In September 2004 I had the chance to interview Michael of the German newcomer ABSORBER.
Here are the questions:

Where do Absorber come from?
Absorber is a project from the middle of Germany - the Ruhr Basin. Most of the members are coming from Dortmund.

Making music isn't your main job. What 'full-time' jobs do you have?
The band exists of three musicians, named Dirk, Kai and Michael. Dirk is a professional musician who basically makes remittance work for children's music. Kai and I are commercial employees.

Absorber comes from the Latin word 'absorbere' which is similar to 'soak up something' or to 'draw on somebody'.
What's the idea of 'Absorber'?
Well, my job inspired me using this band name. I generally have to deal with switching technology, therefore this notably crosslink.

I wrote that the production of 'Open Your Eyes' needs about 3 years.
What were the reasons for the delayed release?
That isn't right. Our interworking persists for three years now, but previously our band was named "Trittschall". We made pure instrumental songs and where very well represented on the internet. "Absorber" itself exists for 1.5 and that's exactly the duration of the production of "Open Your Eyes".

Your debut album "Open Your Eyes" features very melodic compositions made of pure electronic ingredients?
How important is it for you, having a catchy refrain and varied singing in each song?
The song has to be very catchy. When the listener drives to work early in the morning we try to give him the opportunity to hum along the song. Why produce something complex, when it's so easy to inspire someone J.

"Open Your Eyes" sounds a little bit 80s influenced? Who inspires your music?
In my opinion the eighties were the main decade of music. All people who didn't have the chance to witness this era have to be in regret. There exists a great number of bands who inspired our music, but I have to affirm that we haven't tried to imitate one.

As you know, producing SynthPoP music always results in shadow existence? Well, there are some bands like "Wolfsheim" who successfully released some hits. But in most instances SynthPoP artists are only able to release small editions.
What are your reasons producing SynthPoP music?
Well, it's easy to say. It's simply def making electronic music . J?!

You used German lyrics only for your second album title "Reich Mir Deine Hand".
What are the reasons using English lyrics for the most part?
Making SynthPoP music supported by German lyrics often results in the comparison of German pop songs ("Schlager"). That's why we produced "Reich Mir Deine Hand" consciously experimental. Look, people are speaking of pop when using English lyrics - adding some synthesiser or keyboards results in SynthPoP. Thus, we are on the right way *g*.

What are the sources for your lyrics - own experiences, disaffection with existing situations or are they pure fiction?
The lyrics are spontaneous . no long deliberation. The lyrics have to fit the song. We work in the order of producing the melodies and adding the lyrics afterwards.

Your debut album includes both Ballads and danceable tracks.
Which style do you prefer?
Dance! Our past experiences have shown us that danceable songs create more eagerness on dancefloor *g*. Although clinging to a girlfriend during a ballad can also be very enjoyable J.

Some bands try to reach a very special audience.
What kind of audience do you want to reach?
We wish to reach everyone with our music. Well, that won't work. But I think people who like the 80s will like SynthPoP music and that is exactly our audience.

"Open Your Eyes" was released by the German label "Pandailectric" How is the co-operation with this independent label? Are you going to reach the American market too, supported by the American label A Different Drum?
I was in good contact with Todd of ADD before the release. He really liked our demos. After we finished the album I sent him a copy in agreement with our label "Pandailectric" again. Unfortunately I have never got any response. The cooperation with Pandailectric works fine. There exist no reasons against this excellent cooperation.

Are you going to have live-gigs in near future?
We are going to play on 24th September 2004 in Hamburg during the biggest German Depeche Mode Party with about 2.000 listeners. In October we will have a gig in Osnabrück during the "Dress Code Black Party", where I also will apply EBM music for 40 minutes.

Michael, thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity to talk to you!

Now enjoy some one minute samples of their great debut album "OPEN YOUR EYES".

• The Fall
• We Don't Love It
• Remember The Feeling

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