What do you consider to be the darkest piece of music you’ve ever heard?
“Dead Souls” by Joy Division.
How would you characterize your own music?
We’re pretty schizophrenic musically. We’ve been labeled as “industrial”, post punk, dark wave, surf, etc, etc. Labels mean nothing to me. We create the music on our heads and then it comes to life when all of us put our fingerprints on it. Savage Republic has always been one long soundtrack to me.
What are your musical aspirations?
I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. It took almost 30 years to get the ideal line-up, but we’ve had it for 12 years now and think we’re just hitting our stride. I just want to keep touring and recording albums around the world.
What are your main musical inspirations?
I won’t speak for my bandmates, but as for myself, it’s all over the map. Joy Division, Wire, Gang of Four, Echo, Led Zeppelin, Gordon Lightfoot :)
What are your main goals in life?
I’ve lived it. All I ever wanted was to be in a band, make records, and tour the world.
What motivates you to create?
Everything. Nature and politics are probably my two biggest motivations in my song writing.
Are you more of an early bird or a night owl?
I get up every day at 4am. I’m an old farm kid and I love being outside when everyone’s still sleeping
Besides music, what other art forms would you like to explore?
I’ve taken photos my whole life, but I really would’ve loved to have been a painter. I would’ve liked to have written a book too, but I don’t see that happening.
Which is the very first record that had a big impact on you?
Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Still an all time fave.
What is the best decade for music?
80’s far and away. So much creativity. So many amazing bands
What do your future plans include?
To try to keep the band together. Tour Europe next January. Record in Poland mid tour and release that. Then another tour the following year when we’ll record in Belgium. You have to keep evolving as a band or it’s just a waste of time.
Meteora will be out on May 20th, 2022 via Gusstaff Records
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Savage Republic
Band photo by Ramona Clarke
All questions answered by Thom Fuhrmann
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