Interview KORITNI (english version)

Mail interview on the 30 march 2009 with Eddy Santacreu KORITNI' s guitarist.

Valérie : Hello ! My name is Valérie. Can you please in few words introduce us the band?

Eddy : Hi Valérie ! It is always difficult for me to resume our music or to stick labels but I would say that stylistic level, it could be classified Koritni in category Heavy Blues Rock, if it exists ... Lex, our singer, often says "it's music to drink and to fuck to (laughs), which I think illustrates the powerful side, fun and leading our compositions. Our identity is the relevance of the writing and melodies that give some depth to our sound, which is quite rare for a band of this kind. But rather than trying to speak, the better still to come see us on stage and to judge for oneself !

Valérie : In the listening of your last album (excellent album!!), the influence AC / DC is felt, I know it is not original what I say... But what are your musical influences?

Eddy : Thank you, it is always very flattering to be compared to AC / DC, even if it is actually something that is often in Koritni chronic. My influences are quite broad and not limited to a single genre, far from it. Apart from my obvious love for the rock (mostly 70 years of groups like Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple), I am very open minded. First, probably because I studied classical guitar for 17 years. And also because what interests me most in music is intimately linked to writing and interpretation: it is therefore not strictly speaking of "bad music" or barriers styles in my opinion. I listen to a lot of Jazz, Blues, Soul / Funk, Rythm'n Blues, Death Metal, Progressive Metal, etc.. Listen to music that I make in my feeds Koritni inspiration and helps me to keep some freshness in my game and my work within the group.

Valérie : How old are you when did you know that you wanted to become a musician?

Eddy : By age 4 or 5 years. I always knew and felt as far as I can remember me. Music is an art direct and very powerful at an emotional level and I still needed her to escape, this is my space, my bubble, "my home away from home." It is a passion, a drug for me, it's physical. Healthy drug or elsewhere: it grow, move forward, it elevates your soul instead of destroying it.

Valérie : Your parents, your friends supported you in this choice or on the contrary, your parents for example would have preferred to see you do a job "more serious" as... banker for exemple lol

Eddy : (laughs) Yes, of course, I had the chance to have a family who always supported me and encouraged in my choices. I was very influenced by the music my father listened constantly when I was a kid and I think my father is quite proud that I realized a dream he has always been because it is just like me an enthusiast. The music also accompanies her days and nights with few interruptions! (laughs) Besides that, my family and my friends have often expressed concern because, despite my musical ability, the "business" of music is still quite uncertain and it is very difficult to have a stable life if the do full time. This requires a genuine devotion ... And believe me, I often come to believe that I would have done better just to be a banker! (laughs) That would surely have been more lucrative and would have less hassle to get there! (laughs)

Valérie : What bands gave you the desire to be a musician?

Eddy : I knew I wanted to be a musician very young so there is no bands in particular. But I remember a lot in my childhood listening to Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, the Chicago Blues, groups of 70 years, and so on.

Valérie : Do you think the French public/audience is difficult to conquer?

Eddy : Yes and no ... It's an audience for it is difficult primarily an audience of connoisseurs with a requirement level high enough to demand a certain quality. The French public is very receptive to the music of Koritni because the hard rock scene, we do not give in too extreme a style that pleases a large number of people and we have a maturity and an identity strong enough. I think we have all the "ingredients" necessary to offer the public a simple, music that is rich in "flavors" and him a sound and a show that will satisfy (laughs).

Valérie : What is according to you the easiest public and which is the most difficult?

Eddy : I do not think there are easy or difficult public. It's up to you to offer a quality music and to defend it better every time you go on stage. It is a daily challenge, a difficult profession. Get to a height ...

Valérie : What are your favourite bands?

Eddy : (laughs) It might be long ... I have some influences so varied and so many different genres of music that is difficult to make an exhaustive list ... I mention loose: Led Zep, Deep Purple, Pantera Tower Of Power, Dream Theater, Guns'N Roses, Slash's Snakepit. And yet you asked me the bands only, not my favorite artists ...

Valérie : For you, in your wildest dreams, you like to do the open show of which band?

Eddy : I had the chance to make the opening of Scorpions show in 2006 and was a great moment for me, especially as I was on the side of the stage during the entire show. Otherwise, most of the bands cited in the previous question. I would also add AC / DC of course! But Airbourne, Whitesnake, Motley Crue and many more!

Valérie : How do you compose your songs? The idea comes first the lyrics or music?

Eddy : The music always comes first. Then, the melody and the words that should melt and stick perfectly to the inflections of the melody. When the texts were written before the melody, they must often be arranged, or misappropriated.

Valérie : If you had to choose a Metal Female singer to do so a duet with you on a title, who you would choose and why?

Eddy : I recently discovered the band's music Halestorm and I was immediately attracted by the voice of their singer Lizzy Hale. Lex also elsewhere and I think that would be a very interesting duo with two voices exception.

Valérie : What was your reaction the first time you heard a song of your band on the radio?

Eddy : (laughs) To be honest, I rarely listen to the radio ... But I admit that this is very pleased indeed. And a little weird too, I guess ...

Valérie : If you had to choose just one song from your new album to talk about your album, which would be and why?

Eddy : It's very difficult to say, especially for Game Of Fools because it is a very diverse album ... I'd say Devil's Daughter or Dreaming Tornado (which is actually a concept piece in two parts). They reflect the maturity of writing, the dynamics and increases in intensity that are unique to our style but which are much more pronounced on this album.

Valérie : Last question for the fun ... KORITNI, AIRBOURNE, AC / DC ... Australian bands you all your music is very "bouncy" is it « to pay tribute » to the kangaroos lol?

Eddy : (laughs) Perhaps yes! Or is this a trick to facilitate the descent of the gulped down drinks??

Valérie : Thanx for this interview !