Chocolate, knives, cuckoo clocks, neutrality and The Erkonauts…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We’re from Geneva, Switzerland.
How did you meet?
We started in early 2014, so there isn’t much history yet. We come from different bands in Geneva, and the timing was right for us to meet around this project. Everything was very organic.
How long have you been playing as a band?
With The Erkonauts, since 2014.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
The name Erkonauts is derived from the band’s logo “Erkonos” that is basically an alien. So there definitely was the option to use references from space. This logo has been with me since my childhood, so I wanted this new project to revolve around it. The Erkonauts are those who travel with him.
What are your influences?
Personally, I listen to a lot of stuff. If I had to pick a preference, it would most likely be stuff from the 70s. Bands like Scorpions, Led Zeppelin, Queen…We actually play a Uriah Heep cover from time to time! These bands had a way of exploring music with the ability come up with a very distinct sound. This has a huge impact on us. We try to explore as much as we can include to our sound as many influences that we can. There is a lot to learn from out there. I find it very common these days to be able to identify precisely the 2 or 3 bands the influence directly some of the recent artists, and I think it’s a little sad. People seem to like what they already know and bands want to sound exactly like their favourite bands.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I like to call our music progressive punk. Even though we heavily lean towards metal. What makes us unique? That’s for others to say.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Lyrics are extremely important to us. This doesn’t mean they have to be complicated, hard to follow words, with a meaning almost impossible to grasp. I consider that if people don’t understand what I said, then I said it wrong. It’s not impressive to choose an elaborate language where simple words will do. Some issues are serious, some are not, other are so preposterous that they become funny. The story you’re telling will dictate the tone that has to be used, and sometimes the tone is light. It doesn’t mean it’s done lightly. About the general tone, I’m quite tired of bullshit right now. Lyrics will gravitate towards that.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Well I hope our shows are pretty good. We played a little over 100 shows with this project.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I broke my back during a show, finished it and went straight to the hospital. I’m really glad I went through with it, but then I had to stay still in bed for a week. Heavy price, but worth it.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I use Tune Guitars with EBS Amplifications. Our drummer plays Tama and uses Zildjian cympals. Our guitarists play ESP and Gibson.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We’ll released our third album I Want It To End on October 1st. The singles “War Flamingoes” and “Five Orange Seeds” are already out.
What are your plans over the next six months or so?
Well there’s the release of the album on October 1st. We also have some shows and tours scheduled, but honestly that will depend on how the world evolves.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Who should play before us? Mmmh… Literally anyone who would agree to it. I really can’t say. We’d love to open for New Model Army. That would make me very happy. Or Ween?
