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Udo (drums) and I (Martin) (guit./voc) have known each other for years from the Bonn punk scene since the early 80s. We randomly met again in Cologne, and since our previous bands had dissolved, we decided to do something together.
Huber originally comes from the southern German metal scene and then played bass and vocals with us.
We gave our first gigs as a trio.
Later, BB Doubleyou (previously Fyredogs, HBW) joined us as the second guitarist.
I was under the impression for a long time that you no longer existed. I heard there had been internal issues. Is the rumor true?
The rumor is true. We parted ways with BB Doubleyou.
He then caused us quite a bit of trouble out of wounded vanity.
We also worked with background singers, but we stopped that experiment.
There was a recent internal restructuring. Huber switched to guitar, and Holger, an old buddy of ours, now plays bass.
This lineup is now set, and the old confusion has come to an end.
How do your songs come about, and what do you pay particular attention to?
The songs usually come about through jams in the rehearsal room. It always takes a while for a new song to be finished, but in the end, everyone is satisfied with the result.
We pay attention to ensure that the songs are neither too simple nor too complicated, and that there is always a chorus in the middle that can be sung along to after a short time.
What have you actually released so far?
So far, we have released the following CDs:
2002: DIE ANYONE (6 tracks)
2004: THE LOST ALBUM (14 tracks)
At the intervention of our former member BB Doubleyou, we could not officially release THE LOST ALBUM. However, upon request, we send a private copy to interested parties.
Additionally, there have been the usual sampler contributions.
Furthermore, 4 live tracks were recorded on the DVD "1st Cologne Punk Rock Mini Golf Tournament" (released by NixGut).
Who writes the lyrics and how are they structured?
The lyrics are written by Huber and Martin. They deal with everyday issues like alcohol and drug abuse, sex, and people who kill each other. Otherwise, they are more personal lyrics about aging, broken relationships, or one's own punk rock past.
There must have been bands before AMOCO CADIZ formed in its current lineup?
We played in the following bands before (selection):
Martin: Rebellenblut, Suicaria, Uriah Heep
Udo: Inzest, In Fear Of Fear, Münchner Freiheit
Holger: Wut, House Of Suffering, Jethro Tull
Huber: Perfect Crime, Executer, Karat
How often do you rehearse?
The plan is actually to rehearse twice a week.
But due to shift work, installation jobs, or family, we can't always realize that.
What is the favorite local venue of the AMOCO's?
Low Budget, Sonic Ballroom, Lotta, Trash Chic, and in Bonn, the Bla.
Do you have plans... new album, world tour... what’s coming up soon?
We will be recording about 3 new tracks in late summer for a split single with the band RIPTORN.
Otherwise? ........let's see!
What do you think of Myspace as a promotional platform, etc.?
Myspace has definitely helped us promote the band.
Previously, we were partly ripped apart by various German fanzines for supposedly boring music or bad lyrics.
Through Myspace, we have experienced that our music, for example, is well received in the USA. We continuously receive CD orders from there, and our tracks have been played on local radio in the USA or as entrance melodies for punk portals.
Additionally, you can always find people on Myspace that you haven't seen in years. It's a bit like the Red Cross after the war.
If you had to describe your music... which bands would be comparable?
Comparable are definitely all the old punk and hardcore stuff like Hüsker Dü, Dead Kennedys, Adolescents, Social Unrest, Stiff Little Fingers, Buzzcocks, etc.
Additionally, Samiam, No Fun At All, Queens of The Stone Age.
5 bands that definitely play in the tour bus:
All band members have forbidden Martin from playing Creedence Clearwater Revival.
How do you assess the local music scene in Cologne?
Currently quite good. There are new and interesting bands in all styles of punk. For example, considering the success DAYS IN GRIEF are currently having, one can hope for a certain momentum.
Compared to previous years, a lot has changed, and that is very positive.
Besides DAYS IN GRIEF, we recommend: DENY EVERYTHING, KINGDOM, RADIOACTIVE TOYS, INNER CONFLICT, CHEFDENKER, SUPERNICHTS, CELLOPHANE SUCKERS, SCREAM TARTS UNDER PROTEST, PAPAYA JUICE ADICTS
How did you come up with the idea of using two bass guitars for your songs?
We did it that way for "Japanese Bondage" and "Beauty Queen." I don't remember how we came up with the idea. It just sounded good.
Could you imagine performing your entire set unplugged?
We could definitely imagine that. However, we would have to change the arrangements of some songs a bit. Right now, we prefer to work on new songs, so there won't be an unplugged set in the near future.
What would be the band's wish if you were given the opportunity?
That someone makes a bootleg of "The Lost Album" and donates the proceeds to the Third World or a children's home.
Here’s the opportunity to greet your groupies/fan clubs and whoever else:
Hallooooooooooooooooo!!
Thank you for your answers and see you soon for a beer!
Ok, see you!
