the human race that really gets you down…makes you wonder…how could that person do that, act that way…say that?

Corruption at the highest levels of government gets me down. Bush promised Czechs that getting visas for the USA would be easier if they let him put the anti-missile system in this country. Visas are still difficult to get. What a fucking liar.

GC: That sucks. I'm sorry.

Grave Concerns: What then, on the other hand, does the human race do to make you feel simply proud and amazed by?
Nothing! Waste money on the Olympics?
 
Grave Concerns: Any regrets? How about future hopes?
None. Success what else?
 
Grave Concerns: You’ve been asked to create a new word defining your style of music. What is that word? Speckmetal, and it’s already a word here in Europe named after me.
GC: Now that’s really cool…congrats! (:
 
Grave Concerns: If you could be a character in a graphic comic book for say…nine issues, how would you like your character to be represented?
As a Viking.
 
Grave Concerns: Besides the obvious necessities of life, what are six things that you can’t be without?
Czech Beer, Marlboros, Books, Slivovice, A car, Peanut Butter.
 
Grave Concerns: Do you have any food allergies?
None.
 
Grave Concerns: This time around you’ve created a beautiful and darkly provocative “Virtual Reality Game”---what’s this one about? And can you tell us two of the characters names?
Not into games. The game of life is the biggest challenge of all for me.
 
Grave Concerns: Say you’re in the process of designing your own night club…what’s it called, where is it located, and how does it look on the inside? 

Speckmetal, Czech Republic, Black with blasting Metal of all genres from morning until evening 7 days a week.
GC: Sounds like it would be the happening place to be!
 
Grave Concerns: What is sexy in your mind? Intelligence, and big tits with a well-proportioned small ass.
GC: (: And I bet you have fun too!
 
Grave Concerns: You’ve just opened your fortune cookies---what does it read?
You’re dead.
 
Grave Concerns: As a musician, how does the music in movies affect you?
I really don’t visit the movies often as most are in Czech language and it frustrates me so.
And if you were asked to compose a song for a soundtrack, which genre would that be in?
I don’t know any genre would be alright for me.
Now let me take that question even further---actually backward; if you were to go back to the past, with your current music in hand, and were asked that same question, would any of your songs stand out as a good fit? If so, which song and movie would it have been? The Final Skull with fit in any science fiction movie I believe.
 
Grave Concerns: Do you believe in Karma?

Yes. You get what you give!
GC: I agree.
 
Grave Concerns: If your were to write a short story or a novel based on one of your songs, which one would it be?
The Room with views.
And if it was to be adapted to the silver screen, who would be your leading actor and actress?
Tony Blair or Gordon Brown and Anjelina Jolie.
 
Grave Concerns: Favorite holiday, color, number and symbol? Christmas, Red, 666, @
 
Grave Concerns: What word or words, do you find yourself repeatedly putting into a conversation?
Fuck, shit, bullshit.
 
Grave Concerns: What movie character’s name do you think is cool?
Never thought about it!
And if you were to be cast in a movie, what cool name would you go by?
Clyde Fester.
And what part would you hope to play?
A killer. What else?
GC: I like that name…of course you would!
 
Grave Concerns: When is your birthday?
Sept 28th 1963.
GC: Happy Birthday coming to you soon then! (;
Mine is June 16th, 1969.
 
Grave Concerns: Grave Concerns: If you had the chance to travel back to the past, where would you go, and what would you want to leave as a reminder of time spent, as well as, something to take back with you?
I’d go to Woodstock and leave behind my latest CD. An autograph from Hendrix.
 
Grave Concerns: If you could live without one of the following for one-year, without any kinds of side effects, consequences, worries---how ever you like to look at it as, which would you choose and why?
1. Air. Well food and bathing are important. Air is wasted space.
2. Food.
3. Bathroom/daily hygiene.
 
Grave Concerns: Tell us two things about yourself that your fans would be surprised to know about you? Nothing would surprise my fans. I’m and avid book reader and I like killing animals for food.
 
Grave Concerns: Since nature is very precious to me, I tend to be drawn more toward the Earth element. Although each one has its own special attributes, together they are priceless. Which element do you see yourself more drawn toward?
Earth and its insanity.
GC: That’s very poetic…I think.
 
Grave Concerns: I’m thinking of a number from 0 to 5,862. What it is? I’ll tell you what mine is when I post your interview. 2222.
GC: 3,901. Not a bad call.
 
Grave Concerns: What can we expect to hear from Master in the future? More recording and more tour what else?
 
Grave Concerns: What would you like to say to your fans right now? Buy the new CD and support original underground Metal.
 
Grave Concerns: Anything else you care to share with us about yourself and your ferociously jabbing music? No.
 
Grave Concerns: Paul, thanks SO much for letting us at the grave have this mega awesome time with you. It’s been a pleasure sir, to interview you. We all here wish you continued roads of hell to be paved with your music, with your album “Slaves To Society”, and with whom you are as a person and your goals in life. Keep in touch! Cheers!

Thanks for the interview, sorry about some of the short responses, but this was a bit long and too funny for me. Nevertheless I appreciate the support as always and thank you. Paul.
GC: You are very welcome sir. And please no worry at all…glad to have had you as an interviewee. Health and happiness to you Paul! (:

For more information on Master, check out
https://www.myspace.com/masterspeckmann and
https://master-speckmetal.com/