Exclusive Interviews: Vendetta Music

Interview with Geert De Wilde of the band IC434

January 18, 2007

Q1: Hello Geert, I'm glad to hear you're back on track! Your highly-regarded third album, "The Banished", came out almost 5 years ago and IC434 fans have been yearning for new material. What have you been doing lately?

Hello Nader. Over the past few years, I've done mastering and production work for several bands. Sound engineering became a major interest to me, especially that my first two albums lacked the punch that would have made them a lot more enjoyable. I live off music and I have more time to concentrate on IC434. The new album should be done within six months or so and I'm really enjoying it:

Q2:The first two IC434 albums, "Weathering Skies" (1996) and "Dogondance" (1998) got very positive reviews but you haven't taken the project seriously enough to make a real dent in the scene. How would you justify the significant lag time between IC434 releases?

It is very easy to pass judgement when you do not have all of the facts at hand. I take IC434 very seriously but I was plagued by personal problems. It all started in 1997 when my best friend passed away and things went downhill afterwards. My parents got very sick, and I agonizingly watched them fight their illnesses until they finally succumbed to death. I felt the pain of being an only child. I had to take care of everyone and everything at the same time, and I completely neglected myself. It was a very difficult and traumatizing experience. As if things weren't bad enough, I hated my job and I had a very bad relationship. I just couldn't concentrate on my music anymore. It took me years to finish recording. The Banished and it wasn't fun at all. You would be surprised to know that all the lyrics I have ever written are 100% autobiographic.

Q3: What are your favorite electro bands and which styles of music did you listen to growing up?

That's a pretty difficult question to answer, I have lots of favorite songs but not too many favorite bands. When I was a teenager, I was fascinated by Front 242, The Klinik, Skinny Puppy and Nitzer Ebb. A few years later, I was very impressed with the first albums of Project Pitchfork, Prager Handgriff, Plastic Noise Experience and Placebo Effect, and nowadays I'm very fond of Hocico. I admire their complex sound, their aggression, and their mix of timeless classic electro and modern beats.

Q4: Veteran rivetheads have expressed utter disgust at the hellektro/futurepop-infested electro scene. Do you see things ever changing to pure harsh elektro instead of trancey bands getting all the attention?

You never know what will happen in music. It's a pity that trancey bands are overhyped nowadays but rest assured, old school bands have a strong, loyal and growing fan base. It would be nice if the different electro subgenres could co-exist without friction though.

Q5: The last few years have witnessed the return of classic electro acts (Front 242, Skinny Puppy, Portion Control and last but not least Nitzer Ebb) and the emergence of neo-old school bands (Severe Illusion, Last Influence of Brain, Spetsnaz, CAP to name a few). I strongly believe that authentic dark elektro (100%-trancewhackedgoregalore-free) and old school EBM took the first step toward regaining ground. What's your take on that?

The problem with most "modern" electro bands is that they haven't developed their own style. They sound exactly the same and I got the distinct impression that they copy the big names. I really hope the neo-old school bands don't fall in the same trap, and they forge a signature sound while remaining faithful to the "electro legends". Over the past three years, I've noticed some significant changes in the alternative electronic scene and I firmly believe that old school is on the rise.

Q6: You have collaborated with Guy Van Mieghem in the past. What happened to Vomito Negro?

Guy is a very experienced man and one of the greatest live performers I've ever seen. I was honored when he asked me to join Vomito Negro after he saw me performing live in 2002. We did one Vomito Negro concert together and started working on new songs, but unfortunately we gradually lost contact. I was dealing with personal problems and Guy had been out of the scene for over ten years because of his tragic car accident .He was obviously disappointed because things didn't go as planned. He moved to Costa Rica two years ago, and sold all his music equipments. Sad ending 9

Q7: Are you in contact with promising neo-old school bands and would you work with them in the future?

I've got some contacts but none of them has panned out yet.. Collaborating with other bands is very appealing and tempting. I just have other priorities at the moment and it's time to concentrate on the new IC 434.

Q8: You did two amazing remixes for Grandchaos and Brain Leisure. What do you think of "In Sedens" EP DCD?

I was really surprised by Grandchaos and the ambitious "In Sedens" project.. Tcheleskov is a pleasant Belgian fellow but I've never heard of him before. Now I'm fond of his music and the remix CD features many excellent remixes. It's good to know that a lot of classic electro bands are still alive and kicking, and I was ecstatic to see them on one album. I'm so looking forward to your upcoming old school compilation!

Q9: Is there any special synthesizer or software program that you consider to be the best to work with?

That's a very personal question: For IC 434, I've always worked with the Korg M1 synthesizer, and I will always stay true to it because it is an integral part of the IC 434 sound. I've recently stopped using its complex internal sequencer, and I'm working on Cubase SX which has so many advantages. I shouldn't have relied on the M1 sequencer for so long. To pick just one example, the easiest drum lines took me hours of programming work simply because there's no "undo" function on the M1.

Q10: Are you planning on re-releasing the highly sought-after Tales of Doom & Genocide tapes in a limited edition box-set?

Yes I'll do it someday:

Q11: Any last words or comments?

Of course but I can't think of anything right now : Thank you for your genuine interest and support, and I'm really glad you asked me to remix your bands. Small things make a big difference! www.ic434.com