[Xfire] Phatteox: Hello! We are very pleased to welcome everyone to the Xfire Music Week Live Chat with elegant MACHINERY!  Please welcome our special guests from eM, who will now introduce themselves and start taking your questions!

[eM] Richard: Ok, it is here we are supposed to introduce ourselves. Hi again...

[eM] Robert: Hi there - I'm Robert who's the lead vocalist in elegant MACHINERY.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [Xfire] Supercop007: <CNN>DGMurdockIII: Why do you use black and white in you video black town

Answer: Well, it's mainly filmed on a b/w Super-8 camera and to match that, we chose to make the Super VHS shots in b/w too...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: t3hM: Are you in sweden right now?   

Answer: Yes we are, I am in Karlskrona and Robert in Malmoe

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SexyJames: What are your personal favourite bands?

Answer: I'm into everything from 50's & 60's via Kiss, Bowie to DM, Human League, Data and such bands. There are a few bands of today that are cool as well - especially in the electro scene...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Ediseye: Where did you guys get your inspiration from as far as the music goes?

Answer: From the early synthscene

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Ҳн] Pinhead Larry: why is MACHINARY capitalized?

Answer: Hey, that is a good question  ;-)

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: what do you like more, concerts or festivals?

Answer: Definately festivals - then you can see other bands and drink beer - all for free... ;-)

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SexyJames: What are your personal favourite bands?

Answer: I used to be hooked on bands like Human League, DM, Yazoo and stuff like that. Well, I still am, but nowdays I am more into indie bands like The Killers, Franz Ferdinand etc.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Xfire] Crispin: How does your work now compare to your older works?

Answer: Ҳн] Pinhead Larry: Since you haven't made an album in a while, is the new one gonna be really different?

I am sure that everyone will recognize themselves in the new stuff!

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Seeing your electronic people, Whats your favorite game to play?

Answer: The last time I bought a game to play was "Carmageddon 2". Otherwise it's mainly Tetris that I play, just to clear out my head... :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: what kind of games do you play?

Answer: I don't have the proper time anylonger, but I prefer strategic games, role playing games as well.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SexyJames: If you had to sum up your band in one phrase, what would you say?

Answer: Happy, poppy, electronic

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What do you guys think of that loud music is often comparred to Satanic music?

Answer: Rubbish! Music is best being played LOUD! :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Xfire]Frederic: When are you planning on coming to California next? Do you have any tour dates for the US?

Answer: Not yet, we have to concentrate on the new album. But after that it would be great to visit US.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [Ҳн] Pinhead Larry: what did you guys do for money when the band broke up?

Answer: Starved... :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What do you like about being a band?

Answer: The friendship, meeting new people, travel. A lot of reasons...

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SOS-Jolt: Did you see yourself playing in a band when you were a child or did you have other ambitions?

Answer: I actually started my first band when I was 10-11, but didn't start my first "real" band to bring into a studio until I was about 13-14...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Do you guys wish you had a time machine to go back in the 80s?

Answer: Not really, some things were better, but not everything. The fashion was quite ugly, don't you think!?

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SexyJames: What has been the highlight of your careers?

Answer: Our rescent reunion for sure!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Do you guys wish you had a time machine to go back in the 80s?

Answer: Human League, Kraftwerk, DM, The Killers...

[eM] Richard: Sorry, my mistake

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Did you ever go to any concerts in the 80s when you guys were young-ins?

Answer: Yes, a lot actually: Howard Jones, DM, Indochine, Kraftwerk, there was quite a lot of cool bands at the time. I never got the chance to see Ultravox and Yazoo though. What a bummer.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What is your best alcoholic drink? Beer or something stronger

Answer: Russian vodka, for sure (my wife is Russian, by the way) - otherwise we all are mainly into softer drinks like sweet cider and good lager beer. Leslie is for the moment crazy about Miller Light. Isn't that water? :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Do people ever say eM isn't real music because it's 'Electronic'?

Answer: Yes, many times. But that's rubbish.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Did you ever go to any concerts in the 80s when you guys were young-ins?

Answer: Yeah, I saw Depeche Mode in 1986 on their Black Celebration Tour, but Richard is even harder - he saw them back in 1983!!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: If you guys had the chance to play Live Earth would you do it? and at what venue (country)?

Answer: Yes, why not. That would have been great.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: Is there a band you have rivalry with?

Answer: No, I wish them all good luck.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: When did you guys started to play instruments?

Answer: During the mid 70's; i used to play organ. That's it. Then i learned how to program my computer. A lot more fun...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: I had a Depeche Mode vynil record, Want it?

Answer: Hehe, not thanks. I just to have lot myself.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SexyJames: What is your all time favourite album, by other bands?

Answer: Hey, tough question. At the moment... hmm... perhaps Hot Fuss by The Killers, or perhaps Lament by Ultravox, or ... ... ...

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [Xfire]Frederic: WHat instruments do you use (brands, models)?  Do you use hardware from the 80's or do you have the most modern gear and emulate the sound from the 80's?

Answer: Yesteryears we only used the finest analogue gear, but nowadays we combine analogue, but modern, gear + soft synths. Our most favourite one's are Minimoog Voyager and Mono Evelover on the analogue side. Among all softsynths we have: SonicProjects OP-X Pro, Korg Legacy and all the stuff from Arturia.

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  SOS-Jolt: How did you guys first meet? What were your impressions?

Answer: Hey, that would be a long answer. I met Robert at a chaotic party in 1987 i think it was. There was a big fight between Hardrockers and synthers (electro freaks like us).

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Xfire] Artaxs: Do you guys have / still use a Moog Synth?

Answer: Yes, I recently bought a Minimoog Voyager RME

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: In school where you recognised for your talent in music?

Answer: Not until I changed school and got an "understanding" music teacher. He owned a studio, which he drove me to, so I could learn everything from the basics in my own pace - all during school time! So cool!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: If you could change you're music genre, would you do it?

Answer: It would be cool to play more like indie, britpop music, but since I am hooked on the old electronic scene, this is what I like to do

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SexyJames: I've been listening to a Myspace profile of your band, and I like Process, its pretty catchy. Was it hard to create those addictive tunes, or did they just pop in your head, or come naturally?

Answer: Well, the song was written by me and Leslie, and my part was written pretty fast, a couple of hours or so

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Do you have any pre-/post-show rituals?

Answer: Not really... In the 80's and 90's we used to drink several beers before the shows - nowadays we are all completely sober before and fuzzy afterwards - everything to do our very best out of it...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Is your machinery really that elegant?

Answer: Hey, that is up to you guys to decide or not. We just thought the namn was cool to use...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Xfire]Frederic: Did you ever program music on old computers such as the Amiga or the Atari ST?

Answer: We used to use an Atari, but that was yeaaars ago

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Ediseye: Do you ever regret going into the electronic venue instead of the rock venue because of the number of listeners?

Answer: Yes, sometimes. But this is what I love to do.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What do you guys think of Ozzy osbourne, do you like him since he isn't in black sabbath anymore?

Answer: Not my kind of music, but I love his voice.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [Xfire] Artaxs: What drum machine do you use?  Do you have an 808?

Answer: We haven't used any drummachines since 1994, since there is a lot more fun to sample them. Okay, if you refer to "use" as sampling them, then we still use loads of them. I have during the years sampled and built up a library of most machines you ever can mention. Then we use the most suitable sounds for each track...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Xfire]Frederic: What other synthpop bands do you admire/ like?

Answer: Human League, DM, Yazoo, early Erasure etc

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: Xbox 360 vs PS3 vs Nintendo Wii... who wins?

Answer: I don't know. I am still playing my old Xbox.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What do you guys think of Ozzy osbourne, do you like him since he isn't in black sabbath anymore?

Answer: My wife LOVES Ozzy's TV show, but I say as Richard - he's voice is lovely and that's it! :-)

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Ҳн] Pinhead Larry: why do you sing in enlglish, since it wasn't your first language... or was it?

Answer: It is an international language. And since we start to learn english in school at the third grade, it is quite natural to use english. And I like the language.

 

 [eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What do you think that some people say that electro is just a cheap rip-off from hip-hop?

Answer: &/&#)()¤)#?=)?=)=?)? !!!!

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BF] Mr. Panda-=it=-: do you guys have any side projects, as in other bands?

Answer: When we split up in the 90's, I soon thereafter started what today is known as Hype (www.hype.st). Our debut album came out in April last year.

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  t3hM: Do you know about any bands that have been influenced by you when they made their music?

Answer: Well, it does happen from time to time that newer bands mention us as an influence, which is flattering.

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  Moist.Jgxworker: How do you guys feel like when your on stage? Do you feel nervouse in the beginning or...?

Answer: I used to be nervous. But not anymore. I really love to play live nowdays.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Was there ever any thoughts about switching the genre of the band to grunge (since it was a 90s fave) or metal (being from Scadanavia)?

Answer: No way!

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SexyJames: How do you like modern techno/dance music, seeing as it has a (albeit slight) similarity to your music?

Answer: It's a bit embarrasing to admit, but I do like a lot of the dance music in the charts, as long as it's made in a clever way. Electro however is a strong passion for me. I do love the stuff with The Hacker and Felix The Housecat...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Xfire]Frederic: Why do you think Scandinavia and Germany have such a high affinity with electronic music (synthpop, industrial, etc.)?  Considering the audience for these genres of music is huge there and a lot of excellent bands come from these areas?

Answer: Good question, but I really don't have an answer to that.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: What is actually the message you try to express in your songs?

Answer: I differs, but I guess most of the time it is based on basic human feelings

 

[eM] Robert: Question: t3hM: Do you know about any bands that have been influenced by you when they made their music?

Answer: Yes, there has been quite a few bands telling us so... As a matter of fact, there is a Russian eM tribute album being made at the moment! :-) http://emtribute.com

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: Is sweden your favourite country to play in since its your home country?

Answer: Not really, I love to play in new countries and meet new people. We played in South America a year ago, and it was really nice.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: Is sweden your favourite country to play in since its your home country?

Answer: In Sweden the electronic scene is kind of sleepy, so I would say that to play anywhere else is a lot more fun...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SexyJames: How did you end up doing this chat, were you approached by your record label, or xfire directly?

Answer: It was Xfire.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Metal crowds mosh, what do electropop fans do?

Answer: For sure!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What is the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you?

Answer: I guess it is when people travel the world to see us play live: from Greece to Sweden, or Brazil to Germany etc

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Metal crowds mosh, what do electropop fans do?

Answer: The same, for sure! :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: Do you like Machinae Supremacy?

Answer: What do you mean?

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Have you ever asked fans to contribute to your cause such as design t-shirts, covers, logos, or do backups vocals in albums?

Answer: No, but thanks for a good idea!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Are you guys going to do anything to help bring awareness to the US about eM?

Answer: Yes, we will try. When the new album is released we will try to find a good US label.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Carand: Do you have plans for a tour in Canada?

Answer: Invite us and we'll come!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Carand: Do you have plans for a tour in Canada?

Answer: Would be cool. I have relatives up there, in Sudbury, South Porcupine and Toronto.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Ҳн] Pinhead Larry: where do you live most of the year?

Answer: In my hometown, Karlskrona, just by the water. I is lovely, except now since the summer here sucks. Rainy and boring.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [Ҳн] Pinhead Larry: where do you live most of the year?

Answer: In the studio... :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: How much time do you spend on relaxation activities?

Answer: To less time. It is tough now when I have children. I am constantly tired.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Ediseye: Are there any members that can play a variety of the instruments used to make the type of electronic music that you produce?

Answer: Well, Johan played some guitar and Leslie is quite good on the drums.

[eM] Richard: at ?

 

[eM] Richard: Question: [Xfire] Crispin: Do you still listen to oldschool EBM sometimes? =)

Answer: Oh yes, I just finished listening to Geography by Front 242

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What is your favourite swedish band?

Answer: RATATA, or perhaps Lustans Lakejer

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Ediseye: Are there any members that can play a variety of the instruments used to make the type of electronic music that you produce?

Answer: I actually started of with acoustic guitar as a 9 year old boy, who wanted to play cool Kiss-solos, but at the age of 10 I got blessed with Kraftwerk, DM and such bands. Leslie Bayne, the third guy, is a drummer from the start, but went on to play/program synths. Nowadays on stage, he's back on drums - electronic though...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: What device do you guys have to capture tunes that you think of in your head so you won't forget them on the way to the studio?

Answer: At the moment nothing at all, which means I forget a lot.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: What is your favorite American television show?

Answer: THE SIMPSONS - without any doubt at all! :-)

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: What is your favorite American television show?

Answer: Maried with children (I am not sure if that's the proper english name, but it is the show with Al Bundy). I love that one. I like to watch Lost as well.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: Were you born with the potential to play in a band or the guy who had to "practise to be perfect"?

Answer: You tell me. When we recorded our first album we came from no where, and where nore or less thrown into the studio, and learned while beeing there. Chaotic. But the result was pretty ok.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: Carand: Do you have any tips for poeple that would like to start a band?

Answer: When you start of, you most likely will sound kind of amateurish, which of course is natural. However, this is something everybody from the outside will tell you as well. Don't listen to them - listen to your head and heart - just write more and more songs to play for your friends. Eventually they'll one by one will tell you that you're up to something. Believe in yourself!

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SOS-Jolt: Were you born with the potential to play in a band or the guy who had to "practise to be perfect"?

Answer: Both I would say...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: Were you born with the potential to play in a band or the guy who had to "practise to be perfect"?

Answer: Not very often, when it comes to the old stuff. But at the moment there are a lot of new songs being played, since we must get the new album out.

 

[eM] Robert: And by the way - my studio is in Malmö, Sweden...

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Do you guys 'destroy' hotel rooms like the bands from the 80s would?

Answer: Not, we are far to nice for that

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  SexyJames: Which album that you've made has your favourite cover art on the front?

Answer: Yesterday man

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Ediseye: What store do you buy most of your supplies such as equipment from?

Answer: We are fortunate enough to get a lot of stuff for free from sponsors, but otherwise there's no special store. As we all mostly know - Internet is the biggest and best store... ;-)

 

[eM] Robert: Question:  SexyJames: Which album that you've made has your favourite cover art on the front?

Answer: Yesterday Man...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: Who desings your album covers?

Answer: That differs, from one album to another.

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: When you first started were you the traditional guitar, bass, and drum band? Or was it straight to the electronics?

Answer: It was electronic right from the start.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Ediseye: How much time do you generally take from album to album for free time?

Answer: I really don't know. A LOT!

 

[eM] Robert: Question: [SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: Are you modest with yourself and with the band?

Answer: I'd like to believe so, yes... We're all humans of flesh and beer...

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: What do you think of your own merchanding stuff?

Answer: It is ok I guees.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Ediseye: How much time do you generally take from album to album for free time?

Answer: Way too many years! :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: Do you plan shooting new videos soon?

Answer: We have just finished shooting a video for our new single, Feel the silence. Visit our webpage for more info: www.elegantmachinery.se

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: What would be the ideal record label for eM here in the states?

Answer: I don't know. I don't care if it is big or small, as long as they like our music and have the ability to spread the music

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: What would be the ideal record label for eM here in the states?

Answer: A label that DARES to risk the money on good and unusual promotion.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Is there the equivalent of MTV in Sweden, and if so do you guys get played on it often?

Answer: MTV in Sweden sucks. I prefer watching MTV2 (it is Brittish)

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: Hm... I'm watching anime as I'm typing this so... Do you guys heard of/like anime?

Answer: No, what's that?

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: Do you like how your fans act while you are playing?

Answer: Yes, most of the time.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SOS-Jolt: Hm... I'm watching anime as I'm typing this so... Do you guys heard of/like anime?

Answer: Not really... I've tried to appreciate it, but have failed... :-( I love cartoons in general though, like The Simpsons. I just can't wait until the 27th of July! :-D

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SexyJames: Has being a band ever detracted from the rest of your normal, everyday life?

Answer: Yes, too many times.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: Moist.Jgxworker: did you lose any friends since your band is this big, or did you make more friejnds?

Answer: I definately made more friends, whish is one of the best things playing in a band.

 

[eM] Robert: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: When you first started were you the traditional guitar, bass, and drum band? Or was it straight to the electronics?

Answer: Straight to electronics!

 

[eM] Richard: Question: BFM_Knight †┌╦╤─ iPwn™: Have you ever invited your fans on stage with you guys to dance?

Answer: I has happened. But I think they prefer to invite themselves... ;-)

 

[eM] Richard: Question:  BFM_Ediseye: How important is MySpace to you guys as far as getting your band out there into the world?

Answer: Quite important actually. Here in Sweden Myspace is quite small, but I have realized that is very big in US for example.

 

[eM] Richard: Question: SOS-Jolt: What is a typical day of elegant machinery?

Answer: Changing dipers

 

[eM] Robert: Question:  [SF]Geostrike{Mrl}: Wich were the first problems ecountered when you're band was formed?

Answer: For me it from the start was to travel to the other guys, just to rehearse. Nowadays it's the other guys who has to travel to me mostly, since I've got the studio to record in. Richard's trip by car to me is more than two hours... Poor guy! :-D

 

[eM] Robert: Question: SOS-Jolt: What is a typical day of elegant machinery?

Answer: In the end of November, I will start to do the same as Richard - changing diapers... Before that, I do my very best to get some time left for my wife, after I've been doing my studio work with eM and my other band Hype...

 

[eM] Richard: Hey, is it already one hour? Nice talking to you!

[Xfire] Phatteox: Ok, that concludes the chat with elegant MACHINERY! Thank You to our special guests and thanks everyone for participiating. 

[Xfire] Phatteox: Now onto the prizes! If you are one of the winners PM me for instructions on how to claim your prize!

[Xfire] Phatteox: 5 elegant MACHINERY prize packs! Which include a t-shirt, and eM album, and some buttons!

[Xfire] Phatteox:

BFM Knight

Moist

BFM Ediseye

SF Geostrike

SOS Jolt

[Xfire] Phatteox: Congratulations to the winners! And Thank you Everyone for coming!