Rockezine.com interview with Biss on Apr 10, 2003

with Barend Courbois on Apr 10, 2003

A few months ago Biss released their second studio album Joker In The Deck. A couple of days ago I talked to bass player Barend Courbois and asked him a couple of questions concerning the album.
		How did you and Jos Zoomer get involved with Biss? Both Jos and I knew Michael Voss (guitarist/singer of Mad Max, Casanova, Bonfire and Demon Drive), the producer of Biss, since 1995 when both of us played in Demon Drive, one of his bands. I also played a couple of shows with Whistler-Courbois-Whistler in 1991 as support act for Mad Max (another band of Voss) in Germany.
		Can you tell me how the writing of the album went? The album Joker In The Deck is completely written by Doc Heyne and Michael Voss before Jos, Michael Bormann and I came down to the studio. Nevertheless we did have some influence in the final result.
		What is the biggest difference between the debut album Biss and Joker In The Deck? First of all the incredible vocals of Michael Bormann and second the fact that there is a real rhythm section playing on this album. On the debut album the bass and drums were programmed. The tracks on our new cd are much better.
		What is the biggest compliment you read concerning your latest album? I read that on this album the musicians play at their best, the guitars sound awesome and the production is great. Also, someone wrote that this album combines the best hard rock and metal of the eighties and nineties without sounding out of date. That`s ass kicking, isn`t it?
		What are your personal favourites on the album? ”Dogfighter” because the bass is real funky, I`m really glad with that. “C-Y-A” has fantastic vocals done by Michael and the guitar solo by Doc Heyne is beyond words. Title track “Joker In The Deck” is simply a great track (you rarely come across this quality nowadays) and another favourite is “Flood”, it`s just massive.
		The review on our website is rather critical about the art work of the cd. What is the idea behind this eighties type cover? I feel the cover is ok. It`s in line with the cover of the debut album.
		Looking back, are there any things you would have like to see different on the album? No, this album makes me feel proud.
		You`re involved with a couple of other bands. Which role does Biss play in this? I don`t find it hard to combine Biss with my other activities. I`m involved with a lot of clinics in music shops and on fairs for Spector basses, D`Adarrio strings and SWR amplifiers. Besides that I am also involved in Action In DC, Maxima (with John Hayes, Paul Thissen) and the Barend Courbois Band).
		Can we expect Biss on the road in 2003? We`re considering a tour in Europe during the summer. Hopefully we`ll be able to play The Netherlands as well.
		Does Biss have any other plans for this year? We`ve got the green light to make a third cd. We`re very glad about that. Joker In The Deck is selling very well.
		Is there anything else you would like to share? My website www.barendcourbois.com for all news facts.
Barend, thanks for this interview and good luck with Biss. (Geert Oldenmenger)