Krash Karma is:
Ralf Dietel
Nicole Skistimas
BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up
with the name and what’s behind it?
KRASH
KARMA: Ralf and I came up with the name together. We were looking for something dynamic that
would include the idea of the yin and yang that represents the both of us. It is based upon the theory that everything
that goes around, comes around and with KrashKarma, when it comes around, it
hits you fast!
BOOTLEG METAL: Where is the band from?
KRASH
KARMA: We are based out of Los Angeles, California.
BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the
original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band ?
KRASH
KARMA: Ralf and I
started the band together and originally had 2 other members. We first started playing together when Ralf
needed a drummer for his previous project SUICIDE HOLIDAY. I joined in and
after realizing that we work well together, eventually we decided to start
KRASHKARMA which has a different concept than SH.
BOOTLEG METAL: How long has (the
band) been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the
first show?
KRASH
KARMA: The band formed with it’s original line up in
2009 and I’m pretty sure we had our first show a few weeks later. We already had our first material ready to
rock and also played some of the SH material so we just had to get it tight
with the other two. Didn’t take
long. They were pro.
BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone
contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics
and/or music?
KRASH
KARMA: We both write together. Being the guitar player and producer that he
is, Ralf is usually the one who has the initial idea in mind and we take it
from there to let the song grow.
BOOTLEG METAL: What are your
songs about? Fact? Fiction? Personal experiences? KRASH KARMA: We want to inspire people
to live their life and be free to be who they want to be. Our lyrics reflect the feelings that we have
had on our journeys and the struggles that we have battled in order to live the
way we do today. Life is short and there
is no time like the present to live it.
Just be kind to each other and enjoy.
BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do
you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get
you there?
KRASH
KARMA: Our
sound is a unique blend of all the music we grew up listening to from The
Beatles to Slayer. Our style includes
elements from Metal, Punk, Pop, Electronic/Industrial and Alternative. The main goal is to write a good song, not
just a good riff or melody and that comes from pulling from all of our sources
of inspiration to create something that is worthy to record.
BOOTLEG METAL: What was your
latest gig?
KRASH
KARMA: Most recently we played a festival in Germany called
RockXplosion.
BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year?
KRASH
KARMA: We have played all over the United States and
also throughout Germany.
BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a
favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story
behind it?
KRASH
KARMA: We like to switch up our covers, but one of our
favorites is a heavy version of “Wish
you were Here” by Pink Floyd. They are
one of our all time favorites and the lyrics just really hit home to us and to
our fans.
BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a
past show that stands out from the rest?
KRASH
KARMA: We played at a festival in Casablanca, Morocco
that we will never forget. There were
thousands of metal kids in Metallica and Slayer t-shirts singing our lyrics
like they knew us forever. Right before
we went on, we had to wait 10 minutes for the prayers to be over- which was
something we had never seen before. The
love and energy was so intense and unexpected that it by far still remains one
of our favorite live experiences.
BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in
the works for (the band)?
KRASH
KARMA: We are currently writing new material for our
follow up album to “Paint the Devil” that we released in 2015. We are also booking our next tours in the US
and Europe for 2017.
BOOTLEG METAL: What are your
thoughts on your local music scene?
KRASH
KARMA: Los Angeles is an amazing place to see live
music. It can be rough as there is
always something going on and people have so many choices to see great music,
but that’s what I love about it. We tour
very heavily and get to know music scenes all over the world and Rock and Roll
is thriving in almost every city we’ve been!
BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a
recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?
KRASH
KARMA: Our last release is called “Paint the Devil” and
you can order it from our website: www.krashkarma.com Also you can get it on other online
platforms such as itunes and amazon. If
you live in Germany you will find it in music stores as well.
BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise
for sale?
KRASH
KARMA: Of course!! We have awesome merchandise including
all of our music releases and killer t-shirts! Go to www.krashkarma.com. We are always adding new designs!
BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you
be found online?
BOOTLEG METAL: As far as
videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?
KRASH
KARMA: We do almost everything ourselves. Super DIY.
BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or
are you looking for a label/manager?
KRASH
KARMA: We manage ourselves at the moment and released
our last album with Eternal Sound Records.. We are open to what the future will
bring.
BOOTLEG METAL: One question I
like to ask. What song (if any) by another artist do you wish you wrote?
KRASH
KARMA: Helter Skelter by the Beatles
BOOTLEG METAL: Is there
another artist or band that is totally not your genre that you listen to?
KRASH
KARMA: So so many…. Hmmmmm….. Let’s go with Johnny Cash
BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community?
KRASH
KARMA: It gives people who would have otherwise not been
heard a platform to get their music heard.
Yeah, it would be nice to have all those lost dollars in my pocket, but
we’re just glad that people can find our music online on every platform. It gives more people a chance
to be turned on to our music and potentially become fans.
BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for
taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything
you’d like to add?
KRASH
KARMA: Support all things Metal! Spread
the word, go to shows, rock the t-shirts of your favorite bands and keep the
scene alive and beautiful!
