INTERVIEW MONSTRE : KAI DANZBERG : "I don’t think a song always needs to be complex to be good"
Following one of our “Top Monsters” features—and Kai Danzberg’s strong showing in it—we thought it would be interesting to get to know him better. Thanks to Kai and Jean-Jacques, who arranged this interview, we’ve now done just that. Thanks to both of them!
Taste question: Which artists have influenced you the most, and what examples can you tell us about this influence? Who is the artist you dislike and why will he/she never influence you?
My biggest influences are The Beatles, Jellyfish, Electric Light Orchestra, Queen & Michael Jackson. They completely changed the way I think about music. A lot of their songs rely on more complex arrangements and rich vocal harmonies, which really inspires me. That said, I don’t think a song always needs to be complex to be good.
I tend to layer and harmonize my vocals in almost every song I write — it’s just something that feels natural to me.
I wouldn’t say there’s a specific artist I dislike. What I do find frustrating is when everyone follows the same trends and it gets hyped up despite not being very original. At the same time, I’m also influenced by my own idols, so in a way, I’m part of that cycle too.
Intellectual question: Which non-musical artist (filmmaker, writer, painter...) played an important role in the way you evolved…
That’s a tough one. My favorite movie is Back to the Future, so I’d say its creators, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, have had a pretty big influence on me. The film is funny, exciting, and inspiring all at the same time.
But honestly, I’d probably pass on that question.
I started playing guitar when I was around 12 or 13. At that point, I was already playing drums in two different bands, but I’d always wanted to try guitar and singing as well. So I basically taught myself the chords and started from there.
I stayed in those bands until I was about 17, then I left both — not because I didn’t like them anymore, but because I was moving to a different city. Around the same time, I also noticed that my musical influences were changing quite a bit.
Since then, I’ve been doing everything on my own. I taught myself how to record and produce, so I’m almost never in a traditional studio anymore. A bit later, I also got into mixing, producing, and co-writing with and for other artists — and that’s pretty much what I’m still doing today.
Selfish question: Why did you prefer a solo career than being in a band?
I never really preferred going solo — I just never found the right people who shared the same musical vision. At some point, you end up doing things on your own.
Buddy question: Who has helped you most in your adventure and without whom you wouldn't have had the same evolution?
I feel really lucky to have always had a very supportive family. They’ve always believed that this is my path and have encouraged me every step of the way.
These days, it’s especially my girlfriend who supports me unconditionally. Sometimes she believes in me even more than I believe in myself. Whenever I’m going through a tough time, she’s the one who lifts me back up. I’m very grateful for that.
Spinal Tap question: What's the most stupid thing that's ever happened to you?
I was once offered the chance to sing the title track for the German version of a globally known animated movie. The English version was performed by Bruno Mars. At the time, though, I was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, so I had to turn it down.
I didn’t realize back then how successful the movie would become.
Question Happy Few: What's the biggest benefit you've derived from your career, and can you tell us about it?
Definitely the freedom. I love what I do, and having the chance to build a life around something you’re passionate about is probably the greatest thing there is.
Art question: What book, film, record and current band do you really like?
Definitely The Lemon Twigs. I’ve followed them for nearly a decade, and I genuinely think they’re geniuses. It’s wild to me that they’re only a few years younger — they absolutely deserve much more recognition.
Funny question. What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?
When I was about 14, we were on a school trip and I was riding a classmate’s bike. I was used to older bikes with pretty weak brakes, so I didn’t think much of it. While I was riding, I made a loud, funny noise just for fun right before using the hand brakes. Everyone turned around and looked at me.
Then I hit the brakes — and everything went black.
Apparently, I had done a full flip over the handlebars.
The next thing I remember is opening my eyes with everyone standing around me, asking if I was okay. Somehow I didn’t have a single scratch… and everyone else definitely had something to laugh about.
Camembert question: What's France to you, apart from the land of wine and cheese?
I often picture France as that kind of place where you can sit outside a café on a Sunday, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Just like in the movies. I’ve actually never been there, though — hopefully someday.
Sponsorship question: Who can you sponsor for Les Monstres Sacrés, and how can you convince us to talk about them?
My friend and collaborator Myles Josephh (yes it’s two H’s) — he’s a real songwriting powerhouse.
And Drake Bell, who I’m currently working with. His latest album Non-Stop Flight deserves a lot more recognition, and I’m proud to have contributed to it.
Thank you Kai
https://kaidanzberg.bandcamp.com/album/time-to-change
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