END OF GREEN (Eng.)
– Hi, thanks for your time. What are you currently up to? How is everything doing right now with END OF GREEN?
As we speak, we’re preparing for a Videoshoot for the song «De(ad)generation». Should be a lot of fun at 38 Degrees in the summer (laughs). Maybe we should switch the concept into something like «us, playing in a fridge».
– You have just released your new album, 3 years after your previous record, «High Hopes in Low Places» came out so, when did «The Painstream» started to be shaped?
It started just when we released «High Hopes In Low Places». But how «The Painstream» would turn out, kind of happened during studiotime. Sometimes songs develop their own life as soon as we start working on them. Although it was about three years it didn’t feel that long at all.
– This new opus has already been sent to the press so, how are the first reactions being?
Pretty good. Most of the people seem to understand what we’re doing.
– Getting deeper into this new record; what does its title, «The Painstream», refers to?
Obviously it goes back to the term «Mainstream». And the fact that pain is something that is really everywhere. Nobody seem to be good or happy nowadays, doesn’t happen anymore. Everyone’s maybe a little less in trouble or pain from day to day – but the usual mood is «nothing is alright». Even if something good happens you immediately ask yourself: what’s happening next? We’re just not able to cherish good moments anymore.
– It caught my attention the outstanding way the catchy moments and sometimes almost uplifting sound contrast with your lyrics, as we can easily notice on «Standalone». Is this contrast something you always strive for?
We like these contrasts. Mainly because this is a part of almost everyone’s personality. god, bad, evil, black, white – all that stuff. Why not taking an uplifting song and sing really mellow lyrics to it? For instance «De(ad)generation» – it’s a really catchy Popsong to sing along to, but you still might choke on the words you sing.
– It also caught my attention the track «The Painstreet», with an almost Post-Rock feeling but also a classical/70’s vibe. How was this song born?
We listen to a lot of Post-rock and seventies stuff. i like that, because i think those people take the time to let a song grow. Sometimes all you want to express does not fit into a two minute punkrock explosion. so take your time, relax and let it grow. Life’s too fast anyway.
– Anyway you have always mixed elements from a lot of different styles so, how important is variety for the band? Are you always broading to new musical influences to add to your music?
It’s not that we’re looking for influences i guess – it just happens. We all listen to completely different kinds music – actually, there’s probably only five bands we’d all agree on. Personally, all i want is a good song, i don’t care if Bolt Thrower, Johnny Cash or anyone else wrote it.
– This being said; what have been some of the most influential bands for END OF GREEN?
Probably the stuff that kicked us the most, when we were growing up. Music you listened to back then always leaves a big impact. But then again, i couldn’t pick five bands we’d all agree on. Black Sabbath maybe and probably The Cure.
– By mixing different music styles you haven’t just created a weird mix or a copy-cat, but rather created your own style. Was doing your own thing something you had clear since the beginning, when you formed the band?
That also just happens. Someone comes up with a great Songpart and the others start playing along – each of us with a totally different picture in his mind. All of a sudden a song i thought was almost deathmetal guitars or punkrock turns out a catchy metal song or an epic slow song. i think bands should not care about limits – 
musically. it’s the song that matters. That’s what we always go for. «Death Of The Weakender»for instance – it turned out almost a blues song.
– Your music I think it also has certain aesthetic, always really dark still beautiful. Is this something planned or do you just let things flow naturally?
We’re down with the flow (laughs). Of course we know about the tools and we’ve written a couple of songs since we’re around. But the really uplifting moments in a band are, when songs sound completely different than you intended. But then again, most of time you write songs, when you’re alone in your room. That might be an explanation for the dark and sometimes sad songs.
– Proof of this are the dark lyrics. Are they a reflection of your inner self? And what are some of the themes/experiences that inspired them?
Basically, it’s real life. Stuff we’ve seen, stuff we heard and stuff we witnessed ourself. Especially with «THE PAINSTREAM» there’s a lot of thoughts about everyday life . Everybody struggles with almost the same problems, we’re just making our point clear. We’re writing songs off our hearts. .
– In fact I could describe your music as emotional. Due to this I would like to know what your music is for you, maybe some kind of outlet for your own thoughts and feelings?
Of course it’s an outlet for our everyday thoughts and emotions. For me music is the strongest force on earth. A good melody, a great song can safe your life (laughs). You’re fucked? Get the Liveversion from Bruce Springsteen’s «The River» on your turntable and take a deep breath. It helps. Listen to «Fortunate Son» from Creedence Clearwater Revival and dance. Or get yourself some energy by listening to «Rockaway Beach». There’s different medication for anyone. Searching for the right one is the biggest fun in life.
– I guess each album you release might reflect where the band is in that moment so, will you always be on a constant evolution? As I personally think «The Painstream» is, once more, a step forward on your career, always trying new approaches to your music.
Sometimes a new record feels like an update you’re doing on yourself. «THE PAINSTREAM» is where we’re at right now. And it doesn’t mean that «Infinity» or «The Sick’s Sense» are outdated now. People oft say «You should sound like you did on ‘Songs For A Dying World'». i don’t think so. It was a fucked up time for all of us. AND, we have written this record already.Why should we do it again?
– And is musical evolution linked to personal evolution? Maybe each album you create also reflects some periods on your personal life?
Definitely. When i pick up old records of ours or when we play those songs live – i know, and i feel the moment we wrote them. It’S like taking a look in an old diary. You immideatly know what you want through «back in the day». Gosh, i sound like an old man.(laughs)
– All this about «The Painstream» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?
Three words? Paintastic, passionate, intense.
– And finally; what are your near-future plans?
Touring. and hopefully getting some sleep. Haven’t done that for a while.
– That’s all, thank you once more for answering our questions. If you want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
I enjoyed that interview a lot – so I have to thank you. Final words? Have the best day you can have for today. Everyday.
