Schwarz Stein Interview, ZEAL LINK Free Paper Vol. 6, 2014

Why did you decide to revive Schwarz Stein?

Kaya: We did our first reunion in 2011 after 10 years. People came from overseas, but there were many who could not be there, therefor we did it once again in 2012. I wondered if there would be another 10 years, but then we were invited to a live by Mana so we did another gig in 2013. So then I received a call from Hora.

Hora: I received many e-mails and letters from fans, and after all we did 3 reunion gigs, I have this feeling I can't explain (bitter laugh). Then I talked to Kaya and it kept going and now we're at this.

And then you made a perfect comeback.

Kaya: This year is exactly 10 years since our breakup. I've done solo for 8 years and started the new band Femme Fatale. Isn't this a great timing for Schwarz Stein? I thought, for a moment, on the contrary maybe it would be good. I've done chansons for my solo, bandmusic in bands, and I've always really liked the digital music we did in Schwarz Stein.

Hora, how do you feel about doing music together again?

Hora: Simply like I've changed my mind sort of (laugh).

Kaya: Just like Hora (laugh)

Hora: After I got sick and then cured, the one man live during one evening felt nice, so I thought it would be nice to do it again.

Even if things has changed, the concept and musicality doesn't seem to have.

Kaya: The gothic and esthetic origin, expressing organic things in a digital manner that was our starting point, and that basis has still not changed.

The sound hasn't changed either?

Hora: When we first started Schwarz Stein, we were kind of inexperienced, but how the music is done, what I myself like and what I want to make has not changed.

Kaya: Doing new things and making it wider and bigger isn't the aim, we'll make the music we like in our own pace.

This time it will be a great comeback too, there's no words for it.

Hora: It's a 100% like the expectations (laugh) But that doesn't mean you don't want to hear new stuff, the main style is as always so look forward to it. It's like "kata" in kabuki. I think you'll enjoy our style which has matured year by year.

GEBET is exclusive for ZEALLINK, right.

Kaya: We thought that new fans also wanted to get in touch with it, but to have a nationwide spread and since it's the first single we asked ZEALLINK which has helped us before.

One of the songs is "Lapis Lazuli", what kind of feeling does this song have?

Hora: I made it so that all the fans should enjoy it. Perhaps the people who listen to our music will enjoy this I thought.

Kaya: Maybe the 10 years which has passed effected it. 10 years ago we used to get together and talk about what we wanted to release, what to write. Also what words I shouldn’t use. Like using rose too much (laugh).

Hora: Yeah (laugh).

Time has passed, you've matured, even your music?

Kaya: Thank you. On the other hand I also think about what I don’t want to put emphasis on. Not to put too much out there and destroy Schwarz Stein’s world. Schwarz Stein is us two, equal in the band, releasing what the fans want to hear.

Lyrics too?

Kaya: In my solo I have a lot of songs which has a strong sensitivity. Desire, sadness, lyrics which show sensitivity with all my strength. But with Schwarz Stein I stick to one thing, like goodbyes or apathy (laugh). In my solo I sing about places you belong to while in Schwarz Stein its places you want to run away from. You don’t want to fight anymore, nor see the reality, so close your eyes and run away, that kind of lyrics. You’d think I’m young (laugh). No positive words. Even if the lyrics are negative and implying there’s no rescue I want to make them beautiful and also make music which has a meaning.

For the younger people who’s not familiar with Schwarz Stein, what’s the charm point?

Kaya: Our music is sadness and beauty, and I hope that the sounds that are born from that can be of some comfort. Both in my solo and Schwarz Stein the theme is to forget about reality for a while but in Schwarz Stein it might come out even stronger.

What about the sound?

Hora: The music I make has a sort of 80’s feel to it, and I think that’s what’s making it stand out.

Kaya: Yeah, the music is very much like popular music from the mid-1900. But the sound approach has a digital, slight club and German goth feeling to it. I think that combination is interesting and not that much around.

For the youths today this might feel new.

Hora: Yeah, on the contrary it might feel that way.

“Rise to heaven -2014-“ is and already released song.

Kaya: Yes. This was my suggestion, but I didn’t want to change too much of the original but since a lot has changed in 10 years, the equipment, my way of singing, so I wanted to try and make it again.

In that way it feels like a new release?

Kaya: Back in the days I thought it was hard to sing that song, but this time the recording went smoothly. My way of singing has changed quite a bit, but I tried to do it similar to the original. But I think it’s fun you can actually here the presence in this version.

Hora: Yeah we didn’t want to change too much. But if you listen no you can hear that the sound is a bit refined, clearer. We didn’t want to destroy the image of the song for those who listened to the old version.

Kaya: Eitherway there are parts which has changed since it’s been years. There are things about me that has changed and things that has last, both shows here and in my solo. Neither is important. Some things has to change and some things ought to stay the way it is. I think it’s important that Schwarz Stein holds that balance.

The meaning of the title of the single “Gebet” is prayer in German isn’t?

Kaya: We decided on that sound (light laugh). The choice of “Rise to Heaven” was also just instinct. But as we recorded it began to show a meaning. I think the lyrics “The white light of to be born again, I’ll show you a new morning” is suitable for the reunion. So, I wondered if the importance for the things that change and things that doesn’t change could be expressed in form of a prayer. I think the lyrics came to get a meaning.

You’ve also decided on a oneman.

Kaya: I will show everyone what they’ve dreamt of to a 100%. Since it’s a new expression the visuals will change a bit. But it’s minor changes. So small you might think “What was different?” (laugh). Schwarz Stein feels like home. When you return home after a long while you’ll be excited.

Do you have anything to say to the people who will see you for the first time?

Kaya: Watch it freely. If you want to go wild or just listen peacefully it’s fine.

Hora: Despite our appearance we're alright

Kaya: Yeah right (laugh).

Hora: There’s a lot of people who’s given us some sort of maniac image but I think our music is fairly easy to listen to. So even if you’re not into a weird image I’d like you to come and listen.

You’re also doing an instore.

Hora: It’s been 10 years so let’s talk on and on.

Kaya: Yeah let’s talk a lot.

Have you settled any plans from here?

Kaya: The live gigs will be both onemans and promotion events. As for releases, it will be in our own pace.

Hora: We’ll do this smoothly.

Kaya: Slippery (laugh).

Taken from ZEAL LINK Free Paper vol 6, spring 2014.
(Translation is made by myself, sorry for everything that sounds weird, I had some difficult parts, especially with Kaya -.-')