INTERVIEW:
Blast Bomb
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THE German band Blast Bomb…
have been telling me about their new E.P., Burn History & Live Today, and what themes inspired it; whether they have a favourite cut from the E.P. and how they all found one another – the guys recommend rising artists to watch.
I ask whether they are planning more tour dates and if we can see them in the U.K.; what sort of music they grew up around and how they relax away from music – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
Johnny: Great, thank you. We are talking to you from a bar in Hameln. We play here tonight…
Tobi: The Mad Music Club.
Klaus: Yesterday, we played a great show in Bremerhaven; too much free drink....but I was a good boy and didn’t drink.
Torben: This week is great because of the shows. It’s great to be back on the road.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
Torben: We are Blast Bomb; an explosive Crossover-Punk band from Hamburg.
Johnny: That’s actually a very tough thing to describe. I can only call it Blast Bomb. Andy from The Dukes of Bordello (we’re currently on the road with them) says our style is “Loud sh*t”. I actually like that! We officially formed early last year and we are really proud of what we have achieved.
Burn History & Live Today is your new E.P. Is there a concept behind it, would you say?
Johnny: I would’t say it’s a full-on concept, but I noticed, as I was preparing for the recorded sessions, that the songs kinda followed a story of the reason why I´m now in Germany. It was never supposed to be this way.
Klaus: There is a concept in the lyrics. The four songs are linked through that way.
Torben: From the music side; it is definitely not following a concept. It was just an example of all our styles! We are still finding our sound.
Do you each have a favourite song from the E.P. at all?
Johnny: Burn History. I love that one. It’s so erratic and powerful lyrics.
Kai: Gambler and Live Today. They show the two different sides to our sound.
Klaus: Burn History and Stray…because I wrote it!
Tobi: Gambler. The original recording had a two-minute drum Jazz intro - and we cut it out because it was too long. I’m still not happy about this.
Torben: Burn History and Live Today. Both are fantastic.
How did The Blast Bomb get together? When did the band form?
Torben: Me and Klaus tweaking on amps in the High Gain District rehearsal room, when Tobis comes in. So, we start a session together, which was great. So, a few sessions follow. Then, Kai comes to us (we know him from the youth) and only a vocal was missing.
Kai: We did a post on a Hamburg music forum and Johnny replied to us - and Blast Bomb was complete. That was in January 2017.
Johnny: These guys have, on and off, been working together for twenty years; so it was like walking into a little family. I liked that. Plus; we are all very open-mined so it helps makes us unique.
Which artists did you all grow up around? Do you have any personal musical idols?
Johnny: I was raised on The Beatles, Pink Floyd and David Bowie, so they are my D.N.A. But, as I grew up and became an angry teenager, I was heavily influenced by Black Sabbath, Amen and Turbonegro. So, quite a contrast. But, my personal idol, without question, is John Lennon.
Klaus: I love the Rock stuff from the '70s, but also harder Metal and Punk-Rock are my favourite styles. I love Adriano Celentano and Dean Martin. Just sayin’.
Kai: From '70s Classic Rock to '80s Thrash-Metal to Scandinavian Rock ‘n’ Roll, I was influenced by all kinds of stuff...
Tobi: Billy Cobham; Chick Corea; Nomeansno.
Torben: I grew up with German radio in my parents’ house - that was Neue Deutsche Welle, mostly. First record for me was Run-D.M.C. The second was Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill; after that, I went to Rock. The biggest influences were then Guns N’ Roses and I start playing guitar because of Slash; like a lot of guys in my age. Then, Suicidal Tendencies and Pantera pushed me to another direction. But, so far or in general, it is/was a mix between Rap and Rock.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
Johnny: World domination! Haha. Actually; I just hope we continue to grow at the speed we currently are. I really believe in this music and I’m very proud of the E.P. with have recorded. I hope that the listeners understand what we are trying to create.
Klaus: I hope to be able to reach a few more people with our music.
Kai: We have a killer shows coming up. I hope they are successful.
Torben: That the E.P. reaches the correct ears. This, of course, is the toughest part of our job.
Tobi: To continue writing good songs!
Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Johnny: I think, for me, it would have to be my first-ever European tour with my old band. So many amazing experiences; amazing roads and views. The crowds were all so warm and friendly. We even had a couple ‘getting it on’ on top of our bass drum in one show! But, I actually think my best musical memory is yet to come - and that´s what inspires me.
Torben and Klaus: The first time we played outside Germany. We have a tour in Spain and we had to fly. It was really special.
Kai: The first time I played my Rickenbacker on stage. It’s been one of my favourite instruments since I was younger. It’s a 4001 and is from 1979. It’s an awesome instrument.
Tobi: Every time I make music and create music, it fills me with a unforgettable feeling. My aim is to have this feeling until the end of my life.
Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
Johnny: Pink Floyd – The Wall
My mother us to play that album to help me sleep when she was pregnant with me! But, it’s not the greatest album of all time: that’s, without question, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Torben: Guns N´Roses - Appetite for Destruction
It made me learn guitar! But, I never played a song off it!
Tobi: Nomeansno - Wrong
Because its right!
Kai: Led Zeppelin – One
It was the first album I brought with my own money!
Kai: Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time
Because, it opens a door to another dimension.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Johnny: Paul McCartney or Amen, I think. As for rider; I would need peppermint tea and prawn cocktail Walkers! Oh; I miss them crisps.
Tobi: Nomeansno. Energy drinks! Nasal spray and some herbs...
Torben: Smoke Blow. Backstage, I need Iso drink and beer.
Klaus: Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes. I just need beer and food!
Kai: Gluecifer. They are still the kings of Rock. Craft beer and a good steak - cooked rare!
Johnny: Funny how we all said food. Such an exciting band, right?
Can we see you on the road this year at all?
Johnny: We are on the road as we speak!
Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. and play next year or this one?
Johnny: Next year, we plan to visit. If we are allowed. Would be really cool to bring the guys over.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Johnny: Don´t conform to the norm and create only what you want!
Torben: Never give up on your dream.
Kai: Practice, practice and practice all the time and then, when you’re good enough, you can relax and party (Euroboy – Turbonegro)
Klaus: Practice and play live early.
Tobi: Practice even when you think your good enough!
IN THIS PHOTO: Van Holzen
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Klaus: Van Holzen. They are the most exciting band in Germany.
Torben: Chefboss. They are from Hamburg.
Kai: Svartanatt are from Sweden. Fantastic.
Johnny: They may be new to you but, to us, they are damn old…but Smoke Blow are fantastic!
Tobi: Moving Parts.
IN THIS PHOTO: Chefboss
Do you all get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Johnny: Music is my unwinding!
Tobi: I play drums.
Torben and Klaus: We all have families so it’s great to spend time with them! And Sport!
Kai: (Parental advisory).
Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Johnny: I really love the new Paul McCartney album. Despite Repeated Warning is fantastic; the riff two minutes in...
Tobi: Nomeansno – Rag 'N Bones
Kai: Imperial State Electric – Down in the Bunker
Torben: Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes - Devil Inside Me
Klaus: Kvelertak – Blodtørst
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