To Avoid interview – The new dark EBM heroes are back!
At the 9th edition of HOYM Industry FEST in Rybnik, the German band To Avoid will take the stage. Active for years within the industrial/EBM/dark electro scene, the group has consistently followed its own path, avoiding fleeting trends and focusing on authenticity. For the Polish audience, this will be a first-time opportunity to experience German industrial live. Ahead of the show, Jean Barry Matthis shared some insights.
How would you describe the industrial music scene in your home country right now? Has it changed in recent years?
That’s a difficult question, as there are different perspectives on it. Of course, the scene has changed over the years. As a fan, I find it difficult to keep up with the flood of releases. You simply can’t listen to everything anymore, and sometimes you only discover interesting things years later. As a band, on the other hand, it has become very difficult to get gigs. Many promoters are understandably afraid of financial risks. Others let booking agencies dictate their lineup because they want one band but need to book five others as well. This makes it very difficult for independent bands.
What initially drew you to create music in the industrial/EBM/dark electro genre?
Quite simply, the love for this kind of music.
Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? How do your tracks typically come to life?
Unfortunately, you can’t be creative at the push of a button. We meet regularly in our studio and work on ideas. Sometimes we sit for weeks without any real results, and then there are days when songs are created in a few hours. Our analog devices are very helpful in this regard. If you really don’t have any ideas, the machine helps you be creative.
Your sound has a very distinct identity. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your music?
Thank you for the compliment. I don’t want to get into musical role models; you can read about that anywhere. We always just wanted to do what we liked and not follow current trends. Looking back, it’s really about the experience with music and with life. Added to that is the fact that we’ve been part of the scene for a very long time.
How has your approach to producing mechanical and industrial sounds evolved over the years, and how would you compare your current self to the person you were when you first started making music?
Oh my God. When we started, we had no idea. GrandT (a former member) played keys and I played drums, that was all. It’s almost impossible to explain today that anything really came out of it. Today, we’re all pretty familiar with the equipment and have set up a really great studio. This allows us to work very professionally.
What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to most often in your lyrics or compositions?
The texts are no longer written solely by m.a.r.c. They primarily cover topics that interest us and are important to us. We don’t have any personal favorites. What’s important is a comprehensible message.
Can you share the story or concept behind your latest release?
The last album, „All Gods Are Gone,“ was created over a very long period of time. At that time, we lost a member and most of our equipment. The band was almost on the verge of collapse. But we decided to continue and build a new studio. All these experiences naturally influenced the album. Over time, more and more good songs emerged, and we accepted an offer from ALFA MATRIX. The rest is history, and we are truly proud of our work.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as an industrial band today – artistically or in terms of reaching audiences?
I think it’s extremely important, especially for electronic bands, to offer the audience something visually. Our guys stand behind their machines and don’t run around the stage. Even our first concert (in 2002) had a background video. At the time, that wasn’t commonplace, and it was certainly special. We’re continuing to pursue this concept, as our request for background dancing with The Pussycat Dolls hasn’t been answered yet.
What’s been your most memorable live performance so far and why?
It was our first gig at Rockstars in Tallinn. The club was packed with a diverse crowd, and people were dancing from the first beat. The club was literally buzzing. That, of course, gives you back a tremendous amount of energy as a band and drives you on.
What can the audience expect from your performance at HOYM Industry FEST in Rybnik?
Since this is our first time playing in Poland, we’ll be playing a mixed set-up. So, new songs and older ones. Of course, the videos will be included, and who knows, maybe a few surprises.
To Avoid – Industrial Without Compromise – AlterNation
Author: Andrzej_Kies
Translator: karo kratochwil
