Oops!

It looks like you don't have flash player 6 installed. Click here to go to Macromedia download page.

For nearly a decade, the German synthpop trio of Melotron have been making waves in the European sea of modern electro. Performing alongside the likes of genre big-wigs And One and In Strict Confidence, the band has captivated audiences all over Europe and beyond with their enticing blend of infectious melodies and irresistable dance beats. After a successful tour with Covenant in 2003, Melotron are poised to take the American electro market by storm, making their American debut on Metropolis Records with Sternenstaub, as well as rereleasing their stunning debut, M?rderwerk. ReGen discusses with Melotron the past, present, and future of their music.

Your last album, Sternenstaub, has a different track list in the USA than it does in Europe. Why is it that the U.S. release differs from the European release?

Slatnow: We did it in this way because in Europe you have the chance to get our singles, especially the Folge mir ins Licht single. But in the states it's not possible to get the older stuff, so we made the second version of Sternenstaub, with the greatest remix version of "Folge mir ins Licht," with American fans in mind.

"Sternenstaub" is the German word for stardust. How does this reflect the songs on the album?

Slatnow: We human beings are a product of stardust and the lyrics on the album are playing in different ways with the connection between us and the stars.

Your music has been exclusively in German. How do you feel this will affect your acceptance with the American audience?

Slatnow: When we go on stage in other countries, we like to see the expressions on our fans faces saying, "What are these guys doing here? It's great but I can't understand it." Audiences all over the world, and especially in the states, like Melotron's German sound. Singing in a German band, it's great to feel the acceptance of our fans. They come to hear a German band and we give them a German band. It's not that important to understand the lyrics at the concert. Our fans can translate them later when they get home.

What was the basis for your decision to sing exclusively in German?

Slatnow: Our bad English and the fact that we are Germans. Our music is more powerful and emotional in our native language because we understand every word we are singing.?

You've just re-released your debut M?rderwerk with new artwork and additional songs. What was the reason for this?

Slatnow: There are a lot of fans who haven't gotten the first album, which is one reason the record company doesn't exist anymore. So many people asked us for the first album that when we considered the re-release of our debut M?rderwerk, we wanted to make a new version of the album with some B-sides and new versions of some songs? and we did it.

With the re-release of M?rderwerk, and since some of your past releases are difficult to find in the USA, what is the chance of making them more available now that you're starting to become more known here?

Slatnow: We've been working with Metropolis Records since the last album so that we have the chance to release our CDs in the states. On the other side, there are some CDs of ours, like the second album Fortschritt that you can't buy anymore. But in the next few weeks we will release that album too.

Having signed with Metropolis Records and touring with Covenant, both in 2003, how do you feel about gaining a wider audience in America?

Slatnow: It's a good step for us. More people saw us perform and now they know that there is a German band that is great and different from the other bands of the electronic dark scene.

You have just started your own label, Plattenkombinat. Why start your own label?

Slatnow: We founded our own label for our older stuff. We re-released the first album M?rderwerk and in a few weeks we re-released the second album Fortschritt. We got the rights on it back and instead of giving the material to another record company, we thought it better to do it in our own unique way.

Will you sign other acts to your label, or is it solely for Melotron?

Slatnow: Not at this time, but maybe in a few years. For now Plattenkombinat is a label only for the older CDs of Melotron.

As non-Americans, what are your thoughts on the USA in the current world political climate?

Slatnow: The USA is a great country, one of the greatest nations in the world, and I know the American people will find the right way in the future.

How do world events affect Melotron's music, if at all?

Slatnow: We live in this world and so some events you will find in our lyrics. We use the lyrics to speak about our thoughts and feelings. But we are not interested in saying that's right and this is wrong. Our lyrics tell little stories and you can decide what you think about it. You have brain, so use it. That's what we want from the people.

Melotron started in 1995, nine years ago. That's quite an achievement. Did you ever imagine that the band would still be making music almost a decade down the line?

Slatnow: It was a long and sometimes hard path. Sometimes I wanted to quit and then I would think about what I wanted to do with my life. Every time I came up with the same answer; nothing but music.

Your WITT Tour was scheduled to start in May 2004, but was delayed. What caused this delay?

Slatnow: Joachim Witt didn't have the time in May, so that's why he will go on tour in autumn.

The band's visuals seem to rely heavily on brighter colors like yellow and white. The album cover for Sternenstaub seems vibrant and retro. Why this choice of colors?

Slatnow: Melotron likes the contrast between dark and light.

When can we expect anything new from Melotron?

Slatnow: Expect a new album and a new tour by the time we are back in the states.