What's On Your Mind, Repetition, Think, How Long... These are the names of just a few of INFORMATION SOCIETY's hits. You've probably heard at least one of these songs.
Information Society, or InSoc for the close ones, was a trio when they went to Brazil for Rock In Rio II in 1990. I even went to Galeao Airport then and got an autograph from lead singer Kurt Harland... I was a big fan when I was a teenager. I had a band t-shirt painted by me and I went to their gig at Maracanazinho Stadium. At the time of this interview, the band consisted only of KURT HARLAND and the newcomer STEVE SEIBOLD. They released an album together, DON'T BE AFRAID, with songs that sound much darker than their previous ones.
I spoke with Kurt Harland in an exclusive interview for Tranzine in 1997. Below, you can read the highlights of our conversation.
“DKANDLE weaves swirling multi-colored vibrant unearthly soundscapes, blending fuzzy and reverberating Shoegaze textures, mesmerizing Dream Pop meditations, sludgy Grungey tones and moody Post-punk strains, heightened with soul-stirring lyricism and pensive emotive vocalizations”
TRANZINE - This is a question I'm sure all your fans would like to know: What really happened with Robb and Cassidy (former members)? Do you still talk to each other? (EDIT 2024: The band reunited several years after this interview, including performances in Brazil and appearing on Faustão TV show).
KURT - Paul decided he wanted to go back to college. He moved to Minneapolis and now has two kids. More recently, he moved to Los Angeles. And Jim moved to Oregon and is working in a warehouse.
TRANZINE - What is the significance of the current electronic wave in the USA for InSoc?
KURT - It doesn't have much significance. InSoc is not Electronica, although we've always been an electronics-oriented band. Electronica is nothing more than this year's techno.
TRANZINE - What direction is music taking? Is it the end of rock'n'roll as we know it?
KURT - I have NO idea. I'm too involved in making my own music to be in a position to have a perspective on the direction of music.
TRANZINE - How do you envision the music industry in the future?
KURT - I think electronic sales through the Internet will combine with low-cost digital recording equipment, making it easier for ANYONE to release a record. As a result, services that sift through and provide some kind of artistic recognition will become more and more important. The record company of the future will be more like a public relations firm than a place where plastics are manufactured and shipped. Also, live shows will become more and more important to distinguish true artists from those who just record something at home and sell it on the Internet.
TRANZINE - Your new material is much darker now. What has been the reaction from your fans?
KURT - Well, I've only heard positive reactions. But I'm sure there are many people who say, "It's different, I didn't like it..." but I never hear anything from those people.
TRANZINE - Do you like rock? Is there any band you particularly enjoy?
KURT - Rock bands? Yes... I used to really like Aerosmith, Sweet, Jethro Tull, and Pink Floyd when I was younger... More recently, I really like the new work from Ozzy Osbourne and Jesus Jones, and Marilyn Manson, etc.
TRANZINE - You still have lots of fans in Brazil - any chance of playing there again?
KURT - Yes! I hope to be there in '98. I'm waiting to sign a contract with Spotlight Records.
TRANZINE - What was the best InSoc show in your opinion?
KURT - 1982, Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA), at the Smik-Smak theater. We had no money, but we did this show and filmed everything, and it was really cool.
TRANZINE - What is your opinion on marijuana? Should it be legalized?
KURT - No. Definitely not. Smoking anything is bad for health. I hate cigarettes, and I hate marijuana. People who smoke weed get slow and become useless. Ick.
TRANZINE - Do you go to techno parties?
KURT - Recently, I've been to quite a few clubs here in San Francisco... but I didn't go much when I was younger.
INSOC OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
http://informationsociety.us/
What is the best Information Society song?
Comment below
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Edition #1
London, 1997
