Rockezine.com interview with Master on Oct 05, 2006

with Paul Speckmann on Oct 05, 2006


		Please introduce yourself to the rockezine.com reader. My name is Paul Speckmann. I have been surviving the underground for over 25 years and releasing cds every year for as long as I can remember. I have released 22 cds so far. You can find more info on the bands and myself on master-speckmetal.com! Master continues to play festivals as well as tours every year. I also work as a merchandiser from time to time for other bands every year. I have worked with Vital Remains, Benediction, Impaled Nazarene, as well as Dismember and many others over the years. It`s about supporting Metal for me. I have also worked as a tour manager a few times. It`s a killer way to meet the fans and stay involved in the ever growing Metal scene.
		A while ago you released “Four More Years of Terror”, how were the reactions? As usual the reactions to the latest cd were quite killer in the magazines, but competition these days is enormous, and unfortunatekly sales aren`t as great as they used to be. But, if it was about the money, I would have given up many years ago. I play this music to enlighten people on my views of this sick and sadistic world. I write songs about the ups and downs of this world and the struggle for the human race. I take the music very seriously. I cannot waste my time writing about fantasies as some of the more famous groups of the genre do.
		What’s the worst part of that album? As I said earlier the sales aren`t what they used to be. The album is a straight forward attack on society and the effect that all these insane governments have on the world today. It`s really quite sad that a dictator like George Bush can effect the way we live today. This Modern-Day-Hitler will bring the world to its knees, if we aren`t careful. This asshole is trying to force democracy as well as American values on societies that aren`t interested.
		Are there any clear differences in comparison with the previous release? Well, the songs are different on The Spirit of The West, and on the latest Four More Years of Terror, the band has tightened up. The First cd with the latest lineup was recorded very quickly, and more time was spent on Four More Years of Terror. The critics said that Four More Years of Terror was the best cd from Master since On The Seventh Day. Of course I put my heart and soul in every record, and all have their good and bad points. Like any musician, these records are recorded at particular times in life, and this is reflected through the music.
		What’s the best part of being in “Master”? Touring has always been the greatest thing about being in this band. I also have always enjoyed the recording process. There is nothing like entering the studio and seeing your vision released on cd. Master has brought me to many lands such as South America, Japan etc. I actually moved to Europe for Metal, and fortunately left the God-For-Saken America. This was the best move I ever made. The real Metal scene has and always will be here, and that`s about it.
		Who would you name as your influences? Motorhead, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest.
		Who inspired you to play music, and why? I think seeing Led Zeppelin on video, probably played a big part in my reality. Music is a way to express yourself, and this expression can be brought to greater numbers through music.
		Do you ever associate good feedback with good sales or there isn`t always a relation between feedback and sales? Many bands sell thousands of records, or even millions, and the bands just plain suck. So sales aren`t always the most important thing. There are a lot of idiots in the music industry that are rich and famous, but this doesn`t always impress me. Originality is also a big problem today. Many bands are just copying the originators of this style that we play.
There are too many to talk about		What is your most memorable moment being in “Master”? These moments are happening every year. There are too many to talk about. I will be releasing a book called Speckmann, Surviving The Underground, as soon a s I find a decent, reputable publisher. I am nearly finished with the proof-reading. The memorable and disastrous moments of my life are recorded there, so check it out!
This new school shit sucks		What do you think of the current state of metal in general? There are a bunch of shit bands out there, as I said, doing nothing orginal. Everyone is beginning to sound the same all over the planet. This new school shit sucks, with all these asshole jumping up and down like idiots. Also you even have some older groups still copying Judas Priest, mainly Swedish bands. The twin guitar attack bouncing from side to side. It`s really quite funny to see.
		What are your expectations of the upcoming European tour? These days I never expect anything. I just get on stage and give it my all for whoever is smart enough to see an originator of the genre. This is what I do best, and this is why Master tours several times a year.
		Which countries do you get the most reactions from in general? Holland, Germany, Czech, Mexico, South and Central America, as well as Italy and France.
		What are the plans for 2006/2007? We will tour Europe again in January. We will be releasing a new cd called Slaves of Society in the spring, followed by a tour of Mexico in February and a tour in March of Europe.
		Is there something I forgot to ask? If yes, which question should I ask? No, this was a decent interview, and thanks for your time.
(Jeroen Habets)