S.M.E.S. - INTERVIEW

In a metal scene full of clones and derivative bands, SCHIJTEN MET EEN STIJVE (“Taking a shit with a hard dick”) is an interesting project to open ears. A one man project done by Erwin de Groot, famous musician from the splatter gore cult act “LAST DAYS OF HUMANITY”, S.M.E.S is a kind of gore splatter nightmare made by synths and rotten pig voices, the new CD-R “Goresmatic Tales from Technophobia” was released by the new brazilan label BLACK HOLE PRODS, and it is strange synth-sickness surprise. Krepuskulum interviewed the goremastermind Erwin de Groot.

 
KREPUSKULUM - How do you think in create S.M.E.S.? Are you unhappy with your band LAST DAYS OF HUMANITY??

ERWIN - No, S.M.E.S. already exsisted before I was with L.D.O.H., when they were looking for a new singer they remembered S.M.E.S. and gave me a call. Offcourse I said yes immediately.In S.M.E.S. I just follow my own feelings about the music. I dont have to talk about whether or not to do a part in a song, I am very free in what I do.

The music of S.M.E.S is very original and strange. Do you believe that you are creating a new gore label of music? How do you named S.M.E.S. style? Do You know another bands of this style/label?

Usualy it is discribed as "technogore" or something like that. I think it means that it is made with a lot of electronics instead of real instruments. And if it is like that there are a lot of "projects" like that.Only S.M.E.S. has its own sound coz I use some different kinds of music like techno or reggea.

The thematic of S.M.E.S. lyrics are very similar of "LAST DAYS OF HUMANITY" but in S.M.E.S. they are more sarcastic and engaged like the tormenteds " The Scientist of Giant Tits" & "Your Useless Brains(will be lunch)", are we right?

Yeah, the titles of S.M.E.S. are more funny meant then realy brutal, more in the way of the music, coz it is funny in times too. With L.D.O.H. it is the same, the music is brutal all the way, and so are the titles of the songs.

Where come from this extreme love to gore splatter poetry?

It has always been an interest of me, when I was young I already liked the creepy mood that a skull is surrounded by. And after I realy liked to watch horror and splatter movies. But I was also interested in how they were made and I read a lot of magazines like "FANGORIA" and "GOREZONE".

Do you love gore horror movies and snuff death tapes?

I like a lot of splatter and gore movies like the TROMA movies or stuff from JÖRGEN BUTTGEREIT, with the real thing it depends on what it is about. It interests me to see movies like TRACES OF DEATH or stuff like that, but I dont get off on what it shows.

In S.M.E.S. the musics are made with synths, do you prefer synths or guitar/bass/drums music?

It is both very different, with the computer music you just make something and it stays like you saved it. With the normal instruments we have to rehearse every week, and we can do live gigs.

What are, in your opinion, the best bands that use synths in its music?

Well, I like LIBIDO AIRBAG and THE SECRET LIFE very much. I am glad LIBIDO AIRBAG is working on new stuff again, I cant wait for it. For THE SECRET LIFE I only know of 1 tape that is released.

What do you think about metal fans that hate musics create with synths?

Everybody has its own taste, and I know a lot of people who dont like my music but are still good friends. Wheter it is about the vocal effects or the computer sound or just about me, they have the right to have their own oppinion.

In some little parts of "Goregasmic Tales." The music sound like techno music, do you agree with that opinion? Do you listen techno music?

Yes I agree, I listen to techno music a lot at work, and I use that as an influence sometimes, Just like jazz, reggea, classical music, or seventies disco, just whatever I think I havent tried yet.That all makes it a lot more interesting to compose.

The music of S.M.E.S are very intertesting and intense. How has been the reception of the fans and undergroun music media?

For what I have heared usualy the opinions are good,some people just dont like the comuter music or the effected vocals. But usualy they think it is something different from the usual, and they give it a good review.

Did you think in give some gigs with S.M.E.S?

No, I dont think it is possible to get the songs live the same as they are on the releases.It would be different then it is, and it would be unsatisfying for me and the fans. I just enjoy doing live gigs with L.D.O.H. and that is always a pleasure to do, and see the fans go crazy.

Why do you decide to release the CD-R album with a Brazilian label?

I got the offer from Fernando of BLACK HOLE and I didnt realy have to think long about it. Fernando does a good job in promoting the cdr and has also released a T-shirt of S.M.E.S. He is a great support to the underground scene, also with his BLACK HOLE magazine.

Your music are one way to show the humanity your hate and nihilism?

No it is just a way for me to relax and create stuff for me and the fans to enjoy. I sometimes think of a funny title, or a situation I was in, and then it gives me a title. But there are no real lyrics, so I dont wanna preach about stuff, its just about the music.

The cover art of the CD-R are great, talk about the concept of it.

My brother had once made the front cover by distorting some pictures with the computer. And I realy liked it so it was easy for me to pick that.For the back cover my friend Steven of ROMPEPROP had sent Fernando some of his drawings, and Fernando picked one to be on the back of the cover. That drawing is also on the shirt.The rest of the lay-out was done by Fernando, he did a great job with that. Also with the special silver paper where the back of the cover is printed on.

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Contacts:

Band: smes_eindhoven@yahoo.com /  http://smes040.homestead.com/mainpage.html

Label: BLACK HOLE Productions -  mail@blackholemag.com / www.blackholemag.com/bhp