Interview - My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult: BACK FROM BEYOND!

Formed in 1987 My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult was the brainchild of founding members Groovie Mann and Buzz McCoy. Their music has been popular on dance floors all over the world ever since their first album I See Good Spirits And I See Bad Spirits. Grave Concerns got chance to catch up with My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and here is how it went.

Phill – First of all may I thank you for giving Grave Concerns Ezine this interview. Can I start by asking you to tell our readers a little bit about yourselves?

MLWTTKK – We are the people your momma warns you about.

Phill – What are the origins behind your name?

MLWTTKK – The name was actually going to be the title for a thriller “b-movie” film project we started to concoct which was going to tell the story of a runaway teen who joins up with a band of unsavoury folks. We didn’t get very far with the film idea. We borrowed a VHS video camera from a friend. (Thank-you Patty Jorgensen) and took some opening credit shots, but that’s about it. We worked more on the soundtrack. That was more our nitch since both of us had been in bands before - but that was a long time ago. No such thing as digital cameras, computers and YouTube back then!

Perhaps things would have turned out a lot different given the technology of today. Jeez…looks like a lot has changed in 25 years!

Phill – The imagery that you use for the art for your music can be described as satanic but the theme behind the songs is normally far from it. Why do you choose to use this imagery?

MLWTTKK – We use satanic imagery just as much as catholic imagery, so lets be fair! Lol. We like taking iconic images and just mix them up and present them in different ways. We like looking at life from many angles and viewpoints, not just one. Life seems it would get very boring if that were the case. Maybe that’s why so many people are so bored / boring.

Phill – You have attracted attention from many religious groups which on some aspects would make you laugh. How do you take this attention and what is the funniest thing that someone has said about you?

MLWTTKK – We really can’t be bothered to follow who says what about us. We’ve only heard stories from others, and to be honest, don’t really remember any of them. We’ve never personally been contacted by any religious or other organization.

Phill – Your sound is quite unique, how would you choose to describe your sound?

MLWTTKK – hmm, something like industrial-disco-funk-punk-electro-glam-lounge-rock. It sounds like everything but country!

Phill – How do you feel your music has evolved since you first started My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult?

MLWTTKK – We really haven’t evolved much. We’ve always tried new things and challenge ourselves with every album. And we work and record pretty much the same way as when we started.

Phill – You have written many songs that have appeared in films over the years and also have appeared on the classic film The Crow, what was the experience like appearing on The Crow?

MLWTTKK – That was cool, literally. It was like -5 degrees outside, and we shot it in an old cement factory in the Carolinas. 2 days. No heat. Luckily we got to wear our leathers and jackets, and have hot lights on us now and then. The kids in the crowd weren’t so fortunate. We also got to sit with Brandon Lee in make-up and have a little chat. Then he was gone.

Phill – What are your musical influences and have your influences changed over the years?

MLWTTKK – Music doesn’t influence what we write, life does.

Phill – What do you feel has been your defining moment as My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult?

MLWTTKK – It’s all been a defining moment. No one thought we’d be doing this 25 years later. Hell, we didn’t expect this to last at all. The defining moment is the moment it is no more.

Phill – Have you ever been tempted to complete the film your music was originally going to appear on?

MLWTTKK – We’re thinking more Broadway or Vegas now. Anyone can make a movie now.

Phill – This year marks your 25^th Anniversary and you will be touring the US to mark this, without giving too much away what sort of show can your fans expect to see?

MLWTTKK – We’re going to play at least 1 or 2 songs from every album, showcasing our many musical moods and not just the “hits”… but there will certainly be some dance floor favs in there as well.

Phill – During your 25 years of experience how do you feel the music scene has evolved?

MLWTTKK – Well it’s kinda cool that a band doesn’t need a label anymore. They can do so much now for themselves. Their imagination is the limit when it comes to promoting, and getting their songs heard. We’ve never been fans of the “music biz”, and it’s best to stay clear of all that, if you’re a true artist. And just do it for the music if you wanna be a pop star and make a lot of money, then obvious the case is different.

Phill – You have been innovators in the music industry but what one thing would you like to be remembered for?

MLWTTKK – Maybe our live shows? We really give it all when we tour. That’s really why we still do it – for those who still love to come and participate in our dirty little escapades.

Phill - Of all the songs you have ever created which song do you feel truly sums up the bands image and style?

MLWTTKK – Kooler Than Jesus… just cuz.

Phill – What music currently about today do you feel catches your ears?

MLWTTKK – We don’t really listen to any “current” bands. We like soundtracks.

Thanks again for the interview and good luck on your 25^th Anniversary Tour.

 Visit the band on the web: https://mylifewiththethrillkillkult.com/

 Buy My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult- Death Threat and others here: