Anzi

Finnish-born and London-based industrial punk rock rebel Anzi took time out to answer some questions in connection with the release of his new album BLACK DOG BIAS.

Music-News:
Anzi, the title of your new album ‘Black Dog Bias’ refers to the so-called ‘black dog syndrome’, meaning that often, black dogs like Rottweilers or Doberman pinschers are ignored when it comes to adoption due to their dangerous reputation. You decided to use the ‘black dog syndrome’ as a metaphor for our fears and prejudices… why that particular metaphor?

Anzi:
In the recording period I realised I’ve been writing quite a lot subjects around people’s prejudice, misunderstandings and fears. Many times we tend to fear something unknown and we are surrounded by misunderstandings. Many people base their lives on what they read and hear and not necessarily question anything or dig deeper.
Doberman is just one good example of this. People like good stories and Doberman has a legendary role in the story. The way people have built the image throughout decades and via media is incredible. Their reputation as a dangerous savage dog is just an image, it is people’s creation. Dobermans are just like any dogs. I have owned two and I know many Dobermans. The image and reputation is very strong and very difficult to change. I started to think how many other things in our lives work the same way. We think of something which is obvious truth for us, but after all it’s nothing like that. Tempting thought and scary at the same time.
What we have missed because of our blindness and do we even recognize when bias takes over in our lives? ‘Black Dog Bias’ metaphor means basically that big dogs often times end up to be putted down in animal shelters just because of their reputation. Not because they are dangerous. Same thing with people. Especially small people, who obviously want to be tall too, have an attitude or fear against big people. That is called Napoleon Complex, Tiny Man complex or Small Dick Complex.

MN:
You recorded the new album at locations in Helsinki, London, New York and Egypt, with Egypt not being an imminent choice to record the kind of music you play. Can you tell me a little about your inspiration and idea to additionally record in Egypt?

Anzi:
I didn’t have a specific location where I wanted to record. I had my mobile studio with me while travelling. It was very inspiring just to lay down tracks when ever and where ever I wanted. Song writing was based a lot on intuition. I didn’t have any stress about what kind of tracks I have to make since I didn’t have a big label forcing me to work in a certain style or concept. I just wrote many different kinds of songs and picked up the songs which would make a solid record. It was a challenge to make it sound solid since I have so many styles in my music but I think I accomplished that pretty well.

MN:
Out of the four places you recorded at, which was your favourite one and for what reason?
Anzi:
Definitely Sipoo in Finland. I had my studio there for few years. The place is in the middle of a forest isolated from the world. The house is over 200 years old built in the 18th century. There was a certain kind of atmosphere and I could work in peace, and that was a big part of the album sound and the songs structures. You can hear that place on the record. I even built my own speakers and amps there depending on the guitar sound.

MN:
With regards to London, what inspires you about the city in particular?

Anzi:
I like the London vibe. A busy city which keeps me on the move… I wouldn’t say it’s very Rock ‘N’ Roll but I make my Rock ‘N’ Roll out of it though. Different cultures, people and musical styles inspire me a lot at the moment. I think that determines you as a songwriter and as a musician, how you manage to combine different things. Things that comes outside your comfort zone or style is vital for anyone who’s working in creative areas.

MN:
Your highly energetic style of music incorporates industrial punk, hard-rock, glam, electro-synth grooves and more. Have you ever toyed with idea of incorporating classical elements in your repertoire?

Anzi:
Yes! I actually have classical violin section in the songs called ‘Delusions’ and ‘Sunburn Jesus’ as well. I’ve been trying to include the same kind of elements in other songs as well, but I have so many elements there already so it is very hard to include them and it always has to be part of the song structure and composition - you can’t glue stuff on the song. Well, you can, but your music sounds like glue instead of composition.

MN:
Your ex-wife, Finnish author and former Playboy Playmate Katariina Souri, contributed to some of the album’s lyrics. Would you say the contribution would have fared differently if Katariina were still your wife, or did the separation status help to approach the lyric-writing from a more neutral angle?

Anzi:
It’s hard to say because I don’t know how the lyrics would have been if we were still married. Probably something else. It worked really well like this. There was an easy flow. We had the same mind-set regarding the lyrics and the themes the record has. I came up with topics and the lyrics structure and then she added her part. It was a perfect example of perfect collaboration and we will definitely write together again.

MN:
What, in your opinion, are the key elements needed in order to keep your genre of music (or combined genres, rather) fresh and evocative?

Anzi:
Key-elements for every genre is to make honest music with passion. No matter how much you add new elements or how much you recycle old elements or how faithful you are for your music genre. It doesn’t really matter if you are not a real deal.
There are so many genres these days that no one can or even wants to follow them. Seems like if you invent something new for some genre someone gives it a new genre name. Actually I don’t know much about genres and I don’t really care. Music is just music. Good songs and artists/groups which have original style are all that matters to me. That is when the music comes alive and you connect your music with yourself and if you are lucky enough you’ll get your music spread and connect many the people too.
I understand people are comparing my music to industrial metal genre which I understand because there are some electronic and synth elements in my music. I don’t see myself as an Industrial artist. That is just one part of my music. My genre or however you call it, I try to keep it interesting by finding new ways to express myself and my music. I also want to find that surprising element for my music by doing something weird or exceptional. Actually I never need to find these elements, it comes naturally that is my way of making music.

MN:
Your live shows are very physical and energetic, how do you keep fit to meet the physical demands that come with your gigs?

Anzi:
Small acts of everyday life that are meant as an exercise. I live in London I cycle everywhere. I run sometimes too and I ran a marathon a few years back. I also try my best to stay sane and stay healthy in this crazy world. It hasn’t always been like this. It was a few years ago when I was around 26-27 years old when I realised I’m not gonna die young after all. Seems like I just gonna live and stay young so better take care of myself and take it easy. Behave kids. One day you can be a Superman :)

(Please read my review of ‘BLACK DOG BIAS’ in the album reviews section)