Genghis Tron Interview

Ever wonder what it would be like if grind met trance and synth pop? Well if the thought ever crossed your mind, it has been fulfilled, if it hasn’t well then Genghis Tron will show you a completely different view of heavy music. Their trademark sound is something none will be able to replicate, their originality is very clear and they know just how to go about creating the Frankenstein of electro heaviness. Three guys and the ability to push the boundaries allows them to create some of the most challenging and intense heavy music of today. The band released their first EP “Cloak of Love” to stunning reviews and is lining up a second as you read this that will surely amaze you. The Gauntlet talked to Genghis Tron about the origin of their avant-garde style, the current going ons, the challenge of lugging around PA systems and about their upcoming full length debut on Crucial blast which is bound to impress.

TheHXC: How did Genghis Tron form?

Genghis Tron: We met at school a few years ago and had been friends for a while. Mookie and Michael were living together when Hamilton and Michael started the band. We were a duo for a couple of months before Mookie joined as the full-on vocalist.

TheHXC: How did you Genghis Tron come to play the unusual blend of techno dance, electronic and grind?

Genghis Tron: We wanted to do something different which allowed us to explore many of the different types of music we were interested in...but we particularly wanted to see what sort of disparate elements and influences we could employ in a way that actually made some musical sense. Or at least not sound like, you know, ass. At first it was somewhat of an experiment when it came to songwriting, but now that we've been making this stuff for 1.5 years, it flows much more naturally, and I think the new material shows that.

TheHXC: Was there ever a bassist in Genghis Tron?

Genghis Tron: Nope.

TheHXC: Is the substitution of drum machine easier to work with? What would you suggest to get a great drum machine sound?

Genghis Tron: There are obvious advantages (the amount of control available, the ability to explore unlimited sounds, never have to mic drums, never have to carry drums, booty bass, 280 BPM blasts, not always thinking like a drummer might think) and disadvantages (rigidity, occasional technical difficulties, assholes making drummer jokes from the audience during shows, drummers thinking your band sucks, buying a 2000 watt P.A. and carrying it everywhere, not always thinking like a drummer might think). Suggestions: Don't use presets (unless you want to sound like everyone else who uses presets), don't use loops, make your own samples, look into buying some high-quality sample sets, or just steal other peoples' samples and fuck with them. Be creative!

TheHXC: How far along are you guys with your full length?

Genghis Tron: We've finished 8 out of 10 songs. We're gonna wrap the next few up in the next month before heading to Boston to work on pre-production stuff for the album. We can't wait to record this shit.

TheHXC: Who will be releasing the full length?

Genghis Tron: Crucial Blast Records, who released our E.P. The vinyl will once again be out on Lovepump United.

TheHXC: What are you touring plans before you go into record?

Genghis Tron: We're going to play a week of east coast shows with our new friends in Child Abuse (www.myspace.com/childabuse). Hopefully a few of the shows will be with other awesome bands as well.

TheHXC: Do you find it hard to find the sound you want live?

Genghis Tron: The more we play, the more comfortable we become with our live sound. There will always be obstacles, but we're a much better live band now than we were a year ago. We generally like either playing smaller places where our P.A. demolishes everything or bigger joints with competent sound people. It's the stuff in between that tends to give us more trouble.

TheHXC: What projects if any were members of Genghis Tron in prior to the band?

Genghis Tron: Mookie was in a band called The Fugue for five years and they finally started getting famous once he left. Hamilton was in several bands throughout high school and college. One of them covered 311. Michael was a trance D.J. and we make fun of him for it.

TheHXC: What are some of the meanings behind the short lyric duration of the songs, more specifically "Lazer Bitch" and "Arms"?

Genghis Tron: Some songs just benefit from having minimal banshee shrieks.

TheHXC: What are some bands/projects and or DJ's you guys enjoy?

Genghis Tron: Hmmm...we've recently been jammin' the new AIDS Wolf, USAIsAMonster, Earth, Xasthur, Boards of Canada, and Hate Eternal. Prince and Converge always.

TheHXC: That's all on my end, Is there anything you would like to add?

Genghis Tron: Thanks for the interest and interview! We'll be posting a new song demo in the next month probably. Stay pumped.


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Tags:  Genghis Tron  , Genghis Tron, interviews

Dave Huffy    November 09, 2005