Interviews
Julien-K – Harmonic Disruptor
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) Electro Industrial Rock
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Depeche Mode, NIN, New Order, Killing Joke, The Cure
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Stronger Without You.”
A) When we started the concept of Harmonic Disruptor, we put out the idea to our “co-conspirators” that we wanted to return to our roots.
Eric Stoffel brought in this initial idea and we loved it right away. It hit all the markers we were trying to target. We’ve written with Eric on both CA Noir Records as well. He’s great!
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) It’s got a very sexy groove and a great chorus. Lyrically, I think it’s also really relevant to everything that’s happening right now.
Q) How does this song show your evolution as a group?
A) Well, it’s kind of a throwback song. So, we went full circle, but just like everything we do, we like to give it a modern twist.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) For this new album everything started with the music. Most of the first songs started with me, Ryan [Schuck] and Fu [Valcic]. Then Bidi, Alex [Gonzales] and Eric brought some cool ideas to the table. Lyrically, the concepts changed though once we lost our dear friend Chester Bennington. The album definitely became more about how we all were dealing with this huge loss.
Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I am the producer and I also mix the albums, so I’m pretty involved. Fu and I record them. The concept of each album comes from me or Ryan, but I oversee the entire recording process.
Q) What are some themes explored on your new album Harmonic Disruptor?
A) Abandonment, Loss, Deceit, Rage, Terror, Control, Anarchy, Devastation
Q) What songs off the album hold a special place in your heart and why?
A) Well, they all do or they wouldn’t be on the album! I’m very picky about what makes the album. For me, it’s the overall vibe we achieved. I’m very proud of it. It’s something I had wanted to do for a long time. I felt like we needed to “own” who we are and not be afraid of it.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?
A) I hope it takes you back to the 90’s. We really wanted to immerse ourselves in that sound while at the same time pushing it forward. I hope it’s a nice escape for everyone during these tough times.
Q) What sparked the return of Elias “Bones” Rodriguez for the upcoming tour?
A) Our other drummer Alex Gonzales couldn’t do it, so Ryan reached out to Bones and he said he would love to work with us again. After we all talked it was an easy choice! I’m looking forward to playing with him once we’re allowed to!
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) Any place that has an enthusiastic crowd! Europe has always been amazing but there are so many great places in the US as well. Too many to list!
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Depeche Mode
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Diamonds by the Birthday Massacre. I love that they have their own sound and they also write great songs! We’ve all been fans for years. It’s cool we’re all friends, too (more like family now) and we’ve toured together a lot.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) Without the push of a major label, the internet and all of the social platforms are a direct link to our fans. It’s amazing and we’re very fortunate to have this ability to be so connected with everyone! Especially now on Patreon.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you so much! We love you!
All Questions Answered By Guitarist and Synthesizer Player Amir Derakh
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