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 Letzte Instanz interview: I had the pleasure of speaking with Robin (Lead Singer) of Letzte Instanz on Nov. 28th in Marburg, Germany before their concert at KFZ. I had a recording set up to help transcribe the interview, but I did not hit the record button. So, I lost the whole interview and had to write really quickly what I could remember. Luckily, we conducted the interview in English and everything was understandable. So, this is basically the same as the interview, but the text in most places is not Robin’s own words. Please forgive me. There is still a lot of information. - Joe 29.11.03 DML: A person who has never heard your music comes up to you and asks about it. How would you describe your music to them? (Wie würdet Ihr jemanden Eure Musik beschreiben, der sie noch nie gehört hat?) Robin: I have been asked this many times. I can only describe it as rock. It is too difficult to describe our music. It is a mix of a lot of styles. Rock, Classical, a little Rap, Folk-Music. It is very difficult.
DML: Could you tell us a little about how Letzte Instanz came into existence? Robin: It started in 1996. It came from another band called "Resistance". I was not a member of the band at the beginning. I am here since 5 or 5½ years. We’ve had members change since then too. That is the short history.
DML: How did you come up with the name Letzte Instanz? Robin: It was taken from a newspaper, like many other bands do. They were looking in the paper and saw many options, but Letzte Instanz just stood out more than the other choices. You know what Letzte Instanz means? Last instance. It was the best choice at the moment. Since I am not in the band at that time, this is only what I have heard from the older members.
DML: What artists, if any, have influenced your music? Robin: A lot. Every bands have a lot of influences. We heard a lot of music when we were younger. Music like Depeche Mode and other music like this. We also heard music like Bach. Then later came the Heavy Metal sound. These things I think have influenced us.
DML: Who writes the music? Who writes the text? Robin: It comes from a computer or papers to the rehersal room where we mess with the guitars and other instruments. We then listen to what sounds good and us that. The text is put in later. I write the text.
DML: Why have you decided to write your text in German when most bands now-a-days write there text in English? Robin: I think because it is my language. And, I like to be able to understand music when I listen to it. I think this is the same with most people. Although most music here is in English, I think the people like to understand once in a while. It is also better for me. I can put my feelings forward better than with English.
DML: How has Letzte Instanz changed since the beginning 7 years ago? Robin: A lot, We’ve got new members since the beginning. We have a new drummer and a new bass player since recently. So, a lot has changed.
DML: Where do you see Letzte Instanz 5 years from now? 10 years from now? Robin: That is a hard one. I can’t really say because a lot can change in 5 years. I think that it depends on what is happening in the world in 5 years. This effects all music. I don’t even want to try thinking 10 years from now.
DML: Are there any plans for a music video of any of the songs from the new album, "Götter auf Abruf"? Robin: We have played over 300 concerts now, so I think we will make a live video using these. Not so like a movie, but more live.
DML: Do any of you have a side project? If so, what are they called and what is your role? Robin: Yes, most of us do. Our drummer has another band and I do some of my own stuff. I try to make my own CD. I also like to do theatre. So there is that too.
DML: Before Letzte Instanz, were any of you in other bands? Robin: Yes, all come from other bands. Except for our bass player. He is the new guy. I have been, since I started music, in about 7 bands now. That’s a lot.
DML: I’ve noticed that a lot of Pop & Rap groups are doing very well here in Germany. What is your opinion on the current music scene here? Robin: I don’t think it is good. Everything is being made for commercial. To be famous you must play what they tell you. This isn’t good because you cannot play what you want to.
DML: Personally, what bands/groups/singers do you listen to? Robin: That changes every year. Right now I listen mostly to experimental electronic music. The types I listen to are not hard and loud, just bands messing around to see what can be done.
DML: What are your hobbies and favorite past-times besides making music? Robin: Not much. Music is the best hobby. I do like to read. Its very good to read. I also like to walk around. I really like nature and trees. When the sun is out and I am inside, I go out and walk. It is refreshing and nice to walk in the sun and nature.
DML: Are there any possibilities for releases in America? Robin: That is very hard because we sing in German. I don’t know though because Rammstein has done this and I think some other bands. I cannot remember the names. It is hard because most Americans, except you and your viewers, want to understand the text and so many do not speak German. But it is possible. I don’t know when, but it is possible.
DML: When will the US tour start?? Robin: Haha. Give us some money and we will go. I think it will be very expenisve. You see we have 3 vans outside? I think for America we would need more. It is a big country and vans would be not so comfortable. But, if you want, we will come. More at: |
