BROTHERHOOD OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN
Interview with DJ Rexx Arkana and Mr.Sebastian Komor

I don't think it can be said enough about this project. We all know biographies and accomplishments of members of BRÜDERSCHAFT. This new, joined effort is already smashing hit - as expected. Because of their names, their distinguished opuses and initial idea that sparked the creation of this remarkable brotherhood.
Thoughts of DJ Rexx Arkana (lyrics and conception) and Sebastian Komor (music):

Can people, separately from buying the disc, participate in donations to fight cancer through "Brüderschaft" foundation?

RA// We would encourage everyone, regardless of whether or not they have an interest in Brüderschaft, to contribute to cancer research. It is such a painful, debilitating and horrid disease without conscience and it afflicts so many worldwide. My wife Agnieszka is in charge of the charity aspect of the "Forever" release and is currently arranging the establishment of a fund with the American Cancer Society, so that individuals who wish to contribute lesser or greater amounts independent of their possible interest in purchasing (or not) the EP may still involve themselves in our greater cause.
 
Any plans for appearances on festivals this summer?

RA// Wave Gotik Treffren usually claimed my summers, but this year I've opted out considering a full DJ tour of Germany is being discussed. Everyone would love the chance to see this supergroup on stage together, but location and scheduling just about make this impossible. If we're ever all (or most of us) in the same place at the same time, though, who knows what could happen?

Sebastian, you wrote music for the song that has a potential of becoming an anthem of entire dark electro movement/scene. Proud?

SK// I`ve noticed all the attention 'Forever' and Brüderschaft is getting, which is very good, regarding it`s history and purpose. To be a part of 'Forever' project means a lot to me, both as a musician and person. I am honored , and personally I feel the result is just what I was aiming for, so I guess I`m proud of it.

Will Brüderschaft continue after 'Forever'?

RA// Brüderschaft is, at it's heart, Seb and I and there definitely are plans for us to continue. We're actually already working on our second single. From a larger perspective, the project is an opportunity for Seb and I to work with other artists we admire in a collaborative setting. I have written several other tracks and have had discussions with a number of other artists about possible future efforts, but we'll see how everything comes together over time. 'Future' release will not be charity records, but considering the subject matter and the overall theme of 'Forever', we all agreed it was the right thing to do.

Have you ever thought of starting your own band (well, now you don't need one :-) )?

RA// <smile> Yeah, well, that's the problem isn't it? How can anything I ever do in the future top 'Forever'? Some of the people I'm talking to now about future things have jokingly referred to the pressure they'll be under, saying I haven't done them any favors by setting the bar so high. But I really love our second single, 'Return'. A friend of mine who has heard the rough instrumental of the song put it really well, saying that with the lineup for 'Forever', you expect something really strong...but that with 'Return' it really catches you off-guard with just how good it is, even though the lineup is a bit different. Besides that, I am currently working on a number of other projects as well. I've collaborated with Germany's The Retrosic (who some have called a more club-oriented version of Wumpscut) on a track called 'New World Order', where I wrote the lyrics and Cyrus wrote the music. That'll be on the new Retrosic release this year. I have also teamed up with Aslan Faction on a cover we're doing of the old Cetu Javu classic 'Situations', where I'll actually do the vocals. We're not sure how we're going to release that yet, but we'll see. Finally, I'm slowly working on the debut single from my solo project FGFC820, which'll be called 'Children of Decay'.

Members of Brüderschaft are all members of "future pop" bands. Why?

RA//It just kind of happened that way. After I'd written the lyrics, I honestly couldn't think of a better-suited voice than Ronan's and he didn't disappoint me with his interpretation of the vocals. He really captured the emotion that I was trying to express with them. I've been good friends with all of these guys for many years, so I was just kind of natural that we came together.

Somehow, they all share idea and hope of better future. Do you, as writer of lyrics, also agree with that view?

RA//I don't think so...<smile>. I'm not so sure about our future, to be honest, not to seem pessimistic. I think we have the chances to make it better, but I don't have a lot of trust in mankind to take advantage of those chances. But I do envision a global reunification at some point further along, where geographical boundaries become less rigid and compassion and human emotion prevail. Perhaps we really do need to be invaded by an alien race to spark things. I've received a lot of feedback on 'Forever' from all over the globe and a level of international support and understanding that has certainly presented a different perspective and given rise to a new kind of hope for the future, though. Maybe there is yet a chance for us. Still, all of my lyrics tend to be melancholic to some degree it seems.

<To Sebastian>When you read the lyrics, what was your first idea how the music for 'Forever' needed to sound like?

SK// After reading the lyrics and got the whole story behind it, I instantly knew it needed that melancholic dark vibe over it, as well as a "we will still keep going" vibe in the chorus. Which I think 'Forever' has, and Ronan's vocals just fitted perfectly,as his voice and his way of singing is just what 'Forever' needed. And Rexx Arkana also wanted it to be dancefloor friendly, so the energic and pounding beats were added, and that's how Forever sounds like; Dreamy, groovy and deep...

Lyrics are indeed melancholic. My understanding of them is: 'you know that we are, basically, helpless against fate that comes upon us' type of notion...?

RA//Some call it fate, some call it destiny, some call it "God's plan". We are all so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but then conversely we all have within us a chance for greatness. It's hard to come to terms with that dichotomy. Our emotions can overwhelm us; they are frightening and blinding in their strength. We seem as nothing more than mice on a treadwheel at times, going quickly nowhere. Yet with the slightest change of the wind, we are exultant in our happiness. "That's what forever means...".

In that plan/destiny/fate you parted with your father.What goes through a man's mind after such loss?

RA//Whew. Everything. Sorrow, regret, loss, frustration, rage. "Forever" attempts to capture that progression. It seems to be successful, as I've received lots of mails from others who have also lost someone close to them saying that they can identify with the lyrics. That sort of feedback means a lot to me.

Then, in the end, what are the things that really matter?

RA// People, not things, at least for me. I can easily replace material things, but bonds and relationships with the people who matter to me can't be replaced. This is one of the great lessons I've learned in my life and one which I try to live by.

<smile>How does it feel to be a father?

RA// It's not easy, that's for sure. It changes the way you see things, or at least it has for me. I'm no longer living my life just for myself, or just with my wife. Now, I must consider how everything I do affects my daughter, and vice versa. The love between a parent and child isn't something you can describe, though. You have to experience it. I can tell you that becoming a father really made me appreciate and respect my own parents more than ever before. My wife is 5 months pregnant now with our second child, so I'm about to go through all those emotions in duplicate.

What are your hopes for your daughter?

RA// Really just that she's happy, in whatever context she chooses for herself. We don't try to influence her likes and dislikes and really encourage her to express her individuality. She's seven, going on thirteen, so she's really at a stage now where her personality is becoming more forceful; where she doesn't want Mom and Dad making choices for her. Of course as a parent, you have to maintain control, but we try to do that without being overbearing about it.