PINK TURNS BLUE – Tainted Tales

Interview with Mic Jogwer of Pink Turns Blue.

1. What do you remember from the early days of the band?

We were trying to find sounds and words that described our soul states best. At that time the independent scene was just about to develop. Also, english and american bands visited Europe – not the other way around.

2. How difficult was to play music and tour during the East and West Germany days, before 1990?

Not too difficult. If you had a record out and people liked it you were able to make living playing live.

3. Why did you decide to relocate in London during the early 1990s and how did this affect your sound?

Because London was the Europen capital for music then. Nowhere else was so much talent, innovation, inspiration and music professionals at one place.

4. In 1995, Pink Turns Blue disbanded, what did it happen?

The music scene had changed completely. Post-punk was out. The dark scene was just a cliche copying itself, the was no authenticity or innovation left. So we git bored and discovered other exciting things.

5. Is it true that afterwards Mic Jogwer made a career in the music and media industry producing CD ROMs and websites?

Yes. Mic Jogwer became a multimedia producer and made videos, CD-roms and websites for other artists.

6. Why and how did you decide to return as a band during the early 2000s?

The band was invited by festivals. All appearance were very warmly received so the band decided to write new material to add to the set. The new records were very well received also. So one thing led to the next.

7. You have a new studio album called ‘Tainted’, would you like to give us more details about it?

TAINTED is the soundtrack for people who try to make this a world just a little bit better every day. For people who get motivation in having courage and put every effort into both accepting reality like climate change, inequality, racism but also try to change these things to the better every day.

8. As you mentioned recently, your new album is influenced by modern bands that use electronics. Have you used any special electronics for the new album and if yes what type of gear did you use?

We added synths (mostly Native Instruments Absynth), electric piano, organs and a drum machine (mostly Battery with 808, 909 and SP12 samples).

9. Climate change is another issue that you cover in your new album. How do you believe that the climate change affects the music industry?

Let’s hope that it doesn’t mean that bands are not allowed to travel anymore. We do have to accept that traveling as a band means flying a lot which leaves a disatrous ecological footprint. Right now I am sitting in a van driving all day from one city to the next. So my conscience is stained. On the other hand I cannot see us playing in a studio trying to do a live show via streams. It is just not the same thing.

10. The concept of the single ‘You Still Mean Too Much To Me‘ addresses the grief or pain of a lost love or friend. How did music and lyrics of this track affect you on a personal level?

(Sorry, we never comment on our songs)

11. What about your next plans?

Currently touring Germany and a few European cities. More European cities April to June 2022. North America in September/October 2022, South America in 2023. After that, a new album we hope.

Interview photo by D. Vorndran
Band Information: PINK TURNS BLUE

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