Interviews: KONG

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal/Industrial Metal band, KONG from the Netherlands. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The name KONG came out of nowhere. We had to have a name quickly because we were going to play our first gig. It appealed to us because of the simplicity and the 'sound' of it (like hitting a gong). This was in 1988 so we never could foresee that it was gonna be a very unpractical name as soon as the internet came into existence (type Kong and you get a million hits with Hong Kong en King Kong...) 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Also, this came out of nowhere. When we started what was to become Kong, the 3 of us were still in another band which we didn't like anymore. We wanted to do something totally different without any plan. Just play whatever we liked and not think about style or genre. Of course, we were influenced by what we liked at the moment. We just started to listen to 'heavier' music but also liked the electronic house and hip-hop which were developing at that time. This combined with our 80's new wave background resulted in our musical style.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, 3 of us, from the other band we were playing in. Nowadays there's just one original band member left, the other 3 responded to an ad in a newspaper.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Tijs: Killing Joke 

David: Neu! 

Oscar: Soulfly 

Mark: Talking Heads

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Music itself. And in a broader context: 'life'... As simple as that, we don't get inspired by specific events, people, feelings, etc. We just like to work with rhythm, melody, and sound, and get inspired by what we discover when experimenting.

6. Where was your last gig?

Podium Victory in Alkmaar, The Netherlands. During covid, with 50 people seated. Very weird.

7. Where would you like to act?

Roadburn Festival, Tilburg

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Rammstein

9. Whom not?

Any combination can be fun. As long as they're nice and normal people.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes, but only before going on stage. As soon as we start playing it's gone. Just be aware of the fact that it's for fun, for the audience, and for yourself. Nobody is forcing you. It's but a privilege to be able to go on stage and do your thing.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Swans, Beastie Boys, Talking Heads, Kowalski, Chameleons, Helmet, Massive Attack, Neurosis

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Playing a gig at their wedding, on a Sunday afternoon in a garden (on four stages, with the audience in the middle, like we usually do). For several reasons, it didn't happen but it would have been the strangest experience, I think.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Of course, they're very important to us. I don't know if we would keep on making music when there would be no response and appreciation from other people. Fans are essential.

14. What do you think of our site?

Impressive! A lot of information, reviews, and interviews with many bands that I don't know yet and sound very promising. Will spend some more time!

15. Something to add?

Thanks for your questions!