Published: October 18, 2009 11:58 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight October 2009 Edition
Propylaion
Propylaion
Sometimes sensual, sometimes passionate, sometimes romantic but always entertaining; this is what comes to mind with the band Propylaion. Music full of warmth and meaning Propylaion is going to excite music lovers around the globe. The band has also created a unique sound that will separate them from your average band. In this spotlight with our Webzine, Propylaion speaks about their music . Here is what developed. Enjoy!
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
Micha: Nils and I met in 1993 and made our first recordings. The name of our first band was "Einfaat" (which is the German word for "doorway"). By the time we started working with other musicians and began playing live shows, we searched for a better name.
Nils: We knew a guy who taught Greek at school. He said that the Greek word for "Einfaat" is "Propylaion". So we choose that, because it sounds cooler.
Micha: And it added a much more sophisticated touch to our music.
Nils: But no street credibility, which was a pity at that time...
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Nils:Like all other bands, we started up covering our favorites. Classics like The Beatles and Dylan, and modern stuff like R.E.M., The Cure and The Smiths.
Micha: Over the years, the music became more and more funky. Pure funk, reggae and Latin rhythms were some styles we used in those days. We listened to bands like RHCP, Jamiroquai and Beastie Boys.
Nils: Then there was "the big break".
Micha: We met again after 7 years and noticed that we all were "waiting" to play together again but nonetheless had evolved in the same musical direction.
Nils: We still like funky stuff like Phoenix, Moving Units and Gang of Four. But a lot of the newer songs go in a "melancholic pop" direction, like The Whitest Boy Alive or Editors do.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Pat: Micha and Nils have been playing together since 1993. Over the years there were a lot of musicians playing in the band. But the current lineup with me on the drums and Georg on the bass has been established in 2008.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Georg: We have a publishing deal with "edition garden house" of "Peer Music Germany" who is the world's biggest independent publishing company.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Micha: Georg, Pat and I play the instruments we used to play for years and which we like best. There is no real preference concerning brand or colour etc...
Nils: For my "noise - setup",I like playing with things you won't normally use in a pop context, things that look weird and sound weird (e.g. Dübreq "Stylophone", Theremine, or the famous Gakken "SX Minisynth").
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Nils: Right now we are performing our first proper album "2k8" live. We don't do any covers. Yes, we always have a playlist. But there might be encores.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Nils: In most cases, someone comes up with an idea and the band adds instrumentation and arrangement. Sometimes Micha shows me instrumentals and I'm working out the vocal melody and the lyrics.
My lyrics are most of the times emotionally driven and describe the problems of relationships growing and falling apart.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Micha: Often I get my inspiration by just watching life when I`m driving through the city. I simply hear the chords; I don't need an instrument for that.
Nils: Yes, just watching life. But most of the mood of the songs comes out in the arrangements we do together.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Georg: As we all are involved in a lot of different projects, and have to work to get our money, we do rehearsals to prepare our live shows or to write new material.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Micha: Every live show is a new challenge for us as a band. It is always challenging to entertain the audience, show them our material and make them have a good evening.
That's the reason for us to play and write music. If you win that challenge, it feels like good sex.
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Georg: We want our audience to have a good time, to feel entertained and to be moved by the moods we create. We want to create an atmosphere that evokes certain pictures. But sometimes it's even nice to know that people just dance to our music.
Micha: And for sure, we are seeking fame and fortune ;-)
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Nils: If you want to be acknowledged as a good band, you have to be true in what you are doing. Just play the music you would like to hear at home. Maybe you become famous, maybe you don't, but you will always be glad that you did it.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
You can hear our songs there, download some music for free or buy the album at every major download store. A little pressing of the album can be bought at our live shows.
Isaac: Any last words?
