Karaoke Machine of Death - Not just another concept album
I am pretty sure that KMOD is a household name in the scene
by now, if you haven’t heard of them yet, then you have most likely ran into
someone wearing a shirt with their logo on it. I have always admired KMOD for
their catchy name, music, and their immaculate taste in merch. I had the
privilege to go watch one of their acoustic shows, at The Grind Bar (Bar
Acoustics), a few weeks back. Now, let’s get this out of the way first, I know
I am very open about my minor dislike for acoustic shows, but I can honestly
say I enjoyed this one. I always enjoy seeing KMOD perform, in any setting, but
it was an extremely hot day and I was in an extremely bad mood. As soon as KMOD
hit the stage that slightly changed. The show went from your average Sunday
acoustic vibes to a very energetic and interactive performance, thanks to KMOD.
Their vocalist (Casey) is especially very good at pulling a crowd and keeping
them there. I had a little chat with the guys to get to know KMOD better. Enjoy
the ride!
Louie: Cas used to call me and previous bandmates his
karaoke machine of death because we could play anything he wanted. The name fit
with this band because we want to be able to play any style and make any kind
of music to tell the story.
Nick: To me Karaoke Machine of Death means having no
boundaries in any genre, because each song contains elements of different
genres.
Cas: It’s a reference and salute to my band mates of
Chemical Bliss (Port Elizabeth) without that band this one wouldn’t exist.
2. Your music is
highly relatable, with emotional lyrics and deeply rooted sounds, what would
you say is your song writing process? Where do you find your inspiration?
Louie: Cas would bring the idea and we would hash it out
till it is done. We find inspiration in everyday life in South Africa.
Nick: To me writing a song is to be real with yourself and
the listener, no space for fake content just to grab fans. Play from the heart
and the correct people will relate. So, what we do is we take a song someone in
the band wrote (at the moment only Casey) and we see how we can colour it in
and make it sound nice and full.
Cas: lyrical content is very important to me. You can’t have
good music and shitty lyrics. Most of the content is social commentary of what
is happening around us. The way people in power abuse it, how us as humans
always want peace but instead it’s constant warfare and conflict. I also think death
is seen as a negative thing where it shouldn’t be. We also use sarcasm. I just
hope people get that otherwise we will have some challenges in the future
hahaha. The music side I supplied most of the writing for the first album,
KMOD. The second one will be done as a group. We have a great team of
songwriters now that I trust with my life.
3. And now, the extremely basic and lazy question: which
bands influence your music?
Louie: Anything from classical to jazz, blues to rock, pop
and metal.
Nick: aKING, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, just to
name a few regarding my writing style.
Cas: Coheed & Cambria, Alexisonfire, He Is Legend, Enter
Shikari. Anything with catchy vocal melodies and clever lyrics. It might be
weird, but I don’t really listen to music that often. I would have no idea of
what’s happening in the music world if it wasn’t for my friends and my partner
playing me music.
4. If you could
change anything about the local scene, what would it be?
Louie: The industry consumes itself over and over. People
don’t want to pay cover charge, but they want their Jager bombs. Venues need to start paying the bands. Not
the other way around, which is basically what is happening most of the time.
Nick: Bands should stand together and not work against each
other, no one has time for bands who try to prove who is the best, there is no
best, there's only music.
Cas: We must build an ACTUAL industry. You see the different
levels of venues and bands. It feels that who you know, rather than the quality
of being particularly good or worthy, gets you to the top.
5. Do you have a favorite venue to perform at?
Louie: Railways and The Grind Bar (PTA).
Nick: So far, I would say Railways, but The Grind recently
came on my list and also Jarr Bar (PTA).
Cas: Pool City Walmer (Port Elizabeth), Railways Café (Irene
Centurion), The Grind (PTA) and JarrBar (PTA). And my bathroom hahahaha.
6. In your opinion,
what is the most challenging thing about being in a band?
Louie: Interplay between members and not being easily
offended.
Nick: Making sure everyone gels together and to make the
band feel like a family, some bands don’t always follow that principal.
Cas: To get things done (music and business) without pissing
the other guys off hahahaha. We are a family, so things do get heated at times.
I am just glad we have a great mindset and work ethic.
7. If you could play
any venue/show/festival in the world which one would it be?
Louie: Pukkelpop.
Nick: Basically any open air festival would be killer, but
would love to play Wolmer Rock City once they are open.
Cas: In South Africa, festivals like Oppikoppi and Lush
(hint hint talent buyers). Overseas, touring different countries to get to meet
new people.
8. So KMOD has been
busy lately. What are your plans for the near future?
Louie: Hopefully releasing a new album by Jan 2020.
Nick: To release album 2 and we have an Afrikaans album that
is in the pipeline, but hey anything can happen so we will ride this wave as
far as we can.
Cas: WORLD TOUR!!! Haha if only. We are currently working on
the live show so that there is a “WOW” factor. We are fortunate enough to have
loads of tracks. Album 2 is being compiled for an early 2020 release. If
everything goes well KMOD will also release an Afrikaans EP series called “Die
Verlosser” in 2020.
9. Would you guys
ever consider doing another concept album and if so what would it entail?
Louie: All our stuff is basically a concept album.
Nick: Haha , to do an Afrikaans concept album.
Cas: Don’t get me started, KMOD is one massive SCIFI STORY
concept based on the history of the creation of South Africa. Research is done
on people, events and items from the past. This is then mixed up with a
futuristic KMOD twist. The lyrical content, clay animation videos and “choose
your own path” short stories form part of this.
10. Any favorite local acts that you would like to share a
line up with?
Louie: Man as Machine. Lithium.
Nick: definitely aKING.
Cas: aKing. Fokofpolisiekar at a festival. ISO and LARK
(someone please sort a reunion!), YNDIAN MYNOR (CT), motherfuckin HELLCATS!!!!
(they super friendly guys and they have so much fun while playing).
Well there you have
it folks! To check out more KMOD content follow the links below.
Photos Courtesy of Keets Productions and Christelle Duvenage
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