FEATURED INTERVIEWS 07                             

Kolja

Landing a record deal with EMI and taking #1 top spot on Rolling Stone's Top Myspace bands is no surprise. Kolja brings in fresh new music and Frantik diggs. Kolja's debut album, "Universe," is probably one of the best albums to come out in 2007. Let's get to know Kolja.

By: Gian Erguiza



Gian: Who is Kolja?

Kolja: I am a half german half french songwriter. As fare as I can remember, I always was surounded by music.Started playing the piano at 5, then the violon at 7 and eventually the guitar around 12. Playing in different bands and projects, all this naturely led me to my first album.

Gian: “Universe” is a great album. What went into making this album?

Kolja: Thank you ! I’m really glad you like it. The making of this album – even if it’s my first one – took everything, you have to keep focused : time, friends and lovers.

Gian: Getting a “Top 25 band’s on myspace” nod from Rolling Stone must be phenomenal, how has this helped your music be heard?

Kolja: As a french musician, it gives kind of an international « cachet ». Suddenly, people just start thinking : « Waouh ! It’s some serious stuff ! »

Gian: How is the music scene in different in Paris compared to the US?

Kolja: Knowing only a little bit the NYC music scene, I’d say that it is MUCH more easier to meet good musicians in NYC than it is in Paris, it seems to be much more natural. I do think american musicians are much more spontaneous in fact.

Gian: What is the inspiration you draw from when writing music?

Kolja: As many other activities, it is an inconscient patchwork, a moment as well as a longer construction made of places, moods, desires, feelings, smells, memories and moments.

Gian: What is Kolja’s next step now that “Universe,” Your debut album, is out now?

Kolja: I just met great musicians. Just want to play as many gigs as possible, to tour and go back into studio to work on the next album.

Gian: Is there an artist, dead or alive, that you would('ve) love(d) to collaborate with?

Kolja: Nick Drake, Jacques Brel, David Bowie, Rachmaninov, Astor Piazzolla,… too many to be quoted here !

Gian: I know Wine is a big thing in Paris so now let me ask you, aside from wine, what does Kolja do to relax, have a good time or just pass the time?

Kolja: A good restaurant with the right persons.
Driving my motorcycle on a shiny day.
Drink a cool beer on a terrasse somewhere in Paris.
And travel, yes, travel!

Gian: Sex, Drugs or Rock N’ Roll?

Kolja: All of them ! I’d say yes, yes and yes

Gian: Any plans to tour the US for 2007-2008?

Kolja: I’d love to! And by the way : would you know a cool place I could come to play in NYC?

Gian: Sure! Hopefully these clubs are still around, it's been a while: The Bitter End, Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, Acme Underground and B.B. Kings!

Thanks Kolja!


Be sure to pick up a copy of “Universe” out now on Green Factory Music!