http://www.smalltowncriminals.de/newsfl/content/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3870

Here is the English version:

01.    Hello Erica, thanks for giving us an interview. What are you doing right now after having finished the STRAY-Album?

Hi! Well I can't sit still for long so I'm once again working on new material for the next Unter Null album… taking my time, etc. I'm also going on tour in July as Unter Null with C/A/T supporting, so there are a lot of preparations being made for that.


02.    Let's talk about "Abuse For Proxy". First, what does the title stand for?

"Abuse by Proxy", really means when the abuser uses others to inflict abuse on his/her victim. Having been on the receiving end of this particular kind of horrible treatment, I researched various personality disorders and this seems to be a particular kind of behaviour akin with people with narcissistic personality disorder. To make a long story short, these people are really quite venomous and will drain the life out of you. Firsthand knowledge. The album is a result of many stories dealing with these kinds of people. If you notice, with the lyrics, the songs start out relatively happy and peaceful and by the end of the album they are rather depressing. I think this is symbolic.

03.    Why did you launch this new project? Couldn't you have done a calm UNTER NULL-album? Or does STRAY stand for the calm, somewhat romantic side of your personality, while UNTER NULL is your second, the aggressive face?

No – Unter Null is out my outlet for angrier feelings, whereas Stray remains my outlet for both happy and melancholy feelings. The two can not be one; I must keep them separated.

04.    Was it difficult to decide, whether an idea fits better for STRAY than for UNTER NULL? At least a song like "Intoxicate" is not that different from the "The Failure Epiphany"-stuff in my ears.

Intoxicate was actually written several years ago, so this was pre-Stray. I finally decided to put it in with the Stray album because to MY ears it fits a lot more, definitely not Unter Null material. I don't have a problem these days deciding which song goes to which project. I think I have a reached a point in my music career where I'm quite certain of things.

05.    I'd like to talk about some other songs. I think, the lyrics of "The Tie That Binds" are quite remarkable, since I would not have expected you singing this. I guess it's not autobiographical, right? Or does it represent another side of you? Sorry, if this question is too private for you.

"The Tie That Binds" was indeed written with someone in mind…

06.    The lyrics for "Break Me Free" and "Does It Really Matter" are somehow desperate, as if you would have given up a fight finally. Is this impression right?

Break Me Free is about some personal battles and demons I have that I struggle with. It's not about anyone in particular except myself and my own struggles. "Does It Really Matter" I think is more self-explanatory in the way that one just wants to give up feeling – anything.

07.    Will there be more STRAY material in the future or is the album non-recurring?

 I do plan on having more releases for Stray. I never STOP writing music, so eventually another album will come to fruition, I'm quite sure of it.

08.    Does this project finally have any influence on the way UNTER NULL will be developing in the future? Are you already working on new UN stuff?

As I stated earlier, I try my best to keep the content of both projects separate, in both music and lyrics. If I'm having a bad day, I know it's better to work on Unter Null material. If I'm feeling relatively happy with things, Stray is what I will work on.

09.    You have been touring in Europe with SUICIDE COMMANDO and FROZEN PLASMA. Can you tell us some impressions you got about the countries you have been to and the fans there?

I LOVE Europe. I was all over the place (and Russia) for almost 2 years, and just absolutely loved it. I was really impressed with Russia and the people there – they are so warm and kind! France has an interesting metal scene, and I really enjoyed my time in Germany as well – the club events are huge! Italy has some of the warmest people I've met and I definitely want to go back there – I've fallen in love with that country.

10.    Is there a big scene for your kind of music in the US? I do not really know about an EBM-scene or a gothic scene comparable to the scene we have in Germany.

We do have a scene here, but definitely not a scale that matches, say, Germany. One of the problems being that the US is so big, and therefore people are scattered everywhere. This, of course, makes touring a lot more difficult because it's so expensive. I do find the industrial scene in the states to be a lot more drama-ridden than any other.

11.    What kind of music do you listen to in my private? Do you have any idols musically?

My idol, for over 15 years now, has been Nick Cave – can you believe it?  He's one of the greatest musicians to me. On my own time I listen to a very wide range of music – anything from downtempo to black metal to dark ambient to indie rock. If I like it, then I like it. I'm definitely not an elitist when it comes to what I listen to – I just know what I like. If that makes me uncool then so be it. Right now I'm a huge fan of IAMX and genCAB. genCAB did a brilliant remix on the Stray album, and I can't wait for his album to be released. Definitely one of the hidden talents in the scene.

12.    Can you live with your music or are you doing another job alongside?

I do have a dayjob – I can only dream to make enough to live on my music! I am a bartender.

13.    Are you interested in national politics? Do you follow the election campaigns?And do you hope for a change in the US?

 I absolutely abhor politics and try to stay as far away as possible. I think all politicians are crooked and out for their own gain. However, I can't wait to see Bush out of office. He is a disgrace to this country. It will take a long time for our economy to recover.

14.    What in life is worth fighting for in your opinion?

Your passions, your beliefs, yourself, and love.

15.    And what do you despise?

I despise two-faced people, I despise passive-aggressive behaviour (and passive behaviour), I despise people who abuse animals, and I despise people who abuse other people.

16.    As usual, the last words are yours!

I hope everyone can always find something to be passionate about.