WGT memories 2023: SIEBEN
“Our scene(s) are a family.” (Matt Howden)
How often have you been to the WGT so far? (As a visitor and as an artist)
I played five times as Sieben, the first time in 2000. Unbelievable! And maybe four more years when we performed with Sol Invictus – that must have been around 1997, the first time. I can’t remember the date, but I can remember the great times. And I played (during these visits) with Hecate, Job Karma, 7JK and Goethes Erben. Great times.
What did you think before the gig and how do you look back on it today?
I’m very concentrated beforehand and have to mentally prepare myself to remember all the loop parts, the right loop, the right place and right effect to put in. But that’s all I practiced and prepared beforehand. I try to stay inactive while scanning all the items I need. After that it’s like “waaaa”‘, the mind is a blur, and in this case a really satisfied blur of a great gig, sound, lights and audience. (smiles)
Which song did you particularly like to play?
After settling in, finding my rhythm and calm, I really enjoyed the second half of the set, especially my new single “Buried in Snow”, which is not out yet, but it was a great way to end my set. Quite a powerful piece. At the end I played a somewhat silly cover of “Lullaby”. (grins)
Were there any personal meetings that meant a lot to you?
There were many personal meetings. Our scene(s) are a family. Playing “Peterson’s Seat,” for example, reminded me of Goethes Erben, since I played that song a lot on their tour I did with them in 2022. I dedicated this song to Oswald and thanked him for arranging my WGT performance. “Buried in Snow” is very personal, one of those songs where a musician turned a horrible experience into a (hopefully) decent song. (winks)
What will you remember for a long time from this year’s WGT?
I will remember the nice meetings with the people of “Lockdown Sieben”, and my patrons. Many of this group only met online during my livestream concerts (I did a total of 55 concerts every Friday night during the pandemic). It was so nice that they (and I) could finally meet for real. Leipzig – such a great city. The WGT – such a great festival. The people, the great atmosphere (really good food and beer), meeting musician friends like Rosa†Crvx, a great time with my wife and a great gig.
WGT setlist:
“The Old Magic” – “Sleep, Clara Bow” – “We Wait” – “Feel the Fever” – “Peterson’s Seat” – “Love’s Promise” – “Kickstart” – “Loki” – “Snow Burial” – “Lullaby”(The Cure cover)
You can find more acts like Deine Lakaien, Front Line Assembly, Rosa†Crvx, Eisregen and V2A exclusively in the “WGT Special Issue”, which is enclosed to the current Orkus issue. You can order the July/August issue in the Orkus! Shop or in the Onlinekiosk.
