1. Hi, first off I
just want to congratulate you on your new album. To new fans could
your please fill us in on the history behind it all?
Serge - We
started as a metalband in the ninties. The bandname was MUD SLICK
and we did three CD's. From one CD to the others, we went away from
the “straight metal “ more into crossover metal with a lots of
variations at this time. Because of a line up change, we figured it
was the best way to start with the new bandname: San Dimas. We did a
debut in 2002, which was released in Germany and Switzerland. Now
two years later, I think we have found our musical direction with
this formation. We are really happy to present this CD. That's what
we are and were we are at this time!
2. How has your new album been
received by the media?
Serge
- We
have a lots of really exciting pressreleases. A lots of them like
the musical variations on the album. But that is on the other side a
problem for people who are focused on only one specific kind of
Rock, wich are not open minded to other flavours of Rockmusic.
3. I know artists are not happy to
categorize their music, but how would you describe your music to an
outsider?
Serge
- Guitarriff
oriented groovy rock from heavy till indi, with very melodic
singing.:-)
4. Where does your inspiration
come from, both musically and lyrically?
Serge
- There
are so many possible ways to get inspiration. Me personally, I
produce lots of bands in the studio. They all show up with their
favorit bands as references. Is it because of the arrangements, the
sounds, the mood or the songs. So I listen to lots of different
music, different styles. So, when I pick up my guitar I start to
play riffs out of nowere, just depending in what kind of mood I am
at this moment. Lyrically our singer Stämpf has some personally
experiences that he lays down with words or has a theme that he'd
like to talk about.
5. What topics do you deal with in
your lyrics and why?
Serge
- There's
a lot of strange things going on on this planet. We're not pointing
at them and got the answer in our pocket. As well, there are a lot
of personal experiences from the life of our singer , and I think
he's telling strong stories.
6. Who has produced and mixed the
album, and are you pleased with the end result?
Serge
- I
produced and mixed the album, so what should I say ?! I love it !
7. Who has done the artwork? And
how important do you feel it is to have a great cover?
Serge
- It's
a freaky guy from our home town (D.A.S.Ross), and we are very happy
with his work! I guess artwork is importent for every Band. It
represents the optic vision of the Band.
8. Do you have any touring plans?
Serge
- We
play cloubgigs in Switzerland. During summer a few Festivals. After
the sommer we plan a support-tour through Germany (hopefully all of
Europe).
We will post everything on our website www.sandimas.ch.
9. How do you feel about the
co-operation with your label, and are you satisfied?
Serge
- They're
doing a good job. Normally they work with much heavier bands and
sometimes their reputation is bad for us. Which means, that when
journalists gets a CD from Massacre they expect a ultra heavy band.
And if that's the only thing they wanna listen to, bad for us.
10. The internet is a very
important source for many metal fans - how do you use the internet
and how important is it for you and other bands?
Serge
- It
has a good and a bad side, as we all know! That Internet allows us
to present ourselves on the web worldwide is a great deal for
everybody. But that everybody is able to download almost everything
for free is dangerous and can cause serious problems to the whole
music industry.
11. How do you see the metal scene
at the moment?
Serge - There
are a lot of great bands comming and going. Today they are hip,
tomorrow they're gone. Time moves fast.
O.K. there is still a huge list of
dinosaurus. They didn't dissapear from the stage; and I am very
happy about that.
12. To finish things off - could
you pls. make a all-time Top 5 or sort of the 5 most important
albums in your opinion?
Serge
- Hard
to say. I have hundreds of CD's and I like many of them. When I
first heard Uriah Heep's Salsbury and Fallen angel, I knew that I
had to get myself a guitar. When my Brother
bought the Vinyl of AC/DC's Back In Black we immediatelly started a
coverband and I bought my first distortion-pedal when I was 8 years
old. Other rockbands from my young age were: Metallica, Aerosmith,
Krokus, Journey, Saga... Then like a hit in the face were
Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam.. .which influenced me a lot. Now
there's bands like Stabbing Westward (they broke up 2 years ago),
Filter, Drowning Pool, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Queens Of
The Stone Age, Muse...too many to name
