Rockezine.com interview with Exit 31 on May 30, 2006

with on May 30, 2006


		Could you define the band in five words? Diverse, hard-working, driven, passionate, sexual (haha)
		Is it hard to receive the attention the band deserves? Yes and no. We have worked hard to achieve this (record deal, album release) for ten years! But the fact that we are a Dutch band who signed a U.S. record deal, seems to be interesting for the media. We are doing some 6 shows in the coming month (across Holland and Belgium), and we are close to 10 interviews by the end of April. So far, so good!
		Why did you decide on including some relatively old material on the debut instead of starting from scratch. I’ve got the feeling that the older material isn’t just quite as good as the new songs. I agree. The new songs are better but that’s a good thing. If your old songs are better than the new ones, something is wrong. Then you’ve stopped developing. Truth is, we started recording this album in 2000. With the exception of “Bye Baby” and “Mother Teresa” all the songs are at least 6 years old. Rather than starting over, we decided to go with this album. It would be a shame to let these recordings go to waste. The songs are good and we still like them.
		Which of the twelve songs are you most proud off? Probably “Bye Baby”. Because it’s the newest song on the album and it sounds exactly like we hoped it would.
		Who came up with the idea of covering Madonna’s ‘Frozen’ (a job well done I might add)? It was Florian, our drummer. He loved that song and thought we should give it a go, just to see if we could make it “our own”. It really worked out well, we shaped it into an Exit 31 song!
		I’ve read that Exit 31 has it’s own special street team to promote the band. Where did you get this idea and who are in this team? There are a couple of bands we know that also have a street team. Basically, the Exit31 Street team are a group of volunteers (fans) who like the band enough to want to help out whenever they can. So any promotional activities (flyer distribution - photography - etc.) can be delegated to the Street team. Anyone can join!
		What’s the best thing you’ve read about Exit 31 and what’s the biggest bullocks? A young reporter once wrote: “I like Exit 31, and so does my mom!”. That´s cool. People of all ages can listen to it. That´s a great compliment. But I also remember a review that read: “All these songs sound the same to me”. That´s just stupid. I don´t think he ever listened to them.
		You’ve supported Within Temptation and Di-rect among others. Which gig brings back the best memories? Well, Paradiso was very nice. Just an honour to play there. And the “Pisart” festival near Maastricht was really good. Nice venue, great organisation, good food!
		Playing which venue or festival in the Netherlands would be a dream come true? Paradiso again would be nice. Or Bospop.
		You’ve come a long way with quite some misfortune (specially with management). Any advise for young and promising bands? Yeah, don´t sit around. Get up and get going. We used to wait for phone calls. They won´t come. Focus on what you want and go get it.
		Finally there are two more things I’d like to know. What’s the best rock band at the moment? And which album in your own private collection makes you blush with shame? Exit 31 hahaha!! Just kidding. I like “Chaselounge”. Celine Dions “Christmas favourites”. Sorry. (it was a present from my mother)
(Geert Oldenmenger)