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An Interview with Christiane Koch of Crisk
Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2008
By: Jen Shelton
Electronics Programmer

Crisk's story is as unlikely and unexpected as their music. Based out of Cologne, Germany, the quartet first came to world attention when a misfiled demo submitted to Alfa Matrix led to an online plea from the Belgian label, who promptly signed the band just as soon as they could identify them. Once the ball was properly rolling, it proved hard to stop; after the 2007 release of their debut EP, Das Erste Mal, Crisk quickly followed up with the full-length album Mach Laut earlier this year. Building on the techno and EBM influences of its predecessor, Mach Laut adds punk, industrial, pop, and even the occasional ballad, all held together by the ebullient vocals of Christiane Koch, whose German-language shouts have led to numerous comparisons to Atari Teenage Riot but who proves on tracks like "Zarte Gestalten" that she's got real singing chops as well. While their eclecticism propels them to the cutting edge of contemporary dance music, there's no shortage of homage paid to their predecessors, and Crisk have collaborated extensively with none other than EBM legend Claus Larsen of Leaether Strip.

Incorporating music, lyrics, design, and video production, Crisk use an unusual line-up to unify every aspect of the band into a distinct aesthetic. In addition to vocalist Koch and producer Mike Silence, lyricist Mona Maybach and Mark Feuerstake, who directs the videos and designs the artwork as well as acting as co-producer in the studio, round out the quartet. In an interview that's as brief and punchy as most of the band's songs, Koch takes a moment to offer ReGen readers some insight into Crisk's songwriting process, influences, and musical philosophy.

Who does the songwriting? Is it a collaborative effort, or are there specific aspects of the songwriting process that belong to specific members?

Koch: Well, Mona writes our song texts and Mike, Mark and myself produce the songs. Most of the time it is a collaborative effort, but once in a while one of us has a specific idea, which of course has to be fitted into our expected work flow.

You had the chance to collaborate with Claus Larsen of Leaether Strip for several remixes on your new album. How did that come about? What was it like working with him?

Koch: Sometime ago, Claus had heard our songs and fell in love with my voice. [Laughs.]

Well, we love what he does, so we asked him if he could remix 'Beute,' and he said OK! Claus is a really creative and uncomplicated guy. Working with him was absolutely great! He has so much to give and such a horrendous amount of experience. We were totally impressed.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band?

Koch: Our biggest challenge? That's pretty hard to answer. I guess, due to the fact that we all have different musical backgrounds, it is sometimes hard to pour them all into one melting pot. Mike and I both DJ and are members of the techno generation, while the others grew up in the '80s. That's probably why our music is so extravagant!

What are some of the most memorable weird or scary moments that have happened while you were performing?

Koch: Most scary? Every time I go on stage I practically have a heart attack, but mostly I'm afraid that I'm going to lose my voice or that our equipment explodes, or both!

Your videos are very creative. Who is responsible for the ideas behind the videos, or do you all pitch in and put ideas together?

Koch: Mark Feuerstake is responsible for all of our visual work. That's how he also makes his everyday living: producing television series, music videos and commercials. He's the creative head that suggests an idea and we all just stare at him and agree to it, 'cause he always knows what he's doing!

Will you be touring in support of the new album? Do you have any plans to tour the USA?

Koch: That would be totally awesome, but no one has asked us so far. I'd love to tour the States! I spent over half of my life in New Jersey and St. Louis, so it would be like coming home!

Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share with your audience or with potential new fans?

Koch: Our motto is don't let yourself be put in a box. That's exactly what we're trying to submit with our music. We don't just have one music style; we have many! Break free from musical chains!