August 24, 2010

Seems like we have been hitting a lot of milestones recently. For the most part I am not one to look back but thinking of the 20th Anniversary of "Godlike" does conjure some good memories. The first incarnation of the song was actually as a "cover" version of Patti Smith's "Godlight". It was played as such throughout the entire US tour with Ministry in 1989-1990. Then, during a day off Nick S. actually jumped out of the window of a burning building and ended up hospitalized. We still had several shows to play and since I didn't know the lyrics to the Patti Smith song which Nick had sung, I substituted a small spoken word "poem" we always used to recite as the outro of each show since the beginning of KMFDM. I translated the text into English and that became the original version of "Godlike". The English lyrics of the song are a translation of the German language middle-part in the breakdown. Musically nothing changed at all. On the day Nick was released from the hospital we went to Trax Studios and recorded this new version, along with some members of Ministry's touring party. This Chicago Trax version was released on the NaÏve CD as a bonus track. A few months later I was working on a "dance-version" of the song that then became the Godlike single, which is the version that is known so well today. On Money there was a dub-version of the track in the form of "I Will Pray", then a couple of years later, in the course of the remixing of the NaÏve album we recorded the Doglike version. "Godlike" definitely remains one of KMFDM's most played songs on tour as well. It is a track that has stayed with us, and the fans, for 20 years now. Not bad for a spoken word piece. Sascha/Käpt'n K.

March 08, 2010

Day Of Light, the last of the 24/7 vinyl single releases was a special treat for me to work on. It has been a long time since we had a new KMFDM single (about 8 years) so this seemed like a great way to cap things off. It wasn't one particular aspect of the project that was exciting to me though, it was all of them together. Thanks and kudos to William Wilson, the mastermind behind Legion Within, for lending his vocal chords to this great release! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

February 28, 2010

Another anniversary! Oh, no . . . didn't we just have one? I guess time flies, especially when things are going well and you're always super-busy. Such is life with KMFDM. The 25th, the 26th, what difference does it make anymore? By now it should be obvious to all, KMFDM will NEVER stop! Anyways, bottoms-up again! 'til next time, Sascha/Käpt'n K.

January 25, 2010

Dannie Flesher, Wax Trax record label co-founder/co-owner and my dear friend died a few days ago. Thinking of Dannie and looking back I wrote the words below as comments to his online obituary. KMFDM would not still exist nowadays were it not for Dannie and Jim Nash. It was the two of them who got me out of a miserable existence and gave me my one chance in life. Some of my best memories ever involve being around them. I lived for a few years upstairs from the label, below Jim and Dannie's place, in a little half-finished apartment on the second floor of the building at the corner of Damen and Wabansia. I spent most of my time there writing KMFDM songs, whilst Dannie and Jim cared for me as if I were a family member, frequently asking me to join them upstairs to partake in Dannie's delicious home-cooking of all kinds of southern-style foods, or we'd hang out on the roof and have a BBQ. In my book, Dannie is one of the best people I've ever known, may he live on in our hearts and minds forever. Dannie, I salute you ! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

January 05, 2010

Looking back at 2009 I must say that I cannot remember any other year before where I have worked this much. Between the releases of BLITZ, SKOLD vs. KMFDM, the 2 legs of European Tours we did during the Spring and Summer and a North American tour in the Fall, as well as the release of KRIEG on this very day, it has been a packed calendar from start to finish. Add to all of that the work that went into the brand new material which will be released on Feb 1, 2010 as the final 7" of the 24/7 series, the remixes I did for Komor Kommando, Assemblage 23, Legion Within, Alectrona, and others along with the usual commotions that come with running the band, the label, the sites, the Store, the entire independent juggernaut that is KMFDM and you have an avalanche of output. I am proud to look back at the successes we achieved in 2009, the year of the ox, as I am an ox myself and have certainly been working like one. 2010 has been thoroughly mapped out already, there are many more treats in the making so stay tuned as we start this new decade. Don't forget to support your favorites and, as always, thank you for your loyalty. I strive to honour it with quality and passion. Sascha/Käpt'n K.

November 04, 2009

Hanging by the pool in Southern Florida is a welcome change to living on a submarine (e.g. tourbus) for 6 weeks. I am slowly getting over a heavy case of "end-of-tour-blues". It was, as always, an amazing experience to go round the US once again. Which brings me to all of you. Thank you for your undying support and your love. We thrive on the fact that we have the greatest and most loyal fans any band could boast to have. KMFDM will never stop!!! See you next time. Sascha/Käpt'n K.

September 23, 2009

The KEIN MITLEID US TOUR 2009 is here! We are finally back in the USSA and are coming to a town near you. We invite everyone to come celebrate 25 years of the Ultra Heavy Beat with the godfathers of Kickin' Ass! Arise Legion! See you there . . . Sascha/Käpt'n K.

March 24, 2009

Anniversaries come and go, the 25th is safely behind us now. BLITZ only comes once and today is the day !!! Though some thugs decided to launch an internet "pre-release", i.e. torrents, the fun didn't get spoiled. I am proud to unleash the sonic barrage that is BLITZ on y'all today and hope that you'll enjoy it as much as we did the process of making it. As with every KMFDM release, nobody will ever think of BLITZ as mediocre, so go ahead and either hate it or love it! Last call on planet fucked . . . Up Uranus! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

February 28, 2009

Some people would probably treat their "band's" 25th Anniversary like this: Have a birthday cake, drink some alcoholic beverages and exchange tall tales about how it all began. After all, a quarter of a century isn't something one gets to celebrate often. Recently I was wondering how this was going to be for me, to say: "25 years ago to this day I started KMFDM", and what I would do on that day? I don't feel it. I don't feel 25 years older. I don't feel that I have accomplished enough to rest on the proverbial laurels. What I do feel is that: This is just a number. Last year it was 24 years, next year it'll be 26, then 27, and at some point I'll stop counting again. Because it doesn't really matter to me. I am having a blast with what I am doing. I have said it before and I'll say it again. I love my "job" and as long as you want to hear KMFDM, I will continue to create. So Happy Anniversary to you, the KMFDM fans and supporters, the incubators and hosts of the virus that is the ULTRA-HEAVY BEAT!!! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

February 24, 2009

2008 was a very productive year for me. You are now beginning to reap the results. The idea for making the SKOLD vs. KMFDM album came about spontaneously. Whilst I was up to my ears in work on KMFDM's BLITZ album (to be released March 24, 2009), Skold and I decided to start a project. 4,653 cigarettes 12.5 gallons of Tanqueray 804 olives 2,965 ice cubes 9.7 gallons of coffee 4.56 terabytes of exchanged files 594.3 kilowatthours 198 hours of intercontinental phonecalls 712 hours of collective sleep and 101 days later it was done. Now it's yours to enjoy! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

February 29, 2008

A message from your Käpt'n on KMFDM's 24th Anniversary and the launch of KMFDM 24/7 . . . Happy 24th Anniversary KMFDM!!!! In fact, it really is only KMFDM's 6th B-day being that we were born on Feb 29th during a leap year so we only age every 4 years (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 & today)! Let's see, that'd make me a whopping 28 years old. I like it! Without you (KMFDM's fans, family, supporters and friends) this would have not been possible, but you know that, I say it all the time. Thank YOU for 24 years!!! How many bands, especially given the state of music today can dream of being in existence that long? And we owe it all to you guys! While the 24th Anniversary is a big deal in some ways and I recognize that I still admit that I am really looking forward to the big 25. Now that will be a milestone worthy of mention. We are already scheming and plotting for what will be coming your way then. Be prepared! Now on to what I am really excited about today - KMFDM 24/7. 24 years, 24 vinyl singles, 24 hours in a day, 7 days a week, 7 inch singles. I know you get it, KMFDM for everyone, all the time! Well you guys wanted vinyl and wanted singles - you got it ! I am happy to present you with these all-out, super-special fan editions of limited vinyl. A lot of thought, time and love has gone into making these. One KMFDM Classic every month for the next two years ending ending with an exclusive brand new track. It's like one of those Advent calendars at Xmas where you open a little window each of the 24 days of December 'til Xmas comes! I hope you enjoy them and relish the anticipation as they arrive, one to the next. Sascha/Käpt'n K.

February 19, 2008

A message from your Käpt'n on the release of Brimborium . . . This record came about so organically, it practically made itself. After discussing the possibilities of a purely remixed album of tracks from Tohuvabohu within the band, we made a few calls to potential collaborators and over the course of a few months the material came pouring in. I like the fact that aside from the remixes we did ourselves (Steve White, Jules Hodgson and myself) we've toured with most of the acts involved in the remixing (Combichrist, 16 Volt, DJ? Acucrack and Angelspit). The Die Krupps remix came about as a sort of trading of favors. Jürgen Engler (Die Krupps founder) contacted me for a remix of one of their songs and I thought, "Hey, perfect timing, this is exactly the kind of band that should do a remix for Brimborium". I told him, "Sure I'll do a remix for Krupps, if you do one for KMFDM in return". As I had hoped, they both turned out excellent. Velox Music, who contributes two remixes on Brimborium is a group that Lucia and I are currently working with on a new side-project. It is to be an extension of our KGC project as it also includes Dean Garcia (of Curve). Rounding off the remixes we also added Sebastian Komor's (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl) take on "You're No Good" from Hau Ruck. This remix was originally intended for the Ruck Zuck EP but it works very nicely here among these mixes. Lastly we hear from you, the fans, in all your insane and insightful glory on the Fan Phone track "What We Do For You". There were so many unused gems from that experiment, they just had to be heard. Brimborium has been the only CD ever played in my car since I moved to Germany in late November last year; it's been 3 months so far and I've yet to get tired of listening to it. I hope it has the same effect for many of you! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

November 06, 2007

A message from your Käpt'n on the re-release of Excessive Force's Conquer Your World and Gentle Death . . . Here we are at another milestone in the unrelenting process of re-releasing the back-catalogue. Excessive Force has come to conquer once again. You know, for a little side project I started all by myself in a dingy apartment because I had nothing to do, XF has fared pretty well. It grew into something that really helped me capture a massing outpouring of creative inspiration over my first couple of years in the US. My vision was helped along the way by some very talented komrades, a few of whom have become lifelong friends. In the end, despite disappearing off the shelves at least 12 years ago I never ceased to be asked about XF no matter where I went. Would it ever be available again? And now here it is, newly remastered and packed full of extras, I am thrilled to once again give you all . . . X-F !! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

August 21, 2007

A message from your Käpt'n on the release of Tohuvabohu . . . And yet again, the big day has arrived. This one feels a little different from the recent re-releases, finally something altogether new for everyone to taste. It is amazing to think this is KMFDM's 15th studio album. To me Tohuvabohu is not just the newest but also our best so far. It is a record that is not unlike our fans and KMFDM itself - strong and diverse! I know you will all be blown away by it. I have to take a moment and send out my sincerest thanks to everyone who helped to make this album possible (and already a success). Now quit reading and go put it on. Here is to another 15! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

May 08, 2007

A message from your Käpt'n on the re-release of Symbols and Adios . . . Ahhh, the last two pieces of the twisted puzzle that is the KMFDM back catalog. Here they are in all their uniform glory, conceptual continuity indeed. 10 pieces total, start to finish, and what a finish . . . I orginally thought these records both sounded pretty damn good already, having sprung to life the first time around in the digital age. But in the end we were still able to make them sound so much better, brighter, louder, cleaner, etc. Turns out you can improve on perfection. The original booklets had been pretty packed for these also, with nice photos in Symbols and some lyrics in both. That just meant the new ones had to be even better. We had a blast cramming all the goodies we could dig up into the re-vamped packaging. Symbols turned out to be a jewelbox rupturing 28 pages. Symbols is the final juggernaut KMFDM record, featuring a cast of thousands with songs sung by Ogre, En Esch, Skold, Raymond Watts, Abby Travis and myself. Adios, on the other hand, is KMFDM at its most streamlined and ferocious, a triumphant first farewell. Taken together they are the ultimate one, two punch. Enjoy them both for what they are, the last chapters of this part of the KMFDM story. Now, load them all into your computer in order, Deutschland to Adios and hit repeat! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

March 06, 2007

A message from your Käpt'n on the re-release of Nihil and Xtort . . . Here they are, two more pieces of the KMFDM back catalog. This has truly been a nice few days. Here we are hard at work on a new KMFDM album, moving the legacy forward deeper into the new century, and now, right on the heels of looking back as we observed the 23rd Anniversary of the band a few days ago, we have two of the biggest chapters of the KMFDM story available once again. We put a lot into these, a bright, clear yet loud remaster, tons of great photos and liner notes that tell the whole story of each period. We even fleshed out all the lyrics, which in some cases meant going back to the original writers and getting them to transcribe them exactly. It was exciting to see the records come to life again after being off the shelves for years. So now you have them, one record (Nihil) containing what is possibly our best known song (Juke Joint Jezebel) and another (Xtort) that holds many of my favorite KMFDM tracks (Power, Apathy, Son Of A Gun) and might in the end be my favorite KMFDM record of the back catalog. Enjoy them! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

March 01, 2007

A message from your Käpt'n in celebration of 23 years of the Ultra Heavy Beat . . . Well, it is official. KMFDM is 23, and I have now spent more of my life as Käpt'n K., the leader of KMFDM, than as Sascha Konietzko. It is quite a milestone to hit. While we are hard at work, continuing to release the KMFDM Classics, recording a new album and planning some touring, it would be a mistake not to take a minute and enjoy this momentous occasion. So as we raise our glasses once again to the longevity of the Ultra Heavy Beat, let me reveal a couple of exciting ways for you to celebrate with us . . . In appreciation of our fans on our 23rd birthday, we would like to invite you to be on the next KMFDM album. Call 1-206-388-3298 and tell us, simply and honestly, what does KMFDM do for you? We're not looking for you to just shout out some KMFDM slogans or come up with more acronyms for our name. Hit us with something original. If you leave a good message we may end up using it on our new album. Please be aware that all messages become the property of KMFDM, Inc. In honor of our 23rd Anniversary, I am blowing the doors off the KMFDM Vault. In the coming days the KMFDM Store is going to be stacked to the rafters with all kinds of goodies for you guys. Sure, there will be the usual rare items, but there will also be lots of one of a kind memorabilia and archival material from throughout KMFDM's history. Be sure to stay tuned to find out how and when you can take a look at what we have for you. Right now the KMFDM Store is 100% focused on getting all you loyal fans your KMFDM Classic Preorders. As soon as all of those are out the door and on their way to you look for these items from the Vault. They are doing no good sealed up and locked away. These treasures, like the band itself, belong to the fans, not me. Hope you enjoy them. Happy 23rd! And thanks to the ones who made it possible - that means YOU! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

January 31, 2007

A message from your Käpt'n regarding the shape of things to come . . . We are toiling away here at KMFDM HQ to put together a great many things for all of you. This year promises to be an unforgettable one for KMFDM fans near and far. There are a lot of projects that are in the works already as well as new ideas and opportunities arising continually. I'll happily confirm that one of the things in the pipeline is a bit of touring that will hopefully find us hitting a number of spots around the globe. Of course we also have the ongoing release of the KMFDM Classics on Metropolis Records/KMFDM Records. Lastly, the answer to the question everyone has been asking is . . . YES, you will be hearing new KMFDM material this year. There is much to do to make all of these things (and many more) happen. Time to get my hands dirty! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

December 14, 2006

Well KGC is finally here and I am excited to be a part of it. I was not really the driving force behind this project which is a very different role for me. Lucia and Dean asked me to come on board and I ended up acting as more of a catalyst than anything else. Dean would send rough tracks from London, U.K., Lucia and I would then record her vocals and put the bells and whistles in and then mix the songs. So I was more or less taking on the background-role of producer and engineer rather than actively performering. When Lucia and Dean invited me to join them, there was a window of time during which I had no other big plans so I just jumped on in. It excited me to work with the dynamics that they brought to the table. Truthfully, I've been a Curve fan as well as a Lucia fan for many years. Working with Dean was a great new experience. As happens rarely in life, someone you hold in high esteem and really look up to turns out to be a "normal" human being, humble and down to earth. I liked that aspect about him which was immediately apparent when I first met him in person. I have Lucia to thank for my involvement with KGC as it was she who initiated the contact with Dean and the project itself. It was a lot of fun to make the album, "6 Ft. Below" became a perfect part of our live set on the Hau Ruck Zuck Tour and now we have the priveledge of presenting Dirty Bomb to you on KMFDM Records, available exclusively through the KMFDM Store. Pick up a copy and spread the word! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

November 21, 2006

The long awaited day has arrived and the second batch of the KMFDM Classic Re-Releases is now available everywhere. Naive, Money and Angst sum up what we accomplished in a whirlwind of activity during the years 1990 to 1993. And now, through even more hard work and trials, these records live again, sounding fresher and brighter than ever. The remastered versions dazzle with an unprecedented sonic quality. I am very proud to present these works of art to you! Enjoy!!! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

October 03, 2006

Dear Audience, KMFDM have, once again, successfully toured the U.S.S.A.... You have given us more love than ever before. Thank you everyone for coming to and enjoying our shows. From Seattle, WA, to St. Petersburg, FL, from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA you gave us reason to be there, to continue and to never cease the Ultra Heavy Beat. Thank you also to Combichrist, you are the best! Thanks as well to my wonderful crew of people who made it all happen! We had a lot of fun together and worked harder and stronger than never, ever before. Hau Ruck! Sascha/Käpt'n K. "The future belongs to those of us, still willing to get our hands dirty !"

September 27, 2006

This is your Käpt'n speaking... We have liftoff, the Ruck Zuck Tour is underway. Kicking things off tonight, coming to you as we head out across this USS of A. We'll be doing it in KMFDM style, 29 shows in 33 days, lean and mean (atcually four days off is a quite a luxury for us)! The set list is a great one, we were shooting for 22 songs to celebrate 22 years but that would have put us past the noise curfew for some venues. Suffice to say it is one of our longest sets ever featuring choice selections including an old gem or two. We are looking forward to seeing all of you out there . . . Sascha/Käpt'n K.

September 12, 2006

The first batch of 3 has arrived! What Do You Know, Deutschland?, Don't Blow Your Top and UAIOE are here. Many years of battles, trouble and strife - now the time is rife... as we are quite proudly presenting: The KMFDM Klassikz Re-Released. We have teamed up with Metropolis Records to give you the KMFDM Back-Katalog. Out of print for many years, now back in the fans' hands for all to enjoy, polished up to sparkle and all wrapped up in a bow like bullets with gold casings. We worked hard to make these top notch and deliver them at rock bottom prices. Read the story, enjoy the visuals, hear the music, even sing along if you must - and be a part of KMFDM from the beginning. Enjoy the history lesson, with more to come . . . Sascha/Käpt'n K.

June 25, 2006

Today, 10 years ago XTORT was unleashed. It has a special place in my heart and features one of my favorite BRUTE! pieces on the cover. XTORT also bears the distinctive mark of being the KMFDM album with the most collaborators ever. It was recorded and mixed in a stunningly short period between December ’95 and April ’96. I was living in Chicago again at the time and we worked at CRC and in my studio at home. The participants came flying into town like pearls on a string and we knocked out track after track at breakneck speed. There was an incredible sensation of inspiration in the air so to speak… I wanted to make an album that was the polar opposite of what NIHIL, the previous release, had become. Something that most certainly wouldn’t get played on mainstream radio as had happened with Juke-Joint Jezebel some months before. NIHIL, in comparison, was an album that never wanted to end, it took ages to get somewhere with it. XTORT was a cry for liberation from compromise, from nit-picking songs and re-arrangeing things to death. We had lots of fun making XTORT, it felt like a long time in the studio, but that was just the intensity that made us feel that way. Here it is now, a decade later, an album that is often referred to as a KMFDM classic. Sascha/Käpt'n K.

May 09, 2006

Hau Ruck ! Finally, the day has arrived and RUCK ZUCK has been unleashed. Personally speaking, this is one of the most fun records KMFDM have ever done. From the fury of FREE YOUR HATE, to the swingin' MINI MINI MINI, to the pounding beats of PROFESSIONAL KILLER, to the (politically apt once all over) DER MUSSOLINI and the brilliantly scathing words of ANSAGE (written by Peewee Vignold), we have gone full circle once again... Enjoy the madness, revel in the furor of RUCK ZUCK ! Sascha/Käpt'n K.

February 28, 2006

Happy 22nd Birthday KMFDM ! I woke up this morning and realized that half of my entire life has been KMFDM. (I am 44 years old, started KMFDM at age 22.) A very unique day indeed, even though a 22nd Anniversary in and of itself may not be so special... In these past 22 years KMFDM have recorded and released many songs, more than I can keep track of, been involved in plenty of side-projects and played hundreds of live-shows. I am happy with the way things have gone for all this time, I would do it all over again, no regrets. Currently things are looking great (as they almost always do...): we are in production with our newest upcoming release (the 9-track Ruck Zuck EP), a US tour is currently being booked and we are all busy in our various studios with exciting stuff and more "ruckus". Lucia and I are working on a new project together with Dean Garcia from the band Curve. In-between, I recently finished a remix for Combichrist, last week we mastered all the new material for Ruck Zuck, Jules and Steve are working on various mix and re-mix projects and Andy has interesting prospects coming up for South America. Our touring schedule will continue in the near future, we have a very exciting line-up of bands for this upcoming round of US dates, details to be revealed very soon... So, things are well in the KMFDM camp. I raise my glass to all of KMFDM's supporters over the past 22 years - Here's to us! Sascha K. a/k/a Käpt'n K. P.S. Check out a preview version of Professional Killer (The One And Only Mix) by Steve White from Ruck Zuck on the KMFDM Official MySpace Page. More treats to come . . .

December 30, 2005

As 2005 comes to a close it's time to reflect for a moment. Another big year, if not the biggest of all years for KMFDM. We recorded and released the new album, Hau Ruck and also finalized and released the 20th Anniversary Tour Double DVD. We toured more, played more shows and visited many more countries and cities than ever before in our 22 year history. I am a bit tired right now and need another week or so of sleep, but I look forward to jumping back full throttle into my studio as of January 7th. We are planning to finalize the recordings for our upcoming new KMFDM release ASAP. Then I shall begin working on a new project . . . Also, in mid-Spring KMFDM may hit the road again, possibly some select US dates, Japanese and/or Australian shows. During the months of July and August KMFDM will be touring the European Summer Festival circuit. As usual, I don't look too far ahead, so this shall suffice. To all who read this, Thanks for all you've done for KMFDM, we love you more than ever. See you soon again. Sascha/Kapt'n K.

October 24, 2005

The North-American Tour has been completed. What a great round-trip it was! Once again, KMFDM packed the venues and made our audiences happy, deaf and feeling extra-special. Stronger than never, ever before held true yet again. I'd like to thank everyone that made it out, and then out alive, our fans are definitely the best any band could wish for. As I write these lines, I am amidst piles of laundry, equipment and everything else that we need to bring with us on the European Tour. 24 hours before take-off, and no end of last-minute preparation in sight... 2.5 months, more than a dozen countries await this unstoppable juggernaut that is us. Wish us luck, pray for our return. And whilst you snarf up your Thanksgiving turkey, raise your glass and say a toast to KMFDM. your Kapt'n Sascha P.S. In case you were wondering what happened in Lincoln, NE: The venue was completely and utterly unsuitable for putting on a KMFDM show. Neither the stage, nor the sound system met our absolute minimum requirements, all of which had been known by the promoter since day one. The P.A. was in mono, there wasn't a monitor-board and the safety of the audiences could not be guaranteed all of which we did not know until our arrival.... 'nuff said.

September 28, 2005

Hello, welcome to the new KMFDM site v. 4. I don't feel bad that it took me a while to post this update, 'coz it took you a while to get used to the new site. Anyways, see you on tour. S. / Kapt'n K.

March 1, 2005

Happy 21st Birthday KMFDM!!! Since there's no February 29 this year, we are celebrating today. Now that KMFDM has reached legal drinking age, there'll be quite a good down-pour tonight. Kapt'n K.